2 Cities Church Podcast: Recent Episodes

Jeff Struecker

Engaging, weekly Bible teaching from Pastor Jeff Struecker

Big Idea: Only God Almighty can renew families.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 35:1-15

I. Fathers, lead family repentance. 1-3

God said to Jacob, “Get up! Go to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” So Jacob said to his family and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your clothes. We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”

II. Fathers, usher in family worship. 4-7

Then they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and their earrings, and Jacob hid them under the oak near Shechem. When they set out, a terror from God came over the cities around them, and they did not pursue Jacob’s sons. So Jacob and all who were with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. Jacob built an altar there and called the place El-bethel because it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.

III. Fathers, set your family’s path. 8-15

Deborah, the one who had nursed and raised Rebekah, died and was buried under the oak south of Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bacuth. God appeared to Jacob again after he returned from Paddan-aram, and he blessed him. God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; you will no longer be named Jacob, but your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. God also said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed an assembly of nations, will come from you, and kings will descend from you. I will give to you the land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac. And I will give the land to your future descendants.” Then God withdrew from him at the place where he had spoken to him. Jacob set up a marker at the place where he had spoken to him—a stone marker. He poured a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.

Next Steps:

Believe: I want to become part of God’s family today.
Become: Today, I surrender my lesser gods to God Almighty.
Be Sent: I will demonstrate that God is my Father this week.

Group Discussion Questions:

Did your family have regular home worship?
Was your view of God shaped by your father?
Is God Almighty confronting areas of your life right now?
Has God shown you his might recently?
Did your father impact your life’s course? If so, explain.
Do you know a father who is struggling to lead his family?
Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead fathers and families this week.

Big Idea: Stories from yesterday, trusting tomorrow.

I. Testify to marvel at Jesus

Mark 5:20 So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed.

II. It’s like a pillar of faith.

Joshua 4:6-7 In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you should tell them, ‘The water of the Jordan was cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s water was cut off.’ Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.

III. Testimony is loving apologetics.

1 Peter 3:15 ...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need to start a relationship with Jesus today.

Become: I will live an active faith that impacts others this week.

Be Sent: I will share my testimony with 1 person this week.

Group Discussion Questions:

Has anyone helped you learn how to share your testimony?
Is there part of your story that all people can benefit from hearing? Explain your answer.
Is it possible for another person to refute your sincere testimony? Explain your answer.
Name a pillar of faith that impacted what you believe about Jesus.
Are all personal testimonies equally supernatural? Explain your answer using Scripture.
Is there a difference between making Christ Lord and declaring him Savior?
Pray for the opportunity to share your personal story of faith with 1 person this week.

Big Idea: God gets more glory when you trust Him than when you get revenge.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 34: 1-31

I. Ignoring evil won’t make it go away. 1-10

Leah’s daughter Dinah, whom Leah bore to Jacob, went out to see some of the young women of the area. When Shechem—son of Hamor the Hivite, who was the region’s chieftain—saw her, he took her and raped her. He became infatuated with Jacob’s daughter Dinah. He loved the young girl and spoke tenderly to her. “Get me this girl as a wife,” he told his father. Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent until they returned. Meanwhile, Shechem’s father Hamor came to speak with Jacob. Jacob’s sons returned from the field when they heard about the incident. They were deeply grieved and very angry, for Shechem had committed an outrage against Israel by raping Jacob’s daughter, and such a thing should not be done. Hamor said to Jacob’s sons, “My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife. Intermarry with us; give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. Live with us. The land is before you. Settle here, move about, and acquire property in it.”

II. Don’t use faith as a weapon. 11-17

Then Shechem said to Dinah’s father and brothers, “Grant me this favor, and I’ll give you whatever you say. Demand of me a high compensation and gift; I’ll give you whatever you ask me. Just give the girl to be my wife!” But Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully because he had defiled their sister Dinah. “We cannot do this thing,” they said to them. “Giving our sister to an uncircumcised man is a disgrace to us. We will agree with you only on this condition: if all your males are circumcised as we are. Then we will give you our daughters, take your daughters for ourselves, live with you, and become one people. But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

III. Deceit is more dangerous than the sword. 18-23

Their words seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem. The young man did not delay doing this, because he was delighted with Jacob’s daughter. Now he was the most important in all his father’s family. So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city. “These men are peaceful toward us,” they said. “Let them live in our land and move about in it, for indeed, the region is large enough for them. Let’s take their daughters as our wives and give our daughters to them. But the men will agree to live with us and be one people only on this condition: if all our men are circumcised as they are. Won’t their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let’s agree with them, and they will live with us.”

IV. Riots don’t accomplish revenge. 24-31

All the men who had come to the city gates listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and all those men were circumcised. On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and killed every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went away. Jacob’s sons came to the slaughter and plundered the city because their sister had been defiled. They took their flocks, herds, donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. They captured all their possessions, dependents, and wives and plundered everything in the houses. Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me, making me odious to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” But they answered, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?”

Next Steps:

Believe: I need God to change my soul today.
Become: I will trust God to win my wars.
Be Sent: I will engage evil in my community this week.

Group Discussion Questions:

What is your first reaction when someone breaks your trust?
Has your faith been tested after your salvation? If so, did it make you question God?
Is there a hurt in the past that you are asking God to avenge?
Does it create the conditions for greater evil if we don’t address it now? Explain your answer.
How much time did you spend getting to know someone far from Jesus this week?
If following Jesus doesn’t prevent evil events here, then why bother?
Ask the Holy Spirit for strength to trust God to avenge our hurts.

Big Idea: God’s church is marching toward home.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 33: 1-20

I. Worship is a weapon of warfare. 1-7

Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two slave women. He put the slaves and their children first, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept. When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” He answered, “The children God has graciously given your servant.” Then the slaves and their children approached him and bowed down. Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down.

II. Your property is temporary. 8-11

So Esau said, “What do you mean by this whole procession I met?” “To find favor with you, my lord,” he answered. “I have enough, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what you have.” But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from me. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God’s face, since you have accepted me. Please take my present that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have everything I need.” So Jacob urged him until he accepted.

III. Pitch your tent before pagans. 12-20

Then Esau said, “Let’s move on, and I’ll go ahead of you.” Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and I have nursing flocks and herds. If they are driven hard for one day, the whole herd will die. Let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a pace suited to the livestock and the children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” Esau said, “Let me leave some of my people with you.” But he replied, “Why do that? Please indulge me, my lord.” That day Esau started on his way back to Seir, but Jacob went to Succoth. He built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth. After Jacob came from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at Shechem in the land of Canaan and camped in front of the city. He purchased a section of the field where he had pitched his tent from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. And he set up an altar there and called it God, the God of Israel.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need to be adopted into God’s family today.
Become: I will live for eternity this week.
Be Sent: I will invite someone far from Jesus into my life.

Group Discussion Questions:

What is the longest you’ve ever been away from home?
Do you find it difficult to keep your focus on eternity?
Do you believe it’s okay to build wealth and success here on earth, knowing it’s just temporary?
Can you have an equal hold on here and heaven simultaneously? Explain.
Christians are accused of being too much like everyone else (don’t care about heaven) - or not care at all about everyone else (don’t care about here). How did you do on that spectrum this week?
Did you live out your faith before someone far from Jesus this week? If so, explain.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus more on eternity tomorrow.

Big Idea: That’s going to leave a scar.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 32: 24-32

I. You don’t have to fight for what Jesus already offers you. 24-29

Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob’s hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip. Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he answered, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.

II. You don’t have to fear what Jesus has already conquered for you. 30-32

Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.” The sun shone on him as he passed by Penuel—limping because of his hip. That is why, still today, the Israelites don’t eat the thigh muscle that is at the hip socket: because he struck Jacob’s hip socket at the thigh muscle

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
Become: I have let fear come between me and Jesus.
Be Sent: I want people to see that I’m a person who has been with Jesus.

Group Discussion Questions:

Do you have a regular habit of spending alone time with God?
If God wants a close relationship with people, why can’t we see his face and life?
If Jesus has all the power, why couldn’t win the wrestling match?
Do you have to wrestle with God to get his blessing? Explain your answer.
When was the last time that you struggled with God?
Does your family have an important tradition influenced by faith?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to shape us into Christ’s likeness this week.

Big Idea: Desperation makes you let go of everything else and hold on to Jesus with both hands.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 32:1-23

I. Jacob can’t change his past 1-8

Jacob went on his way, and God’s angels met him. When he saw them, Jacob said, “This is God’s camp.” So he called that place Mahanaim. Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the territory of Edom. He commanded them, “You are to say to my lord Esau, ‘This is what your servant Jacob says. I have been staying with Laban and have been delayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female slaves. I have sent this message to inform my lord, in order to seek your favor.’ ” When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has four hundred men with him.” Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, herds, and camels. He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.”

II.Jacob can’t change his character 9-12

Then Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps. Please rescue me from my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children. You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to be counted.’ ”

III.Jacob can’t change his consequences 13-23

He spent the night there and took part of what he had brought with him as a gift for his brother Esau: two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred ewes, twenty rams, thirty milk camels with their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten male donkeys. He entrusted them to his slaves as separate herds and said to them, “Go on ahead of me, and leave some distance between the herds.” And he told the first one, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘Who do you belong to? Where are you going? And whose animals are these ahead of you?’ then tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.’ ” He also told the second one, the third, and everyone who was walking behind the animals, “Say the same thing to Esau when you find him. You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I want to appease Esau with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that, I can face him, and perhaps he will forgive me.” So the gift was sent on ahead of him while he remained in the camp that night. During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two slave women, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.

Next Steps:

Believe: Today, I’ve become desperate for Jesus for the first time.
Become: I need the Holy Spirit to work on my character this week.
Be Sent: I will walk with someone desperate this week.

Group Discussion Questions:

Did you ever avoid the consequences for something you did wrong?
When were you most desperate?
Did you have anyone to walk with you in the middle of those circumstances?
Why is desperation fertile soil to grow your faith?
Can you change your character without external help? Explain your answer.
Since we can’t undo our past, what’s the best way to handle our mistakes and failures?
Pray for God to meet us in our desperation this week.

Big Idea: They don’t erect statues to the critics.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 31: 22-55

I. You don’t have to defend yourself when you’re living for Jesus 22-30

On the third day Laban was told that Jacob had fled. So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. But God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night. “Watch yourself!” God warned him. “Don’t say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” When Laban overtook Jacob, Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban and his relatives also pitched their tents in the hill country of Gilead. Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and taken my daughters away like prisoners of war! Why did you secretly flee from me, deceive me, and not tell me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and lyres, but you didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters. You have acted foolishly. I could do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Watch yourself! Don’t say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s family—but why have you stolen my gods?”

II. Turn the relationship over to Jesus 31-42

Jacob answered, “I was afraid, for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. If you find your gods with anyone here, he will not live! Before our relatives, point out anything that is yours and take it.” Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, Leah’s tent, and the tents of the two concubines, but he found nothing. When he left Leah’s tent, he went into Rachel’s tent. Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of the camel, and sat on them. Laban searched the whole tent but found nothing. She said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I am having my period.” So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols. Then Jacob became incensed and brought charges against Laban. “What is my crime?” he said to Laban. “What is my sin, that you have pursued me? You’ve searched all my possessions! Have you found anything of yours? Put it here before my relatives and yours, and let them decide between the two of us. I’ve been with you these twenty years. Your ewes and female goats have not miscarried, and I have not eaten the rams from your flock. I did not bring you any of the flock torn by wild beasts; I myself bore the loss. You demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or by night. There I was—the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. For twenty years in your household I served you—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times! If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, certainly now you would have sent me off empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and my hard work, and he issued his verdict last night.”

III. Let God be the Judge 43-55

Then Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters; the children, my children; and the flocks, my flocks! Everything you see is mine! But what can I do today for these daughters of mine or for the children they have borne? Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I. Let it be a witness between the two of us.” So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a marker. Then Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a mound, then ate there by the mound. Laban named the mound Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob named it Galeed. Then Laban said, “This mound is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore the place was called Galeed and also Mizpah, for he said, “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are out of each other’s sight. If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, though no one is with us, understand that God will be a witness between you and me.” Laban also said to Jacob, “Look at this mound and the marker I have set up between you and me. This mound is a witness and the marker is a witness that I will not pass beyond this mound to you, and you will not pass beyond this mound and this marker to do me harm. The God of Abraham, and the gods of Nahor—the gods of their father—will judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. So they ate a meal and spent the night on the mountain. Laban got up early in the morning, kissed his grandchildren and daughters, and blessed them. Then Laban left to return home.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today
Become: I need the Holy Spirit to help me overcome a critical spirit.
Be Sent: I will live out my faith for others to see (and criticize) this week.

Growth Group Questions:

What percentage of your speech is positive this week? What percentage was negative?
Would your family agree with your percentages?
Why does criticism from a close relationship hurt more than from a stranger?
Read Numbers 16:41-50.

A. Why was God angry when people criticized Moses and Aaron?

B. Would you act so quickly to spare the people who criticized you?

C. What does 14,700 dead say about how seriously God takes our critical attitude?

Why is it easy to give ourselves grace for the same things we criticize of others?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give us words that represent the heart of Jesus toward others this week.

Big Idea: What happens when we follow God’s leading and not the world around us?

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 31:1-21

I. Situational awareness matters 1-3

Now Jacob heard what Laban’s sons were saying: “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s and has built this wealth from what belonged to our father.” And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same as before. The Lord said to him, “Go back to the land of your ancestors and to your family, and I will be with you.”

II. Know the facts and talk it out 4-16

Jacob had Rachel and Leah called to the field where his flocks were. He said to them, “I can see from your father’s face that his attitude toward me is not the same as before, but the God of my father has been with me. You know that with all my strength I have served your father and that he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God has not let him harm me. If he said, ‘The spotted sheep will be your wages,’ then all the sheep were born spotted. If he said, ‘The streaked sheep will be your wages,’ then all the sheep were born streaked. God has taken away your father’s herds and given them to me. “When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ and I said, ‘Here I am.’ And he said, ‘Look up and see: all the males that are mating with the flocks are streaked, spotted, and speckled, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you poured oil on the stone marker and made a solemn vow to me. Get up, leave this land, and return to your native land.’ ” Then Rachel and Leah answered him, “Do we have any portion or inheritance in our father’s family? Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? For he has sold us and has certainly spent our purchase price. In fact, all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has said to you.”

III. Finish strong 17-21

So Jacob got up and put his children and wives on the camels. He took all the livestock and possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, and he drove his herds to go to the land of Canaan, to his father Isaac. When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. And Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean, not telling him that he was fleeing. He fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead.

So What?

Life is hard
God is always there
The choice to listen and act rests with us

Next Steps:

Believe - I surrender my all to the glory of God and in faith to King Jesus.
Become - I will seek to find where God is moving in my life and align with His movement.
Be Sent - I will live out obedience in my actions and follow Him wherever He leads.

Growth Group Questions:

When did your faith compel you to stand out against the crowd?
What are some examples of situations where it can be challenging to follow God's leading instead of the world around you?
How can you develop situational awareness to discern whether we are following God's leading or the world's?
What are some benefits of following God's leading even when it goes against the norm?
How can you effectively relate to others when you are following God's leading when they don’t understand or agree with you?
What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and courage to step out from the crowd and follow God's leading?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to use us to demonstrate what a life lived for Jesus looks like to the world around us.

Big Idea: Healthy boundaries are gates, not fences.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 30:25-43

I. Set boundaries around what is most important. 25-28

After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so that I can return to my homeland. Give me my wives and my children that I have worked for, and let me go. You know how hard I have worked for you.” But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor with you, stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” Then Laban said, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”

II. Boundaries hold everyone accountable. 29-36

So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your herds have fared with me. For you had very little before I came, but now your wealth has increased. The Lord has blessed you because of me. And now, when will I also do something for my own family?” Laban asked, “What should I give you?” And Jacob said, “You don’t need to give me anything. If you do this one thing for me, I will continue to shepherd and keep your flock. Let me go through all your sheep today and remove every sheep that is speckled or spotted, every dark-colored sheep among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the female goats. Such will be my wages. In the future when you come to check on my wages, my honesty will testify for me. If I have any female goats that are not speckled or spotted, or any lambs that are not black, they will be considered stolen.” “Good,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.” That day Laban removed the streaked and spotted male goats and all the speckled and spotted female goats—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored one among the lambs, and he placed his sons in charge of them. He put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob. Jacob, meanwhile, was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flock.

III. Givers must set boundaries because takers never do. 37-43

Jacob then took branches of fresh poplar, almond, and plane wood, and peeled the bark, exposing white stripes on the branches. He set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the sheep—in the water channels where the sheep came to drink. And the sheep bred when they came to drink. The flocks bred in front of the branches and bore streaked, speckled, and spotted young. Jacob separated the lambs and made the flocks face the streaked sheep and the completely dark sheep in Laban’s flocks. Then he set his own stock apart and didn’t put them with Laban’s sheep. Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob placed the branches in the troughs, in full view of the flocks, and they would breed in front of the branches. As for the weaklings of the flocks, he did not put out the branches. So it turned out that the weak sheep belonged to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob. And the man became very rich. He had many flocks, female and male slaves, and camels and donkeys.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need God’s help to remove the boundary I’ve set over my soul.
Become: I need the Holy Spirit’s help to set healthy boundaries this week.
Be Sent: This week, I will set boundaries on my time to better serve Jesus.

Growth Group Questions:

What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy boundaries?
How do you identify when your boundaries are being violated?
How can setting healthy boundaries improve your relationships with others over time?
What are some effective ways to communicate your boundaries without making them sound like an attack?
What does a lack of appropriate boundaries say about your self-respect?
What are some relationship clues that demonstrate it’s time to set a healthy boundary?
Pray and surrender every relationship to the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Big Idea: 4 rules to overcome Envy & Every Enjoyment Vexes You.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 30:1-24

I. Everyone’s success doesn’t make you a failure 1-8

When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she envied her sister. “Give me sons, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God? He has withheld offspring from you!” Then she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah. Go sleep with her, and she’ll bear children for me so that through her I too can build a family.” So Rachel gave her slave Bilhah to Jacob as a wife, and he slept with her. Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; yes, he has heard me and given me a son,” so she named him Dan. Rachel’s slave Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Rachel said, “In my wrestlings with God, I have wrestled with my sister and won,” and she named him Naphtali.”

II. Nothing can satisfy your soul but Jesus 9-13

When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her slave Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. Leah’s slave Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, “What good fortune!” and she named him Gad. When Leah’s slave Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, Leah said, “I am happy that the women call me happy,” so she named him Asher.

III.Vent to the Holy Spirit 14-21

Reuben went out during the wheat harvest and found some mandrakes in the field. When he brought them to his mother Leah, Rachel asked, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But Leah replied to her, “Isn’t it enough that you have taken my husband? Now you also want to take my son’s mandrakes?” “Well then,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” When Jacob came in from the field that evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come with me, for I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So Jacob slept with her that night. God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my slave to my husband,” and she named him Issachar. Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. “God has given me a good gift,” Leah said. “This time my husband will honor me because I have borne six sons for him,” and she named him Zebulun. Later, Leah bore a daughter and named her Dinah.

IV.You can rejoice at another’s success 22-24

Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb. She conceived and bore a son, and she said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” She named him Joseph and said, “May the Lord add another son to me.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart.
Become: I need more contentment.
Be Sent: I will help someone find freedom in Christ.

Growth Group Questions:

What’s your first thought when a friend succeeds?
What does watching win do for your emotional health?
How much time did you spend on social media yesterday? How did you feel about your life after?
Read Philippians 4:11-13. What does it mean to be content?
Is contentment something that you receive or earn? Explain your answer.
What do your prayers sound like when your dreams don’t come true?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill your life with contentment this week.

Big Idea: No one can love you- or hurt you- like family.

In the Beginning: Jacob

Genesis 29:13-35

I. When your home isn’t a safe space. 13-20

When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran to meet him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then he took him to his house, and Jacob told him all that had happened. Laban said to him, “Yes, you are my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, Laban said to him, “Just because you’re my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” Now Laban had two daughters: the older was named Leah, and the younger was named Rachel. Leah had tender eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful. Jacob loved Rachel, so he answered Laban, “I’ll work for you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay with me.” So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, and they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

II. Who can you trust, if not family? 21-30

Then Jacob said to Laban, “Since my time is complete, give me my wife, so I can sleep with her.” So Laban invited all the men of the place and sponsored a feast. That evening, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. And Laban gave his slave Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her slave. When morning came, there was Leah! So he said to Laban, “What have you done to me? Wasn’t it for Rachel that I worked for you? Why have you deceived me?” Laban answered, “It is not the custom in our country to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn. Complete this week of wedding celebration, and we will also give you this younger one in return for working yet another seven years for me.” And Jacob did just that. He finished the week of celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. And Laban gave his slave Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her slave. Jacob slept with Rachel also, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. And he worked for Laban for another seven years.

III. Families should fight for, not against, each other. 31-35

When the Lord saw that Leah was neglected, he opened her womb; but Rachel was unable to conceive. Leah conceived, gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben, for she said, “The Lord has seen my affliction; surely my husband will love me now.” She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, “The Lord heard that I am neglected and has given me this son also.” So she named him Simeon. She conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, “At last, my husband will become attached to me because I have borne three sons for him.” Therefore he was named Levi. And she conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she named him Judah. Then Leah stopped having children.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need to be adopted into God’s family today.
Become: I need Jesus to heal my broken family.
Be Sent: I will invite my family to join God’s family.

Growth Group Questions:

On a scale of 1-10, how emotionally healthy is your immediate family?
Have you ever experienced any hurt or betrayal from a family member?
If so, where did you turn after the pain?
Have you ever confronted a family member about the pain they caused you? How did they respond?
How do you respond when a trusted friend or family member lies?
What would it be if you could change anything about your family today?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you heal broken families.

The true meaning of Easter

Hebrews 11:17-19

Easter has the power to change Bad Bunny and rotten eggs.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring will be traced through Isaac. He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.

I. Forget yesterday’s hurt V. 17

II. Free up today’s heavy load V. 18

III Find hope for tomorrow V.19

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to bring my dead heart to life.
Become: I need Jesus’s help with my struggles.
Be Sent: I will help someone learn about Jesus this week

Group Questions:

What is your favorite Easter tradition? Why?
What do you want your grave marker to say about you?
How would you explain Easter eggs or bunnies to a new Christian?
What sacrifice is God asking you to give to offer him?
What burden do you need Jesus to help you carry today?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you Easter hope throughout the week.

Big Idea: The importance of going on a journey led by God.

Genesis 29:1-12

Find a well.

Genesis 29: 1-3

Jacob resumed his journey and went to the eastern country. He looked and saw a well in a field. Three flocks of sheep were lying there beside it because the sheep were watered from this well. But a large stone covered the opening of the well. The shepherds would roll the stone from the opening of the well and water the sheep when all the flocks were gathered there. Then they would return the stone to its place over the well's opening.2. Confirm your location

Genesis 29: 4-8

Jacob asked the men at the well, "My brothers! Where are you from?" "We're from Haran," they answered. "Do you know Laban grandson of Nahor?" Jacob asked them. They answered, "We know him." "Is he well?" Jacob asked. "Yes," they said, "and here is his daughter Rachel, coming with his sheep." Then Jacob said, "Look, it is still broad daylight. It's not time for the animals to be gathered. Water the flock, then go out and let them graze." But they replied, "We can't until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone is rolled from the well's opening. Then we will water the sheep.3. Celebrate your arrival at your destination.

Genesis 29:9-12

While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep for she was a shepherdess. As soon as Jacob saw his uncle Laban's daughter Rachel with his sheep, he went up and rolled the stone from the opening and watered his uncle Laban's sheep. Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept loudly. He told Rachel that he was her father's relative, Rebekah's son. She ran and told her father.

Next Steps:

Believe: I want God to lead me on my journey this week.
Become: I will seek guidance from God's GPS.
Be sent: I will set the example for others to trust God as they travel this week.

Discussion Questions:

Do you seek counsel from God on your journey?
Is there a time or point in your life where you question God in reference to His direction for you?
What advice do you seek from God at different points in your life?
Why do we try to take shortcuts to get to or do what God wants us to?
Should Christians take the time to celebrate how far God has brought them? Why or why not?
Do you have family or friends you would like to take with you on this Christian journey? If so, who and why?
Pray for guidance on your journey this week.

Big Idea: Your 3 Choices when catfished: 1. get mad, 2. get revenge, or 3. get over it!

Genesis 27:41-28:22

1. Esau plots revenge

Genesis 27: 41-46

Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” When the words of her older son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she summoned her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Listen, your brother Esau is consoling himself by planning to kill you. So now, my son, listen to me. Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran, and stay with him for a few days until your brother’s anger subsides—until your brother’s rage turns away from you and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back from there. Why should I lose you both in one day?” So Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick of my life because of these Hethite girls. If Jacob marries someone from around here, like these Hethite girls, what good is my life?” So Isaac summoned Jacob, blessed him, and commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite girl..."

2. Jacob runs away

Genesis 28: 1-9

So Isaac sent Jacob to Paddan-aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau. Esau noticed that Isaac blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to get a wife there. When he blessed him, Isaac commanded Jacob, “Do not marry a Canaanite girl.” And Jacob listened to his father and mother and went to Paddan-aram. Esau realized that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women, so Esau went to Ishmael and married, in addition to his other wives, Mahalath daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. She was the sister of Nebaioth.

3. God comes to the rescue

Genesis 28: 10-22

Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from the place, put it there at his head, and lay down in that place. And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it. The Lord was standing there beside him, saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your offspring the land on which you are lying. Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out toward the west, the east, the north, and the south. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring..."

Next Steps:

Believe: I need God to rescue me from sin today.
Become: I need God’s help getting over some hurt.
Be Sent: I will invite someone far from Jesus to Easter.

Group Questions:

Why do some family problems hurt the deepest?
Have you ever done something self-destructive because you were mad at others? Why?
What makes revenge so tempting when you’ve been hurt?
Can you run away from your hurt? Explain your answer.
How do you recognize the presence of God?
Who would you like to invite to join you this Easter?
Pray for those people by name.

Big Idea: You can’t Catfish Jesus.

Genesis 27:1-40

1. Rebekah distrusted Jesus

Genesis 27: 1-13

When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could not see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” And he answered, “Here I am.” He said, “Look, I am old and do not know the day of my death. So now take your hunting gear, your quiver and bow, and go out in the field to hunt some game for me. Then make me a delicious meal that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I can bless you before I die.” Now Rebekah was listening to what Isaac said to his son Esau. So while Esau went to the field to hunt some game to bring in, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Listen! I heard your father talking with your brother Esau. He said, ‘Bring me game and make a delicious meal for me to eat so that I can bless you in the Lord’s presence before..."

2. Jacob deceived Jesus

Genesis 27: 14-24

So he went and got the goats and brought them to his mother, and his mother made the delicious food his father loved. Then Rebekah took the best clothes of her older son Esau, which were in the house, and had her younger son Jacob wear them. She put the skins of the young goats on his hands and the smooth part of his neck. Then she handed the delicious food and the bread she had made to her son Jacob. When he came to his father, he said, “My father.” And he answered, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob replied to his father..."

3. Isaac disobeyed Jesus

Genesis 27: 25-29

Then he said, “Bring it closer to me, and let me eat some of my son’s game so that I can bless you.” Jacob brought it closer to him, and he ate; he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come closer and kiss me, my son.” So he came closer and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothes, he blessed him and said: Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the..."

4. Esau did Jesus’s will

Genesis 27: 30-40

As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob and Jacob had left the presence of his father Isaac, his brother Esau arrived from his hunting. He had also made some delicious food and brought it to his father. He said to his father, “Let my father get up and eat some of his son’s game, so that you may bless me.” But his father Isaac said to him..."

Next Steps:

Believe: I surrendered to Jesus today.
Become: I will submit to Jesus this week.
Be Sent: I will speak to someone about Easter.

Growth Group Questions:

Do you know anyone who is clearly trying to disobey God?
What makes it hard for some people to trust God?
Was there an event that destroyed harmony in your family? Explain.
What makes anyone feel like they can disobey God?
When was the last time you submitted to God, even when you didn’t want to?
Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus this Easter?
Pray for the courage to submit to Jesus even when it’s scary this week.

Big Idea: King Midas could never afford what King Jesus gives freely.

Genesis 26:12-25

1. Affluence won’t solve all your problems.

Genesis 26: 12-16

Isaac sowed seed in that land, and in that year he reaped a hundred times what was sown. The Lord blessed him, and the man became rich and kept getting richer until he was very wealthy. He had flocks of sheep, herds of cattle, and many slaves, and the Philistines were envious of him. Philistines stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham, filling them with dirt. And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Leave us, for you are much too powerful for us.”

2. Next comes a step of faith.

Genesis 26: 17-22

So Isaac left there, camped in the Gerar Valley, and lived there. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham and that the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. He gave them the same names his father had given them. Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of spring water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek because they argued with him. Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also, so he named it Sitnah. He moved from there and dug another, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “For now the Lord has made space for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”

3. Acceptance will satisfy your soul.

Genesis 26: 23-26

"From there he went up to Beer-sheba, and the Lord appeared to him that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your offspring because of my servant Abraham.” So he built an altar there, called on the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there. Isaac’s servants also dug a well there.

Next Steps:

Believe: I want to be accepted into God’s family today.
Become: I will find fulfillment in Christ alone this week.
Be Sent: I will show someone how Christ can satisfy their soul.

Growth Group Questions:

On a scale of 1-10, how content are you right now?
What would it take to make that number a 10? Why?
Do you know someone who is never satisfied- no matter how much they accumulate?
If money “Can’t buy me love,” why do so many people sacrifice relationships for it?
Read Genesis 26:2. Why does God allow Isaac to go through hardships immediately after he promised to “bless him”?
What do people far from God think about Jesus when they see his people obsessed and stressed about money?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of contentment this week.

Big Idea: Your family sets where you start the race, but not how you finish.

Genesis 26: 1-11

1. Don’t flub the legacy you’ve inherited.

Genesis 26: 1-6

There was another famine in the land in addition to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, at Gerar. The Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Live in the land that I tell you about; stay in this land as an alien, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky, I will give your offspring all these lands, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring, because Abraham listened to me and kept my mandate, my commands, my statutes, and my instructions.” So Isaac settled in Gerar.

2. Don’t let your family legacy dictate your future.

Genesis 26: 7-11

When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say “my wife,” thinking, “The men of the place will kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is a beautiful woman.” When Isaac had been there for some time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, “So she is really your wife! How could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac answered him, “Because I thought I might die on account of her.” Then Abimelech said, “What have you done to us? One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” So Abimelech warned all the people, “Whoever harms this man or his wife will certainly be put to death.”

Next Steps:

Believe: I want God to accept me into his family today.
Become: I will make decisions by faith, not fear, this week.
Be Sent: I want others to be drawn to Jesus by how I live this week.

Growth Group Questions:

Is there a family trait that you’re thankful for?
What advice would you give an adult who is still haunted by their childhood?
Why do some children fall into the same dreadful habits that they saw in their parents? How does someone break this cycle in their own family?
If your parents’ faith can’t get you into Heaven, what does it do for you?
Why did God send Isaac to Gerar rather than just provide food for him?
Is God making a new oath with Isaac or inviting him into Abraham’s oath? Explain your answer.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you make decisions by faith, not fear, this week.

Big Idea: Don’t swim to the ship God’s already promised would come in.

Genesis 25:27-34

1. Don’t wear yourself out with worry!

Genesis 25: 27-28

When the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

2. Don’t wear yourself out with work!

Genesis 25: 29-34

Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field exhausted. He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stuff, because I’m exhausted.” That is why he was also named Edom. Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look,” said Esau, “I’m about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to Jacob and sold his birthright to him. Then Jacob gave bread and lentil stew to Esau; he ate, drank, got up, and went away. So Esau despised his birthright.

Next Steps:

Believe: I’m been trying to work my way into Heaven. Today, I come to Jesus with nothing but faith.
Become: I need Jesus to change my anxious heart.
Be Sent: I will show someone what it looks like to wait well

Growth Group Questions:

Why are family differences so painful and often long-lasting?
On a scale of 1-10, how tempted are you to worry about Heaven?
On a scale of 1-10, how tempted are you to work hard to earn God’s love?
Why is trying to earn God’s love so tempting?
Since God loves us unconditionally, does that mean how we live doesn’t matter to him? Explain.
What does it look like to wait on God and work out your faith simultaneously?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you wait well this week.

Big Idea: Nothing is better… nothing is worse… than family!

Genesis 25:19-26

1. The whole family hurts when one heart breaks.

Genesis 25: 19-21

These are the family records of Isaac son of Abraham. Abraham fathered Isaac. Isaac was forty years old when he took as his wife Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord was receptive to his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.

2. There’s no refuge when the home isn’t safe… or sane.

Genesis 25: 22-23

But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her: Two nations are in your womb; two peoples will come from you and be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.

3. There’s no such thing as a “fair family fight.”

Genesis 56: 24-26

When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb. The first one came out red-looking, covered with hair like a fur coat, and they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel with his hand. So he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need to be adopted into God’s family today.
Become: I have some family hurts that I need to work through.
Be Sent: I will open my heart and home to a wayward child of God.

Growth Group Questions:

Describe your best family moments.
What was one of your most difficult family moments?
If you could choose your family, what characteristics would you look for?
Why can your family hurt you deeper than other relationships?
Should Christian relationships replace family relationships? Explain your answer using Scripture.
Do you have a family hurt that needs healing?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to take the first step towards healing this week.

Big Idea: Borrowed faith becomes bold faith, which then leads to loaned faith.

Genesis 24:50-67

1. The family saw this servant’s faith.

Genesis 24: 50-61

Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we have no choice in the matter. Rebekah is here in front of you. Take her and go, and let her be a wife for your master’s son, just as the Lord has spoken.” When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed to the ground before the Lord. Then he brought out objects of silver and gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother. Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night. When they got up in the morning, he said, “Send me to my master.” But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl stay with us for about ten days. Then she can go.” But he responded to them, “Do not delay me, since the Lord has made my journey a success. Send me away so that I may go to my master.” So they said, “Let’s call the girl and ask her opinion.” They called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She replied, “I will go.” So they sent away their sister Rebekah with the one who had nursed and raised her, and Abraham’s servant and his men. They blessed Rebekah, saying to her: Our sister, may you become thousands upon ten thousands. May your offspring possess the city gates of their enemies. Then Rebekah and her female servants got up, mounted the camels, and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.

2. Rebekah saw her place in God’s plan.

Genesis 24: 62-66

Now Isaac was returning from Beer-lahai-roi, for he was living in the Negev region. In the early evening Isaac went out to walk in the field, and looking up he saw camels coming. Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she got down from her camel and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” The servant answered, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself. Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.

3. Acceptance will satisfy your soul.

Genesis 24: 67

And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah to be his wife. Isaac loved her, and he was comforted after his mother’s death.

Next Steps:

Believe: I take my first step of faith today.
Become: I will trust God’s plan, even when it’s scary.
Be Sent: I will walk with someone who’s struggling this week.

Growth Group Questions:

Whose faith would you like to emulate?
What is special about their faith?
What was your last big step of faith? How did it turn out?
Can you see God work in your life without taking a step of faith?
Is God’s plan for your future clear for you to see? Explain.
Does it feel like God has a great role for you to play in his plan?
Pray for God to show you someone who needs to hear about Jesus tomorrow.

Big Idea: You can’t survive on borrowed faith.

Genesis 24:1-49

1. We all start with borrowed faith.

Genesis 24: 1-9

"Abraham was now old, getting on in years, and the Lord had blessed him in everything. Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his household who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, and I will have you swear by the Lord, God of heaven and God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live, but will go to my land and my family to take a wife for my son Isaac.” The servant said to him, “Suppose the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Should I have your son go back to the land you came from?” Abraham answered him, “Make sure that you don’t take my son back there..."

2. Next comes a step of faith.

Genesis 24: 10-14

"The servant took ten of his master’s camels, and with all kinds of his master’s goods in hand, he went to Aram-naharaim, to Nahor’s town. At evening, the time when women went out to draw water, he made the camels kneel beside a well outside the town. “Lord, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “make this happen for me today, and show kindness to my master Abraham..."

3. Then it becomes your own faith.

Genesis 24: 15-26

"Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah—daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor—coming with a jug on her shoulder. Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin—no man had been intimate with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jug.” She replied, “Drink, my lord.” She quickly lowered her jug to her hand and gave him a drink..."

4. Finally, you have faith to loan others.

Genesis 24: 27-46

"The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and Laban ran out to the man at the spring. As soon as he had seen the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he had heard his sister Rebekah’s words—“The man said this to me!”—he went to the man. He was standing there by the camels at the spring. Laban said, “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord. Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.” So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded..."

Next Steps:

Believe: I need to start my journey of faith today.
Become: I will live out my faith this week.
Be Sent: I will let someone borrow my faith this week.

Discussion Questions:

Who first loaned you their faith?
Can you get into heaven on someone else’s faith? Back up your answer using Scripture.
What was your first big step of faith?
At what point did your faith become your own?
How similar is your faith to that of your parents?
Who is the last person you “loaned” your faith to?
Pray for the opportunity to loan someone your faith this week.

Big Idea: Pray for God’s will and nothing more in ’24.

Jer 29:7

Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.

1. Pray for God’s heart.
2. Pray for God’s glory.
3. Pray for God’s power.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to give me a new heart today.
Become: I will seek Jesus’s will and nothing more this year.
Be Sent: I will serve my city for Jesus's glory this year.

Discussion Questions:

Do you sleep well when you’re traveling?
What are your steps to “settle” into a new home?
Can Christians get in the way of God’s plan for your city? Explain.
What is God’s will for your community next year? Explain your answer from the Bible.
Did you pray for community leaders to thrive last week?
Who can you serve someone who is far from Jesus this week?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you God’s heart for your city this year.

Big Idea: Leave your painful past in nail-scared hands.

Genesis 23: 1-20

1. There’s no way to “unlive” last year.

Genesis 23: 1-2

Now Sarah lived 127 years; these were all the years of her life. Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.

2. Moving forward always has challenges.

Genesis 23: 3-18

When Abraham got up from beside his dead wife, he spoke to the Hethites: “I am an alien residing among you. Give me burial property among you so that I can bury my dead.” The Hethites replied to Abraham, “Listen to us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in our finest burial place. None of us will withhold from you his burial place for burying your dead.” Then Abraham rose and bowed down to the Hethites, the people of the land. He said to them, “If you are willing for me to bury my dead, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf to give me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him; it is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me in your presence, for the full price, as burial property.” Ephron was sitting among the Hethites. So in the hearing of all the Hethites who came to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hethite answered Abraham: “No, my lord. Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the sight of my people. Bury your dead.” Abraham bowed down to the people of the land and said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “Listen to me, if you please. Let me pay the price of the field. Accept it from me, and let me bury my dead there.” Ephron answered Abraham and said to him, “My lord, listen to me. Land worth four hundred shekels of silver—what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” Abraham agreed with Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver that he had agreed to in the hearing of the Hethites: four hundred standard shekels of silver. So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—became Abraham’s possession in the sight of all the Hethites who came to the gate of his city.

3. Live a “new normal in 2024.

Genesis 23: 19-20

After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. The field with its cave passed from the Hethites to Abraham as burial property.

How to find hope for a better 2024.

Take time to grieve
Accept the pain
Focus on the present
Get help when you get stuck
Believe God has a better future waiting for you

Next Steps:

Believe: Jesus will walk with me through my pain
Become: Leave your pain with Jesus
Be Sent: I will walk with someone who is hurting

Discussion Questions:

Is ignoring painful emotions dangerous to your heart and soul? Explain.
Who do you know that’s in pain right now?
Who do you first go to when in pain?
What do you do to prevent getting stuck in the pain?
Does the hope of Heaven give you strength to face your greatest pain?
Can close friendships make your pain more bearable? Explain.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to take away your fears this week.

Big Idea: The greatest moments in life come after great anticipation.

Luke 2:25-35

1. Waiting on God is never wasted time.

Luke 2:25-27

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law,

2. God rewards those who wait well.

Luke 2:28-32

Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.

3. The greatest moments in life are worth waiting for.

Luke 2:33-35

His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Next Steps:

Believe: The reward of faithfulness is worth the wait.
Become: I will wait well this week.
Be Sent: I will put my hope in Jesus to work this week.

Discussion Questions:

What is the longest you’ve ever waited for something? Was it worth the wait?
Have you ever been let down by something you were waiting for?
Do you think waiting for a great event or gift today is more challenging than it was many years ago? Explain your answer.
Why did God reward Simeon’s faith?
What is God teaching his people when he makes them wait for generations for his promises to come to pass?
Can you prepare and wait at the same time? If
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you rest in Jesus this week.

Big Idea: The Binding of Faith.

Genesis 22: 1-19

1. Fulfillment of Promise.

Genesis 22: 2

“He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”

The critical request: "Your son, your only son, Isaac."
Abraham's test and the brink of Covenant fulfillment.

2. Abraham’s Assurance.

Genesis 22: 4

“On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar.”

The third day's significance.
Abraham's faith in returning with Isaac.

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 lHe considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

3. Isaac’s Imagery.

Genesis 22:8

“Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’”

Isaac as a symbolic type of Christ.
"God will provide the lamb": Prophetic of Jesus.

4. The Tree of Life.

Genesis 22:13

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.”

The tree as a symbol that continues to bring salvation.
The Cross as a life-giving tree.

5. Hope on the Horizon.

Genesis 22:17

““I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.”

Post-event: The disappearance and reappearance of Isaac.

Next Steps:

Believe: Living a life of faith requires risk. There are no guarantees regarding the outcomes or what will happen next, but we can trust in the goodness and plan of God.
Become: A person of faithfulness to God. God is looking for partners willing to obey Him in what the rest of the world may call ridiculous.
Be Sent: Would you travel three days in radical obedience to God? Where is God asking you to go? What is God asking you to do?

Discussion Questions:

What is the most costly gift someone has given you?
Was that gift the greatest you've ever received?
Why does God ask Abraham to make a sacrifice if he knows he'll stop him anyway?
What would happen to Abraham's relationship with God if he refused?
Have you ever refused something you felt God was asking of you?
Have you seen God provide for you after you were willing to take a step of faith?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you surrender everything to Jesus daily this week.

Big Idea: It takes less sweat to prevent a mess than to clean it up later.

Genesis 21:8-21

1. Trust Jesus for your protection.

Genesis 21: 22-24

At that time Abimelech, accompanied by Phicol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. Swear to me by God here and now, that you will not break an agreement with me or with my children and descendants. As I have been loyal to you, so you will be loyal to me and to the country where you are a resident alien.” And Abraham said, “I swear it.”

2. Trust Jesus for your prosperity.

Genesis 21: 25-31

But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well that Abimelech’s servants had seized. Abimelech replied, “I don’t know who did this thing. You didn’t report anything to me, so I hadn’t heard about it until today.” Abraham took flocks and herds and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock. And Abimelech said to Abraham, “Why have you separated these seven ewe lambs?” He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from me so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.” Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.

3. Trust Jesus for your peace.

Genesis 21: 32-33

After they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. And Abraham lived as an alien in the land of the Philistines for many days.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to give me peace today.
Become: I will live with God’s peace this week.
Be sent: I will explain God’s peace to someone this week.

Discussion Questions:

If God didn’t create worry, hurry, or sorry- where did they come from?
When have you experienced the greatest sense of peace?
Do you worry more about immediate challenges or fear of the unknown?
What makes it difficult to trust God with your finances?
Is there an area in your life where you struggle to trust God?
Who do you know who is struggling to trust God?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you bring God’s peace this week.

Big Idea: It takes less sweat to prevent a mess than to clean it up later.

Genesis 21:8-21

1. You can’t scrub away your past.

Genesis 21:8-10

The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son mocking—the one Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham. So she said to Abraham, “Drive out this slave with her son, for the son of this slave will not be a coheir with my son Isaac!”

2. Don’t blame someone else for your own mess.

Genesis 21: 11-13

This was very distressing to Abraham because of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and about your slave. Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her, because your offspring will be traced through Isaac, and I will also make a nation of the slave’s son because he is your offspring.”

3. God hears the prayers of a messy heart.

Genesis 21: 14-21

Early in the morning Abraham got up, took bread and a waterskin, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her and the boy away. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beer-sheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes and went and sat at a distance, about a bowshot away, for she said, “I can’t bear to watch the boy die!” While she sat at a distance, she wept loudly. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What’s wrong, Hagar? Don’t be afraid, for God has heard the boy crying from the place where he is. Get up, help the boy up, and grasp his hand, for I will make him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well. So she went and filled the waterskin and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy, and he grew; he settled in the wilderness and became an archer. He settled in the Wilderness of Paran, and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to clean my messy heart today.
Become: I will trust Jesus for strength to avoid sin this week.
Be sent: I will carefully step into someone’s mess this week.

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever asked God to clean up your mess for you?
Why is it so easy to pass the blame for our own mess?
What was the last personal mess you made?
Why couldn’t Sarah live with both boys at the same time?
Why did God choose Isaac and not Ismael? What does this say about our relationship with God the Father?
Did Abraham get off easy in this mistake? Explain your answer.
Pray for God’s grace despite our mess this week.

Big Idea: Laughter is God’s bandage for your soul.

Genesis 21:1-7

The Lord came 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 appointed time God had told him. Abraham named his son who was born to him—the one Sarah bore to him—Isaac. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears will laugh with me.” She also said, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne a son for him in his old age.”

1. Laugh because Jesus’s plan is always perfect.
2. Laugh because Jesus broadens your perspective.
3. Laugh because Jesus’s power is bigger than your problems.
4. Laugh because your pain isn’t permanent.

Next Steps:

Believe: I believe Jesus wants to heal my soul today.
Become: I need the Holy Spirit to turn my sorrow into laughter.
Be sent: I will give help and hope to someone hurting this month.

Discussion Questions:

Do you know someone who has let a problem or pain of their past define them?
If you had to choose only one option- would you rather God did WHAT you prayed or When you prayed? Explain your answer.
Can viewing a problem from a different perspective minimize it?
Are you naturally an optimist or a pessimist when facing a problem?
When was the last time a big problem turned out to be insignificant in the end?
Are you praying for someone who is hurting this holiday season?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you laugh at your problems this week.

Big Idea: You have nothing to fear when you’re clean and clear.

Genesis 20: 1-18

1. Lies make you look over your shoulder.

Genesis 20: 1-5

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From there Abraham traveled to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, Abraham said about his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” Now Abimelech had not approached her, so he said, “Lord, would you destroy a nation even though it is innocent? Didn’t he himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this with a clear conscience and clean hands.”

2. God makes clean hands from a clean conscience.

Genesis 20:6-7

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Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I have not let you touch her. Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours.”

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3. Point your fear in the right direction.

Genesis 20: 8-13

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Early in the morning Abimelech got up, called all his servants together, and personally told them all these things, and the men were terrified. Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said to him, “What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.” Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What made you do this?” Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘There is absolutely no fear of God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’ Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. So when God had me wander from my father’s house, I said to her: Show your loyalty to me wherever we go and say about me, ‘He’s my brother.’

4. God rewards faithfulness.

Genesis 20: 14-18

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Then Abimelech took flocks and herds and male and female slaves, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you want.” And he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your brother one thousand pieces of silver. It is a verification of your honor to all who are with you. You are fully vindicated.” Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, for the Lord had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Next Steps:

Believe: God wants to answer your greatest fears
Become: Leave your fear with Jesus
Be Sent: Pray for your haters

Discussion Questions:

Have you been struggling with a pressing fear lately?
How did you show a holy fear of God this week?
Read Matthew 5:43-45.
When was the last time you prayed for someone like this?
What does it look like to love your enemy this week?
Why does a prayer like this indicate we are God’s children?
Who do you need to pray for this week?
Is there an area of your life where you need God to work in this week?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to take away your fears this week.

Big Idea: What do you do when a situation goes from bad to worse?

Genesis 19: 27-38

1. Don’t Panic.

Genesis 19:27-29

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Early in the morning Abraham went to the place where he had stood before the LORD. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw that smoke was going up from the land like the smoke of a furnace. So it was, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the middle of the upheaval when he demolished the cities where Lot had lived.

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2. Put things in Godly perspective.

Genesis 19:30-32

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Lot departed from Zoar and lived in the mountains along with his two daughters, because he was afraid to live in Zoar. Instead, he and his two daughters lived in a cave. Then the firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is no man in the land to sleep with us as is the custom of all the land. Come, let's get our father to drink wine so that we can sleep with him and preserve our father's line."

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3. Stand strong.

Genesis 19:33-38

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So they got their father to drink wine that night, and the firstborn came and slept with her father; he did not know when she lay down or when she got up. The next day the firstborn said to the younger, "Look, I slept with my father last night. Let's get him to drink wine again tonight so you can go sleep with him and we can preserve our father's line." That night they again got their father to drink wine, and the younger went and slept with him; he did not know when she lay down or when she got up. So both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father. The firstborn gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger also gave birth to a son, and she named him Ben-ammi. l He is the father of the Ammonites of today.

Next Steps:

Believe: I will remain calm in chaotic situations this week.
Become: I will seek counsel from God this week.
Be sent: I will set a good example this week.

Discussion Questions:

Do you panic in a crisis or pray first?
How do you deal with worry and anxiety?
Why do you think Lot chose to go to the mountains instead of going back to being with Abraham?
Read Judges 10:6-9.
Why do you think the Moabites and Ammonites hated Israel?
Why did Israel follow the gods of their neighbors?
Do you think all of history should be taught (good & bad) or only parts of it?
Pray for your efforts to touch that one person’s heart this week.

Big Idea: When God leads you forward…don’t look back!

Genesis 19:1-26

1. No sin can be hidden from Jesus.

Genesis 19: 1-5

The two angels entered Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in Sodom’s gateway. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them. He bowed with his face to the ground and said, “My lords, turn aside to your servant’s house, wash your feet, and spend the night. Then you can get up early and go on your way.” “No,” they said. “We would rather spend the night in the square.” But he urged them so strongly that they followed him and went into his house. He prepared a feast and baked unleavened bread for them, and they ate. Before they went to bed, the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, the whole population, surrounded the house. They called out to Lot and said, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have sex with them!”

2. One wrong can’t erase another.

Genesis 19: 6-13

“Lot went out to them at the entrance and shut the door behind him. He said, “Don’t do this evil, my brothers. Look, I’ve got two daughters who haven’t been intimate with a man. I’ll bring them out to you, and you can do whatever you want to them. However, don’t do anything to these men, because they have come under the protection of my roof.” “Get out of the way!” they said, adding, “This one came here as an alien, but he’s acting like a judge! Now we’ll do more harm to you than to them.” They put pressure on Lot and came up to break down the door. But the angels reached out, brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. They struck the men who were at the entrance of the house, both young and old, with blindness so that they were unable to find the entrance. Then the angels said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here: a son-in-law, your sons and daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of this place, for we are about to destroy this place because the outcry against its people is so great before the Lord, that the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”

3. Immediately follow the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 19: 14-22

So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were going to marry his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. At daybreak the angels urged Lot on: “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he hesitated. Because of the Lord’s compassion for him, the men grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters. They brought him out and left him outside the city. As soon as the angels got them outside, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Don’t look back and don’t stop anywhere on the plain! Run to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” But Lot said to them, “No, my lords—please. Your servant has indeed found favor with you, and you have shown me great kindness by saving my life. But I can’t run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. Look, this town is close enough for me to flee to. It is a small place. Please let me run to it—it’s only a small place, isn’t it?—so that I can survive.” And he said to him, “All right, I’ll grant your request about this matter too and will not demolish the town you mentioned. Hurry up! Run to it, for I cannot do anything until you get there.” Therefore the name of the city is Zoar.

4. Gaining Christ is infinitely greater than what you must give up.

Genesis 19: 23-26

The sun had risen over the land when Lot reached Zoar. Then out of the sky the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah burning sulfur from the Lord...

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to rescue my soul today.
Become: I will follow the Holy Spirit forward this week.
Be sent: This week, I will make a difference in my city.

Big Idea:No church is too small to change a community.

Genesis 18:16-33

1. No person is insignificant.

Genesis 18: 16-21

The men got up from there and looked out over Sodom, and Abraham was walking with them to see them off. Then the Lord said, “Should I hide what I am about to do from Abraham? Abraham is to become a great and powerful nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him so that he will command his children and his house after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. This is how the Lord will fulfill to Abraham what he promised him.” Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is immense, and their sin is extremely serious. I will go down to see if what they have done justifies the cry that has come up to me. If not, I will find out.”

2. The dinner table is the best place to deal with doubt.

Genesis 18:22-25

“The men turned from there and went toward Sodom while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away instead of sparing the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people who are in it? You could not possibly do such a thing: to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. You could not possibly do that! Won’t the Judge of the whole earth do what is just?”

3. No plead is ignored.

Genesis 18:26-33

The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Then Abraham answered, “Since I have ventured to speak to my lord—even though I am dust and ashes—suppose the fifty righteous lack five. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” He replied, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Then he spoke to him again, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “I will not do it on account of forty.” Then he said, “Let my lord not be angry, and I will speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” Then he said, “Since I have ventured to speak to my lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He replied, “I will not destroy it on account of twenty.” Then he said, “Let my lord not be angry, and I will speak one more time. Suppose ten are found there?” He answered, “I will not destroy it on account of ten.” When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he departed, and Abraham returned to his place.

Next Steps:

Believe: I can make a difference in my community this week.
Become: I will intercede for my community this week.
Be sent: I will engage someone in my community this week.

Discussion Questions:

Has a small act of kindness greatly impacted you?
How can the ripple effect multiply small actions?
Why do you think Abraham stopped at only 10 people?
Read Luke 19:17.
In what small matter is God asking you to be faithful?
Why does God give great rewards to small acts of faithfulness?
How is one person that you can impact this week?
Pray for your efforts to touch that one person’s heart this week.

Big Idea: The greatest sermons are delivered at the dinner table.

Genesis 18:1-15

1. The dinner table is the best place to entertain angels. Genesis 18: 1-8

He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, bowed to the ground, and said, “My lord, if I have found favor with you, please do not go on past your servant. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. Later, you can continue on.” “Yes,” they replied, “do as you have said.” So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Knead three measures of fine flour and make bread.” Abraham ran to the herd and got a tender, choice calf. He gave it to a young man, who hurried to prepare it. Then Abraham took curds and milk, as well as the calf that he had prepared, and set them before the men. He served them as they ate under the tree.

2. The dinner table is the best place to deal with doubt. Genesis 18: 9-15

“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he answered. The Lord said, “I will certainly come back to you in about a year’s time, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. Abraham and Sarah were old and getting on in years. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself: “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I have delight?” But the Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Can I really have a baby when I’m old?’ Is anything impossible for the Lord? At the appointed time I will come back to you, and in about a year she will have a son.” Sarah denied it. “I did not laugh,” she said, because she was afraid. But he replied, “No, you did laugh.”

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to give me a new heart today.
Become: I will share my doubts with a trusted friend.
Be sent: I will open my home to someone far from Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

What was the most memorable thing you heard during a family meal?
Read Hebrews 13:1-2:
Explain the connection between love and hospitality.
How easy is it for you to open your home to a stranger?
When was the last time you opened your home to an unbeliever?
How does God feel about doubt? Explain your answer using Scripture.
Is there any doubt that you’re struggling with today?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you open your home this week.

Big Idea: What does obedience mean to you?

Genesis 17: 15-27

1. A Promise: Mother of Nations. Genesis 17: 15-18

God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” 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?” And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”

2. A Promise: Isaac and Ishmael. Genesis 17: 19-22

Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.” When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.

3. Immediate Obedience. Genesis 17: 23-27

On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day. And every male in Abraham’s household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.

Next Steps:

Believe: I surrender my all to the glory of God and in faith to King Jesus.
Become: I will seek to understand and grow in God’s promises and purposes for my life.
Be Sent: I will live out obedience in my actions AND my words this week.

Discussion Questions:

Is obedience an act or a process? Explain your answer.
Why do we naturally dislike obedience?
Was there a time when being obedience cost you a friendship?
Can you truly follow someone you don’t trust?
What helps you hold on to trust even when things look like they're getting worse?
Was there a time when you were disobedient to the Holy Spirit?
Pray for someone who is far from Christ today.

Big Idea: A faith that doesn’t cost much isn’t worth much.

Genesis 17: 1-14

1. Faith demands costly obedience. Genesis 17: 1-8

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless. I will set up my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.” Then Abram fell facedown and God spoke with him: “As for me, here is my covenant with you: You will become the father of many nations. Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. I will confirm my covenant that is between me and you and your future offspring throughout their generations. It is a permanent covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you. And to you and your future offspring I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as a permanent possession, and I will be their God.”

2. Faith demands denying your flesh. Genesis 17:9-12

God also said to Abraham, “As for you, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations are to keep my covenant. This is my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you, which you are to keep: Every one of your males must be circumcised. You must circumcise the flesh of your foreskin to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and you. Throughout your generations, every male among you is to be circumcised at eight days old—every male born in your household or purchased from any foreigner and not your offspring.

3. Faith demands putting Jesus before all others. Genesis 17: 13-14

Whether born in your household or purchased, he must be circumcised. My covenant will be marked in your flesh as a permanent covenant. If any male is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that man will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”

Next Steps:

BELIEVE: I surrender my heart and flesh to Jesus today.
BECOME: I will trust the Holy Spirit to help me overcome temptation this week.
BE SENT: I will sacrifice my comfort and convenience for Jesus’s glory this week.

Discussion Questions:

Does Jesus’s forgiveness mean you can commit any sin you want? Explain your answer.
What is the last big sacrifice God has asked of you?
When asked what you must give up to follow Jesus, how do you answer?
Do you have a difficult relationship with someone that doesn’t share your faith?
Is there something or someone more precious to you than Jesus?
What does it say about the faith of someone who knowingly continues to give into the same sin?
Ask for the strength to follow God regardless of the costs this week.

Big Idea: It doesn’t matter how fast you travel down the wrong road!

Genesis 16: 1-16

1. Hurry won’t accelerate God’s timeline. Genesis 16: 1-5

Abram’s wife, Sarai, had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So Abram’s wife, Sarai, took Hagar, her Egyptian slave, and gave her to her husband, Abram, as a wife for him. This happened after Abram had lived in the land of Canaan ten years. He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she saw that she was pregnant, her mistress became contemptible to her. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for my suffering! I put my slave in your arms, and when she saw that she was pregnant, I became contemptible to her. May the Lord judge between me and you.”

2. Fury won’t alter God’s plan. Genesis 16: 6-10

Abram replied to Sarai, “Here, your slave is in your power; do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her. The angel of the Lord found her by a spring in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. He said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She replied, “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.”

3. Worry won’t change your circumstances. Genesis 16: 11-16

The angel of the Lord said to her, “You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction. This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him; he will settle near all his relatives.” So she named the Lord who spoke to her: “You are El-roi,” for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me?” That is why the well is called Beer-lahai-roi. It is between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar gave birth to Abram’s son, and Abram named his son (whom Hagar bore) Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.

Next Steps:

BELIEVE: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
BECOME: I will wait for the Lord’s best this week.
BE SENT: I will share my struggles with someone this week.

Discussion Questions:

What is the longest promise you’ve waited for?
On a scale of 1-10, how easy is it for you to wait for God to answer your prayers?
Did you worry about something yesterday that never came to pass?
Is there an area of your faith that you’re struggling with today?
Read James 1:19-20. How often do you wrestle with anger?
Since God gets angry throughout the Bible, what is different from human anger and God’s anger?
Thank God for his patience with you this week.

Big Idea: Doubt creates mountains- Faith moves them.

Genesis 15:7-21

1. Don’t doubt that God can. Genesis 15: 7-8

He also said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “Lord God, how can I know that I will possess it?”

2. Don’t doubt that God cares. Genesis 15: 9-12

He said to him, “Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” So he brought all these to him, cut them in half, and laid the pieces opposite each other, but he did not cut the birds in half. Birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. As the sun was setting, a deep sleep came over Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him.

3. Don’t doubt God’s covenant. Genesis 15: 13-21

Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know this for certain: Your offspring will be resident aliens for four hundred years in a land that does not belong to them and will be enslaved and oppressed. However, I will judge the nation they serve, and afterward they will go out with many possessions. But you will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” When the sun had set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the divided animals. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I give this land to your offspring, from the Brook of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River: the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hethites, Perizzites, Rephaim, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”

Next Steps:

BELIEVE: Today, I surrender to God’s blood covenant over me.
BECOME: I will hold on to hope, even when my situation looks hopeless.
BE SENT: I will share my hope in Jesus with someone facing doubt this week.

Discussion Questions:

When was the last time you were tempted to doubt God? Why?
Does it help you handle challenges when you see others overcome hardships? Explain.
Where do those who are far from Jesus place their hope?
Does fellowship with other Christians make your difficulties easier to bear? Explain.
Why do some people hold on to hope when others lose hope in the same circumstances?
Does it feel like God doesn’t notice or doesn’t care when evil happens to you? Explain.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to make your faith stronger than your doubts this week.

Big Idea: God’s promise is more powerful than your pain.

Genesis 15:1-6

After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.” Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

1. Look to God’s promise in the midst of your confusion.

Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless…

2. God’s promise shines through your darkness.

“Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”

3. Your life shows how much you believe God’s promise.

Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Next Steps:

BELIEVE: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
BECOME: I will hold on to THE promise in my darkness this week.
BE SENT: I will enter someone else’s pain this week.

Discussion Questions:

Do you know anyone who has lost all hope?
What promise are you most excited for God to fulfill?
Which is stronger, love or grief? Explain your answer.
Was there a time when hope got you through some difficult circumstances?
How can your hope for the future get you through today’s pains?
Is there a difference between hope and positive thinking? Explain.
Thank God for his gift of grace to you this week.

AMA Week 4

Big Idea: Every honest question deserves an honest answer!

1. What happens to a Christian who died but could not have water baptism?

Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized. When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Romans 6:4

Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.

2. What happens to infants and young children who pass away? Do they become angels instantly?

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.

1 John 3:2

Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

3. In war, there are times when we have encountered child militants. Does the Bible say anything about going to hell because of killing children?

Matthew 12:31

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven.”

Next Steps:

I will answer someone’s questions about Jesus this week.
I need Jesus to change my heart today.

Discussion Questions:

How is sin connected to shame?
Are you struggling to accept forgiveness for something in your past?
Does being forgiven make the shame of a mistake go away?
What is the smallest sin deserving of hell?
What does it take to earn God’s forgiveness?
What difference did baptism make to you personally?
Thank God for his gift of grace to you this week.

AMA Week 3

Big Idea: Every honest question deserves an honest answer!

1. How do I know which faith is true?

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 14:6

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2. Does God help us make good decisions?

2 Chronicles 7:14

…and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

3. What will the new earth be like? Who is the antichrist?

Romans 6:23

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.

1 John 2:18-19

Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us.

Next Steps:

I will help someone else understand our faith this week.
I need to give Jesus my heart today.

AMA Week 1

Big Idea: Every honest question deserves an honest answer!

1. How can God “regret” in Genesis 6:6?

2 Cor 7:10

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.

Romans 2:4

Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

2. How can there be sin in a perfect universe?

Isaiah 52:9

Be joyful, rejoice together, you ruins of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.

1 John 3:4

Everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

3. If God is all-powerful, why would he sacrifice his son?

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 5:9-10

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Next Steps:

I lay down my life to Jesus again this week.
I need Jesus to recreate my soul today.

Discussion Questions:

What is the greatest sacrificial act that another person has done for you?
Is there a mistake in your past that you regret?
How are you working through this regret?
How do you ensure your past mistakes don’t happen again?
How does God view your past mistakes? Use Scripture to support your answer.
What is the least cost your smallest sin requires?
Spend time thanking God for his sacrificial love this week.

AMA Week 1

Big Idea: Every honest question deserves an honest answer!

1. Does evolution change the Big Story of the Bible?

Genesis 1:27

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

John 3:12

But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

2. Do I have to believe in 7 days of creation to be a Christian?

Acts 11:26

When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

Romans 10:9

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

3. How old is the universe?

Hebrew 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Genesis 5:3 When Adam was 130 years old, he became the father of a son who was just like him—in his very image. He named his son Seth.

Next Steps:

I will explain the good news to someone this week.
I need Jesus to change my heart today.

Discussion Questions:

Did you learn about the Big Bang theory in school? (Explain when and how.)
Do you believe the strongest evidence points to a young or old earth?
Is the Big Bang presented as a “theory” or a “fact”?
Why do we use time to measure distance in light years?
Do you know anyone whose faith has been impacted by the origins of the universe debate?
What question do you have about the origins of the universe?
Thank God for his role in the universe and your life this week.

Big Idea: Abraham was a commando!

Genesis 14:1-16

1. There’s a war raging around you. Genesis 14: 1-7

And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these kings came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). For twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites on their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar.

2. Don’t move next door to the enemy. Genesis 14: 8-12

And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they lined up for battle against them in the Valley of Siddim, against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. Then they took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom.

3. Faith always changes the fight. Genesis 14: 13-16

Then a survivor came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was residing by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and they were allies with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, numbering 318, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. Then he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the other people.

Next Steps:

I will fight the good fight of faith this week.
I surrender to King Jesus today.

Discussion Questions:

Has someone close to you caused you to struggle spiritually lately?
Describe spiritual warfare in your own words.
What was the last spirit battle you were in? Be specific.
Do you tend to engage or withdraw from spiritual conflict?
Do you believe there’s any connection between spiritual and physical conflict? Explain your answer.
What weapons can be used to fight spiritual battles?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you push back darkness this week.

Big Idea: Allow God to be a part of your decision-making process.

Genesis 13:1-18

1. Don’t let greed determine your choices in life. Genesis 13:1-10

Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev-he, his wife, and all he had, and Lot with him. Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been, to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of the LORD there. Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. But the land was unable to support them as long as they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they could not stay together, and there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. (At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land.) So Abram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives. Isn’t the whole land before you? Separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” Lot looked out and saw that the entire plain of the Jordan as far as Zoar was well watered everywhere like the LORD's garden and the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)

Four traits that make Godly people weak.

Lack of prayer in your life.
Lack of time in scripture.
Engaging in bad behavior.
Withdrawal from fellowship.

2. We have to choose wisely. Genesis 13:11-13

So Lot chose the entire plain of the Jordan for himself. Then Lot journeyed eastward, and they separated from each other. Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived in the cities on the plain and set up his tent near Sodom. (Now the men of Sodom were evil, sinning immensely against the LORD .)

God confirms His decision with Abram. Genesis 13:14-18

After Lot had separated from him, the LORD said to Abram, "Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, for I will give you and your offspring forever all the land that you see. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. Get up and walk around the land, through its length and width, for I will give it to you." So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

Next Steps:

· I will seek God when making decisions this week.

· I will trust God’s decisions for my life.

Discussion Questions:

Do you pray for guidance from God first before making a decision? If not, why?
Do you regret not praying to God for answers to problems?
Does your personal desire lead you one way or another when making decisions?
Have you made a decision that has hurt your family? If so, has that relationship been restored?
What is your process on making major decisions for you and/or your family?
At what point does a desire for more become greed?
Pray for guidance this week when making decisions.

Big Idea: WHY? Is the best and worst question you can ask in hard times.

Genesis 12:10-20

WHY? Is the best and worst question you can ask in hard times.

1. Why Famine is confusing.

Genesis 12: 10

Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a time, because the famine was severe in the land.

2. Why Fear is dangerous.

Genesis 12: 11-16

It came about, when he was approaching Egypt, that he said to his wife Sarai, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well for me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.” Now it came about, when Abram entered Egypt, that the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and he gave him sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

3. Why Falsehood is a sin.

Genesis 12: 17-20

But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for myself as a wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go!” And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him.

Next Steps:

I will meet Jesus in the middle of my problems this week.
I need to start a walk with Jesus today.

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Big Idea: Faith demands one step into the unknown.

Genesis 12:1-9

Faith demands one step into the unknown.

1. Faith demands stepping toward Jesus.

Genesis 12: 1-3

The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

2. Faith demands risking it all on Jesus.

Genesis 12: 4-6

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated, and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the site of Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. (At that time the Canaanites were in the land.)

3. Faith demands following Jesus’s path.

Genesis 12: 7-9

AThe Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring, I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. He built an altar to the Lord there, and he called on the name of the Lord. Then Abram journeyed by stages to the Negev.

Next Steps:

I will walk by faith this week.
I need to start a walk with Jesus today.

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Download our app through the Apple or Google Play.

Big Idea: Your birth sets where you start, not how you finish in life.

Genesis 10: 1-32

Your birth sets where you start, not how you finish in life.

1. The clan of Japheth was disbursed.

Genesis 10: 1-5

These are the family records of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. They also had sons after the flood. Japheth’s sons: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. Gomer’s sons: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. And Javan’s sons: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. From these descendants, the peoples of the coasts and islands spread out into their lands according to their clans in their nations, each with its own language.

2. The clan of Ham was cursed.

Genesis 10: 6-20

Ham’s sons: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. Cush’s sons: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. And Raamah’s sons: Sheba and Dedan. Cush fathered Nimrod, who began to be powerful in the land. He was a powerful hunter in the sight of the Lord. That is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a powerful hunter in the sight of the Lord.” His kingdom started with Babylon, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-ir, Calah, and Resen, between Nineveh and the great city Calah. Mizraim, fathered the people of Lud, Anam, Lehab, Naphtuh, Pathrus, Casluh (the Philistines came from them), and Caphtor. Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth, as well as the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the Canaanite clans scattered. The Canaanite border went from Sidon going toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and going toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim as far as Lasha. These are Ham’s sons by their clans, according to their languages, in their lands and their nations.

3. The clan of Shem was first.

Genesis 10: 21-32

And Shem, Japheth’s older brother, also had sons. Shem was the father of all the sons of Eber. Shem’s sons were Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. Aram’s sons: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. Arpachshad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber. Eber had two sons. One was named Peleg, for during his days the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan. And Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were Joktan’s sons. Their settlements extended from Mesha to Sephar, the eastern hill country. These are Shem’s sons by their clans, according to their languages, in their lands and their nations. These are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their family records, in their nations. The nations on earth spread out from these after the flood.

Next Steps:

I will show my family how to walk with Jesus this week.
I need to begin my walk with Jesus today.

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Big Idea: How to walk in your father’s footsteps.

Genesis 9: 18-29

How to walk in your father’s footsteps.

1. We all have the same father.

Genesis 9: 18-19

The sons of Noah who came out of the boat with their father were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham is the father of Canaan.) From these three sons of Noah came all the people who now populate the earth.

2. Every human father is flawed.

Genesis 9: 20-23

After the flood, Noah began to cultivate the ground, and he planted a vineyard. One day he drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers. Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they looked the other way so they would not see him naked.

3. A father’s blessing helps a boy become a man.

Genesis 9: 24-29

When Noah woke up from his stupor, he learned what Ham, his youngest son, had done. Then he cursed Canaan, the son of Ham: “May Canaan be cursed! May he be the lowest of servants to his relatives.” Then Noah said, “May the Lord, the God of Shem, be blessed, and may Canaan be his servant! May God expand the territory of Japheth! May Japheth share the prosperity of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.” Noah lived another 350 years after the great flood. He lived 950 years, and then he died.

Next Steps:

I will leave a legacy by my walk with Jesus this week.
I need God to become my Father today.

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Big Idea: Today is your 2nd chance for a better yesterday.

Genesis 9: 1-17

Today is your 2nd chance for a better yesterday.

1. Sin infected everything.

Genesis 9: 1-7

Then God blessed Noah and his sons and told them, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth. All the animals of the earth, all the birds of the sky, all the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the fish in the sea will look on you with fear and terror. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables. But you must never eat any meat that still has the lifeblood in it. “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.”

2. God washed it all away.

Genesis 9: 8-11

Then God told Noah and his sons, “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.”

3. Jesus offers a new chance.

Genesis 9: 12-17

Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”

Next Steps:

I will spread Jesus’s glory this week.
I need Jesus to wash me clean today.

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Big Idea: Don’t mistake God’s silence for scorn.

Genesis 8: 1-22

Don’t mistake God’s silence for scorn.

1. God remembers despite your silence.

Genesis 8: 1-4

The sons of Noah who came out of the boat with their father were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham is the father of Canaan.) From these three sons of Noah came all the people who now populate the earth.

2. His Spirit works behind the scenes.

Genesis 8: 5-14

The water continued to recede until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were visible. After forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made, and he sent out a raven. It went back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see whether the water on the earth’s surface had gone down, but the dove found no resting place for its foot. It returned to him in the ark because water covered the surface of the whole earth. He reached out and brought it into the ark to himself. So Noah waited seven more days and sent out the dove from the ark again. When the dove came to him at evening, there was a plucked olive leaf in its beak. So Noah knew that the water on the earth’s surface had gone down. After he had waited another seven days, he sent out the dove, but it did not return to him again. In the six hundred first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the water that had covered the earth was dried up. Then Noah removed the ark’s cover and saw that the surface of the ground was drying. By the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the earth was dry.

3. Jesus steps in at the perfect moment.

Genesis 8: 15-22

Then God spoke to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you, your wife, your sons, and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, those that crawl on the earth—and they will spread over the earth and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” So Noah, along with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, came out. All the animals, all the creatures that crawl, and all the flying creatures—everything that moves on the earth—came out of the ark by their families. Then Noah built an altar to the Lord. He took some of every kind of clean animal and every kind of clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. When the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, he said to himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of human beings, even though the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth onward. And I will never again strike down every living thing as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.”

Next Steps:

I will trust Jesus even in the silence this week.
I need Jesus to speak to my soul today.

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Big Idea: When He calls me, I will answer.

Isaiah 6:1-8

When He calls me, I will answer.

1. Our Conviction.

Isaiah 6: 1-4

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth. The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.

2. Our Cleansing.

Isaiah 6:5-7

Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Armies. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.

3. Our Call.

Isaiah 6: 8

Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who should I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me.

Next Steps:

I will go where I’m sent.
Today, I will give God a return on His investment in me.

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Big Idea: God delights to deliver from the brink of danger.

Genesis 7: 11-24

Has every family gone crazy?

1. Noah Gathered.

Genesis 7: 11-17

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the sources of the vast watery depths burst open, the floodgates of the sky were opened, and the rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. On that same day Noah along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, entered the ark, along with Noah’s wife and his three sons’ wives. They entered it with all the wildlife according to their kinds, all livestock according to their kinds, all the creatures that crawl on the earth according to their kinds, every flying creature—all the birds and every winged creature—according to their kinds. Two of every creature that has the breath of life in it came to Noah and entered the ark. Those that entered, male and female of every creature, entered just as God had commanded him. Then the Lord shut him in.

2. God Delivered.

Genesis 7: 18-24

The flood continued for forty days on the earth; the water increased and lifted up the ark so that it rose above the earth. The water surged and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. Then the water surged even higher on the earth, and all the high mountains under the whole sky were covered. The mountains were covered as the water surged above them more than twenty feet. Every creature perished—those that crawl on the earth, birds, livestock, wildlife, and those that swarm on the earth, as well as all mankind. Everything with the breath of the spirit of life in its nostrils—everything on dry land died. He wiped out every living thing that was on the face of the earth, from mankind to livestock, to creatures that crawl, to the birds of the sky, and they were wiped off the earth. Only Noah was left, and those that were with him in the ark. And the water surged on the earth 150 days.

Next Steps:

I will trust Jesus to deliver me by acting in faith this week.
I need Jesus to deliver my soul today.

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Big Idea: Has every family gone crazy?

Genesis 6: 1-8

Has every family gone crazy?

1. The perverted family tree.

Genesis 6:1-4

When mankind began to multiply on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful, and they took any they chose as wives for themselves. And the Lord said, “My Spirit will not remain with mankind forever, because they are corrupt. Their days will be 120 years.” The Nephilim were on the earth both in those days and afterward, when the sons of God came to the daughters of mankind, who bore children to them. They were the powerful men of old, the famous men.

2. The powerful family tree.

Genesis 6: 5-7

When the Lord saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every inclination of the human mind was nothing but evil all the time, the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and he was deeply grieved. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I created, off the face of the earth, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky—for I regret that I made them.”

3. The pure family tree.

Genesis 6:8

Noah, however, found favor with the Lord.

Next Steps:

I want the Lord’s favor on my family.
I need God to make my heart clean today.

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Big Idea: God cares about the family tree of Mankind.

Genesis 5: 1-32

God cares about the family tree of Mankind

1. God reaffirms creation.

Genesis 5: 1-2

This is the document containing the family records of Adam. On the day that God created man, he made him in the likeness of God; he created them male and female. When they were created, he blessed them and called them mankind.

2. Roots of the tree.

Genesis 5: 3-24

Adam was 130 years old when he fathered a son in his likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. Adam lived 800 years after he fathered Seth, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Adam's life lasted 930 years; then he died. [6] Seth was 105 years old when he fathered Enosh. Seth lived 807 years after he fathered Enosh, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Seth's life lasted 912 years; then he died. Enosh was 90 years old when he fathered Kenan. Enosh lived 815 years after he fathered Kenan, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Enosh's life lasted 905 years; then he died. Kenan was 70 years old when he fathered Mahalalel. Kenan lived 840 years after he fathered Mahalalel, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Kenan's life lasted 910 years; then he died. Mahalalel was 65 years old when he fathered Jared. Mahalalel lived 830 years after he fathered Jared, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Mahalalel's life lasted 895 years; then he died. Jared was 162 years old when he fathered Enoch. Jared lived 800 years after he fathered Enoch, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Jared's life lasted 962 years; then he died. Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methuselah. And after he fathered Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters. So Enoch's life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.

3. Noah is tasked to save the world from itself.

Genesis 5: 25-32

Methuselah was 187 years old when he fathered Lamech. Methuselah lived 782 years after he fathered Lamech, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Methuselah's life lasted 969 years; then he died. Lamech was 182 years old when he fathered a son. And he named him Noah, saying, "This one will bring us relief from the agonizing labor of our hands, caused by the ground the LORD has cursed." Lamech lived 595 years after he fathered Noah, and he fathered other sons and daughters. So Lamech's life lasted 777 years; then he died. Noah was 500 years old, and he fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Next Steps:

I will honor my spiritual ancestors.
I will live out the examples set before me this week.

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Big Idea: Everyday you’re confronted with 2 choices…

Genesis 4: 17-26

Everyday you’re confronted with 2 choices…

1. Two societies.

Genesis 4: 15-22

Cain was intimate with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain became the builder of a city, and he named the city Enoch after his son. Irad was born to Enoch, Irad fathered Mehujael, Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. Lamech took two wives for himself, one named Adah and the other named Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the first of the nomadic herdsmen. His brother was named Jubal; he was the first of all who play the lyre and the flute. Zillah bore Tubal-cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. Tubal-cain’s sister was Naamah.

2. Two sins.

Genesis 4: 23-24

Lamech said to his wives: Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; wives of Lamech, pay attention to my words. For I killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain is to be avenged seven times over, then for Lamech it will be seventy-seven times!

3. Two sons.

Genesis 4: 25-26

Adam was intimate with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, for she said, “God has given me another offspring in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” A son was born to Seth also, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.

Next Steps:

I will choose to walk with Jesus this week.
I need to start a walk with Jesus today.

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Big Idea: The Easter sunrise can pierce into your darkest night!

Revelations 21:1-6

The Easter sunrise can pierce into your darkest night!

1. Because the tomb is empty…

Revelations 21: 1-2

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

2 …the temple is open, and…

Genesis 21:3

Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

3 …time is no longer your enemy.

Genesis 21: 4-6

Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life.

Next Steps:

I will face this week with Easter hope.
I need Jesus to do the Easter miracle in my heart today.

Big Idea: The greatest freedom is won through the greatest fight.

Genesis 4: 1-16

The greatest freedom is won through the greatest fight.

1. A fight between self and sin.

Genesis 4: 1-7

The man was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I have had a male child with the Lord’s help.” She also gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground. In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

2. A fight between brothers.

Genesis 4:8

Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

3. A fight between God and man.

Genesis 4: 9-12

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” Then he said, “What have you done? Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! So now you are cursed, alienated from the ground that opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood you have shed. If you work the ground, it will never again give you its yield. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

4. A fight between man and neighbor.

Genesis 4:13-16

But Cain answered the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear! Since you are banishing me today from the face of the earth, and I must hide from your presence and become a restless wanderer on the earth, whoever finds me will kill me.”. Then the Lord replied to him, “In that case, whoever kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” And he placed a mark on Cain so that whoever found him would not kill him. Then Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Next Steps:

I will rule over my sin this week.
I need Jesus to wash me clean for the first time today.

Big Idea: When death comes knocking.

Genesis 3: 20-24

When death comes knocking.

1. We lost Biology.

Genesis 3: 20-21

The man named his wife Eve because she was the mother of all the living. The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.

2. We lost Infinity.

Genesis 3: 22

The Lord God said, “Since the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil, he must not reach out, take from the tree of life, eat, and live forever.”

3. We lost Eden.

Genesis 3: 23-24

So the Lord God sent him away from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove the man out and stationed the cherubim and the flaming, whirling sword east of the garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life.

Next Steps:

I will let Jesus direct my life this week.
I need Jesus to do a miracle in my soul today.

Big Idea: Paradise Lost: God in the Garden of Evil.

Genesis 3: 8-19

Paradise Lost: God in the Garden of Evil.

1. When parents act like children.

Genesis 3: 8-13

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.” So the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

2. Why nature is deadly.

Genesis 3: 14-15

So the Lord God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

3. When desire becomes painful to bear.

Genesis 3: 16

He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children with painful effort. Your desire will be for your husband, yet he will rule over you.

4. Why all relationships are messy.

Genesis 3: -19

And he said to the man, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”

Next Steps:

I will run to Jesus despite my shame this week.
I need Jesus to strike the serpent for me today.

Big Idea: Don’t follow the rules…

Genesis 3: 1-7

Don’t follow the rules…

1. Focus on the relationship.

Genesis 3: 1-3 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”

2. Heaven has responsibilities.

Genesis 3: 4-7 “No! You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit 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 knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Next Steps:

I will let love for King Jesus fuel my obedience this week.
I need Jesus to re-create me into a new person today.

Big Idea: Only Heaven has perfect human harmony.

Genesis 2:15-25

Only Heaven has perfect human harmony.

1. Heaven has rules.

Genesis 2: 15–17 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”

2. Heaven has responsibilities.

Genesis 2: 18-20 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper corresponding to him.” The Lord God formed out of the ground every wild animal and every bird of the sky, and brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man no helper was found corresponding to him.

3. Heaven has relationships.

Genesis 2: 21-25 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. Then the Lord God made the rib he had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called “woman,” for she was taken from man. This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.

Next Steps:

I will live for both here AND Heaven this week.
I need Jesus to give me a heart for Heaven today.

Big Idea: Revival is prayed down…not worked up.

Ezekiel 37:1-10

Revival is prayed down…not worked up.

Ezekiel 37: 1–6 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by his Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them. There were a great many of them on the surface of the valley, and they were very dry. Then he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I replied, “Lord God, only you know.” He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord God says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will live. I will put tendons on you, make flesh grow on you, and cover you with skin. I will put breath in you so that you come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”2. Heaven is fruitful.

Jesus breathes revival from the dust.
Jesus blesses the prayers of the desperate.
Jesus brings his army from the dead.

Ezekiel 37: 7-10So I prophesied as I had been commanded. While I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. As I looked, tendons appeared on them, flesh grew, and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man. Say to it: This is what the Lord God says: Breath, come from the four winds and breathe into these slain so that they may live!” So I prophesied as he commanded me; the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, a vast armyI will live for heaven and here this week.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to breathe into my dead heart today.
I will pray and fast for Jesus' move in my dry bones this week.

Big Idea: Heaven version 1.0.

Genesis 2: 4-14

TGIS- Thank God it’s Saturday.

1. Heaven is eternal.

Genesis 2: 4-7 These are the records of the heavens and the earth, concerning their creation. At the time that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, no shrub of the field had yet grown on the land, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not made it rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground. But mist would come up from the earth and water all the ground. Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.

2. Heaven is fruitful.

Genesis 2: 8-9 The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he placed the man he had formed. The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

3. Heaven is beautiful.

Genesis 2: 10-14 A river went out from Eden to water the garden. From there it divided and became the source of four rivers. The name of the first is Pishon, which flows through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. Gold from that land is pure; bdellium and onyx are also there. The name of the second river is Gihon, which flows through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, which runs east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

Next Steps:

I will live for heaven and here this week.
I need Jesus to set me on the path to Heaven today.

Big Idea: TGIS- Thank God it’s Saturday.

Genesis 2: 1-3

TGIS- Thank God it’s Saturday.

1. This day is different.

Genesis 2: 1-2So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.

2. This day is dedicated.

Genesis 2: 3 God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.

Next Steps:

I will rest in God’s goodness this week.
I need Jesus to create a new heart in me today.

Big Idea: We were made to rule and fellowship with God.

Genesis 1:26-31

We were made to rule and fellowship with God.

1. We were never meant to do life alone.

Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."

2. We were made to represent God on earth.

Genesis 1:29-31 God also said, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth everything having the breath of life in it I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.

Next Steps:

I will show leadership for and in God.
I need the Holy Spirit to assist me as a representative of God.

Big Idea: It’s time for Christianity to declare a cease-fire with science.

Genesis 1:14-25

It’s time for Christianity to declare a cease-fire with science.

1. The stars shine in God’s summer sky.

Genesis 1:14-19 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years. They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule over the day and the lesser light to rule over the night—as well as the stars. God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, to rule the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. Evening came and then morning: the fourth day.

2. God elevated the eagle above the earth.

Genesis 1:20-23 Then God said, “Let the water swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the large sea-creatures and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them: “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” Evening came and then morning: the fifth day.

3. The gazelle gallops on God’s grass.

Genesis 1:24-25 Then God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Next Steps:

I will let the God who created the sun, light my path this week.
I need Jesus to create a “good” heart in me today.

Big Idea: The little questions lead to the biggest answers!

Genesis 1:6-13

God’s Word brings a moment of light from an eternity of darkness.

1. Why is the sky blue?

Genesis 1:6-8 Then God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, separating water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above the expanse. And it was so. God called the expanse “sky.” Evening came and then morning: the second day.

2. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Genesis 1:9-13 Then God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of the water he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.” And it was so. The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Evening came and then morning: the third day.

Next Steps:

I need the Holy Spirit to show me the goodness of God this week.
I need Jesus to re-create my heart today.

Big Idea: God’s Word brings a moment of light from an eternity of darkness.

Genesis 1:1-5

God’s Word brings a moment of light from an eternity of darkness.

1. God’s Word brings order from chaos.

Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

2. God’s Word sparks light from darkness.

Genesis 1:3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

3. God’s Word creates beauty from an ugly past.

Genesis 1:4-5 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day.

Next Steps:

I will feast on the Word of God this week.
I need Jesus to speak new life into my heart today.

Big Idea: Your worldview is free, but it will cost you everything!

Genesis 1:1

Your worldview is free, but it will cost you everything!

1. God causes

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning…”

2. God creates

Genesis 1:1 … God…

3. God cares

Genesis 1:1 …created the heavens and the earth.

Next Steps:

I will let my creator set my agenda this week.
I need Jesus to create a new heart in me today.

Big Idea: We’re aligning our vision with God’s vision for 2023!

We’re aligning our vision with God’s vision for 2023!

1. We will match or work and worship.

Jeremiah 7:3-4 “‘This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Correct your ways and your actions, and I will allow you to live in this place. Do not trust deceitful words, chanting, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.”

2. We will worship from a changed heart.

John 4:21-24 Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”

3. We won’t confuse church with Christianity.

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to change my soul for the first time.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I will make 1 disciple in 2023.

Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t compare Christians!

John 21:20-25

Jesus doesn’t compare Christians!

1. Don’t compare yourself.

John 21: 20-23 So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them, the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” So this rumor spread to the brothers and sisters that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

2. Every disciple is different.

John 21: 24-25 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

Next Steps:

I need to start a walk with Jesus today.
I will focus on my walk with Jesus next year.

Big Idea: Jesus favors faith on bloody knees.

John 21:1-14

Jesus favors faith on bloody knees.

1. Don’t avoid the “come to Jesus meeting”.

John 21: 15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him.

2. Why excuses are deadly.

John 21: 16-17 A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said.

3. Every child falls before they can run.

John 21:18-19 “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to restore my broken soul today.
I will run to Jesus when I fall this week.

Big Idea: Moving back home empty-handed!

John 21:1-14

Moving back home empty-handed!

1. Back in black.

John 21: 1-6 After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples were together. “I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them. “We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. “Friends,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered. “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

2. Bringing home the bacon.

John 21: 7-11 When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.

3. Breakfast on the beach.

John 21:12-14 “Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to turn my life around today.
I will turn my disappointments over to Jesus this week.

Big Idea: Follow the Signs.

John 20:19-31

Follow the Signs.

1. The Great Commission.

John 20: 19-23 When it was evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be with you." Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you." After saying this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

2. Move from unbeliever to believer.

John 20: 24-29 But Thomas (called "Twin"), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, "We've seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe." A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don't be faithless, but believe." Thomas responded to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

3. Signs that lead the way.

John 20: 30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Next Steps:

I need the Holy Spirit to help me follow the signs that lead to salvation.
I believe Jesus has power on earth as well as in heaven.

Big Idea: When King Jesus calls you by name.

John 20:11-18

When King Jesus calls you by name.

1. Power to face fears.

John 20: 11-15 But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.”

2. A hope to hold onto.

John 20: 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”—which means “Teacher.”

3. You get hope that’s stronger than death.

John 20: 17-18 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to call me to himself today.
I will turn my problems and fears over to Jesus this week.

Big Idea: If this is possible, then _____ !

John 20:1-10

If this is possible, then _____ !

1. You can courageously face your future.

John 20: 1-2 On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

2. You get the ultimate do-over.

John 20: 3-7 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself.

3. You get hope that’s stronger than death.

John 20: 8-10 The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to raise me from my grave of sin today.
I will rely on his resurrection power this week.

Big Idea: Why this tomb became a tourist destination.

John 19: 38-42

Why this tomb became a tourist destination.

1. Joseph

2. Nicodemus

3. You

John 19: 38-42 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away. Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to take control of my heart today.
I will honor Jesus despite my challenges this week.

Big Idea: Love can only be measured on the scales of sacrifice!

John 19: 25-37

Love can only be measured on the scales of sacrifice!

1. Love is serving.

John 19: 25-27 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

2. Love is sacrificial.

John 19: 28-30 After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

3. Love stays until the end.

John 19: 31-37 Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: Not one of his bones will be broken. Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced.

Next Steps:

I renounce my life in exchange for Jesus’s death today.
I will reflect on God’s sacrificial love this week.

Big Idea: His pain was far beyond physical.

John 19: 1-16

His pain was far beyond physical.

John 19: 17-24 Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’ ” Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.” When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. This is what the soldiers did.

1. The spectacle.

2. The society.

3. The suffering.

4. The shame.

5. The soldiers.

Next Steps:

I believe Jesus give his life for me, today I give my life to him.
I will focus on the love of God this week.

Big Idea: One bad choice can chase you for life.

John 19: 1-16

One bad choice can chase you for life.

1. Don’t forget that choices have consequences.

John 19: 1-5 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. And they kept coming up to him and saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” and were slapping his face. Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing him out to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging him.” Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”

2. Don’t choose the easy, wrong path.

John 19: 6-7 When the chief priests and the temple servants saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” Pilate responded, “Take him and crucify him yourselves, since I find no grounds for charging him.” “We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”

3. Don’t let your heart drive your choices.

John 19: 8-11 When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer. So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?” “You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”

3. Don’t let the crowd drive your choices.

John 19: 12-16 From that moment Pilate kept trying to release him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside. He sat down on the judge’s seat in a place called the Stone Pavement (but in Aramaic, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about noon. Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!” They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?” “We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered. Then he handed him over to be crucified. Then they took Jesus away.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to change my heart today.
I need Jesus’s help to make pure choices this week.

Big Idea: Many loud lies can’t silence simple Truth.

John 18: 28-40

Many loud lies can’t silence simple Truth.

1. Don’t sacrifice Truth for convenience.

John 18: 28-32 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They did not enter the headquarters themselves; otherwise they would be defiled and unable to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t have handed him over to you.” Pilate told them, “You take him and judge him according to your law.” “It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,” the Jews declared. They said this so that Jesus’s words might be fulfilled indicating what kind of death he was going to die.

2. Don’t let the pressure stifle Truth.

John 18: 33-37Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about me?” “I’m not a Jew, am I?” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” “What is truth?” said Pilate.

3. Don’t let the crowd silence Truth.

John 18: 38-42 After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no grounds for charging him. You have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to change my soul today.
I will seek and speak the Truth

Big Idea: Anyone moving forward might stumble.

John 18:25-27

Anyone moving forward might stumble.

5 responses after you stumble:

Lie to yourself
Lighten it
Like it didn’t happen
Live in it
Learn from it

John 18: 25-27Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Peter denied it again. Immediately a rooster crowed.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to rescue me for the first time.
I will run to Jesus when I stumbled this week.

Big Idea: When deeply wounded… apply pressure!

John 18:15-24

When deeply wounded… apply pressure!

1. When the damage is self-inflicted.

John 18: 15-18 Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” “I am not,” he said. Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.

2. When the truth hurts.

John 18: 19-21 The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews gather, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret. Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.”

3. When injured by injustice.

John 18: 21-24 When he had said these things, one of the officials standing by slapped Jesus, saying, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” “If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to take control of my heart today.
I need God’s help to stand firm this week.

Big Idea: The helpless are hopeless without a hero.

John 18: 1-14

The helpless are hopeless without a hero.

1. Superman can’t fly out of his flesh.

John 18: 1-5 After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am he,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them.

2. Hulk can’t smash his sin.

John 18: 6-11When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Then he asked them again, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. “I told you I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the words he had said: “I have not lost one of those you have given me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?”.

3. Wonder Woman can’t win this war.

John 18: 12-14 Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus and tied him up. First they led him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better for one man to die for the people.

Next Steps:

I can’t escape my nature. I need Jesus to change my heart today.
I need the Holy Spirit to help me fight my flesh this week.

AMA: Skin issues are usually sin issues.

1. How do I accept cultural differences without my group getting dysfunctional?

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Acts 17:26-28; Romans 15:5–6; Galatians 3:26–28 2. How do I prevent my church preferences from becoming an idol?

John 13:34 I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.

Genesis 11:1-9; Matthew 6:24

3. Is God okay with a one-culture church in a multi-cultural city?

Luke 13:29-30 They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God. Note this: Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.

Psalm 117:1-2; Colossians 3:9–11; Timothy 2:3–6; Revelation 7:9

Next Steps:

I need to settle my relationship with Jesus today.
I want to start a relationship with others this week.
I will not settle for shallow relationships in my group.

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AMA: Should I be best friends with an unbeliever?

1. Is there room for politics in the church?

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. But actually, I wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you.

Proverbs 22:24; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Colossians 2:20; James 4:4 2. How do I trust a boss or spouse that doesn’t follow Jesus?

Romans 13:5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.

Matthew 11:28-30 ; Romans13:1-7; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

3. My husband isn’t a Christian, can I divorce him?

1 Peter 3:1-2 In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by the way their wives live when they observe your pure, reverent lives.

Deuteronomy 24:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:15

4. If so, do I have the right to remarry?

1 Cor 7:15-16 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife.

Matt 19:8-12; Romans 7:2-3

5. What if my spouse or friend isn’t at the same spiritual level with me?

2 Corinthians 1:24 I do not mean that we lord it over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in your faith.

Next Steps:

I need to settle my relationship with Jesus today.
I want to start a relationship with others this week.
I will not settle for shallow relationships in my group.

Don't miss our news and announcements! Get our weekly emails by entering your email address HERE

More at 2citieschurch.com

AMA: Don’t let the government overtake the gospel in your group.

Philippians 3:20

Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Is there room for politics in the church?

1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Psalm 33:12; Jeremiah 29:7; Acts: 5:29; Romans 13 2. Where’s the balance?

Proverbs 21:1 A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 146:3; Daniel 3:17; John 19:10-11

3. How far is too far?

Exodus 20:1-4 Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me. Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.

Deuteronomy 11:13-21; Philippians 3:20; Matthew 6:24; Psalm 146:3

Next Steps:

I need to settle my relationship with Jesus today.
I want to start a relationship with others this week.
I will not settle for shallow relationships in my group.

Don't miss our news and announcements! Get our weekly emails by entering your email address HERE

More at 2citieschurch.com

AMA: Building awesome bonds requires bearing awkward burdens.

John 1:16-17

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

1. Sanctity of life.

Leviticus 18:21 “You are not to sacrifice any of your children in the fire to Molech. Do not profane the name of your God; I am the Lord.

Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12; 20:13; Psalms 139:13-16; Psalm 127:3-5; Jeremiah 1:4-5; John 8:7; Romans 12:19. 2. Sexual ethics.

Leviticus 18:22 You are not to sleep with a man as with a woman; it is detestable.

Genesis 2:24–25; 19:1-11, Leviticus 18:22; 20:13, Romans 1:24–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 12-20; Galatians 5:13-26; 1 Timothy 1:8-11.

3. Social Justice.

Matt 25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40

Luke 10:37; 1 Corinthians 13; James 2:8

Next Steps:

I need to settle my relationship with Jesus today.
I want to start a relationship with others this week.
I will not settle for shallow relationships in my group.

Don't miss our news and announcements! Get our weekly emails by entering your email address HERE

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AMA: 3 boundaries for relationships in the church.

1. Across the block.

Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ

2. Across the bridge.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together without agreeing to meet?

Come together:

The Sabbath- - Mark 2:27: Deuteronomy 5:13-15
Baptism- Matthew 3:13-17 and Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41, 8:12; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
Communion- Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
Drinking alcohol- - 1 corinthians 6:12, 8:13; John 2:10

3. Across the border.

1 John 4: 1-3 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.

The basics of our faith:

Son of God- God the Son
Virgin birth
Sinless lamb
Bodily resurrection (not a ghost) after a physical death
Salvation only through his sacrifice (not your works)

Next Steps

I need to settle my relationship with Jesus today.
I want to start a relationship with others this week.
I will not settle for shallow relationships in my group.

Don't miss our news and announcements! Get our weekly emails by entering your email address HERE

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Big Idea: Enough spiders can tie down an elephant.

John 17:20-26

Enough spiders can tie down an elephant.

1. One Faith.

John 17:20-21 “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.

2. One Family.

John 17: 22-23I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

3. One Forever.

John 17: 24-26 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world’s foundation. Righteous Father, the world has not known you. However, I have known you, and they have known that you sent me. I made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them and I may be in them.”

Next Steps:

I want to become part of God’s family today.
I want to connect with a life group this week.

Big Idea: Jesus is praying for you today.

John 17:6-19

Jesus is praying for you today.

1. Jesus prays for your faithfulness.

John 17:6-8 “I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from the world. They were yours, you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, because I have given them the words you gave me. They have received them and have known for certain that I came from you. They have believed that you sent me.

2. Jesus prays for your effectiveness.

John 17: 9-12“I pray for them. I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they are yours. Everything I have is yours, and everything you have is mine, and I am glorified in them. I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I was protecting them by your name that you have given me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled.

3. Jesus prays for your joyfulness.

John 17: 13-16 Now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy completed in them. I have given them your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

4. Jesus prays for your holiness.

John 17: 17-19 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Next Steps:

I prayed for Jesus to touch my soul for the first time today.
When life gets difficult, I will trust God’s truth this week.

Big Idea: Only eternal glory is worth dying for.

John 17:1-5

Only eternal glory is worth dying for.

1. God always acts for his own glory.

John 17:1 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you,

2. Only God's glory is eternal.

John 17: 2-3 …since you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.

3. Courage to conquer.

John 17: 4-5 I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed.

Next Steps:

I have been living for my own glory. Today, I exchange my glory for Jesus’s glory for the first time.
I renounce my glory and live for Jesus’s glory only this week.

Big Idea: Christus Victor is the only Latin you’ll ever need.

John 16:16-33

Christus Victor is the only Latin you’ll ever need.

1. Triumph over toils.

John 16:16-24 “In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me.” Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this he’s telling us: ‘In a little while, you will not see me; again a little while, you will see me,’ and, ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They said, “What is this he is saying, ‘In a little while’? We don’t know what he’s talking about.” Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me’? Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.

2. Power in prayer.

John 16:25-28 "In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I am not telling you that I will ask the Father on your behalf. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

3. Courage to conquer.

John 16: 29-33“His disciples said, “Look, now you’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. Now we know that you know everything and don’t need anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

Next Steps:

I need Jesus to make me new for the first time today.
I will face my toils with courage tomorrow.

Big Idea: We have to be able to endure hardships.

John 16:1-15

We have to be able to endure hardships.

1. Stand your ground.

John 16:1-4“I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or me. But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you will remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

2. Departure is needed for growth to happen.

John 16:5-7 "But now I am going away to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? ’ Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.”

3. We have to be convinced about the truth through the Holy Spirit.

John 16: 8-11 “When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.”

4. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

John 16: 12-15 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.

Next Steps:

I accept Jesus Christ as my LORD and Savior today for the first time.
I will stand my ground with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Big Idea: You can’t live entirely in 1 city and follow Jesus at the same time.

John 15:18-27

You can’t live entirely in 1 city and follow Jesus at the same time.

1. Love amid hatred.

John 15:18-19“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.

2. Safety amid hostility.

John 15: 20-25 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don’t know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. The one who hates me also hates my Father. If I had not done the works among them that no one else has done, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But this happened so that the statement written in their law might be fulfilled: They hated me for no reason.3. Help amid challenges.

3. Help amid challenges.

John 15: 26-27 “When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me. You also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Next Steps:

I need to experience the hope of the Gospel for the first time today.
I need help hanging onto my faith today.

Big Idea: Love alone is stronger than death.

John 15:9-17

Love alone is stronger than death.

1. Love unites eternally.

John 15:9-10As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

2. Love delights fully.

John 15: 11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.3. Love sacrifices willingly.

3. Love sacrifices willingly.

John 15: 12-17 This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. “This is what I command you: Love one another.”

Next Steps:

I need Jesus’s sacrifice to set me free from sin today.
I will love sacrificially this week.

Big Idea: Only the seed never planted cannot grow.

John 15:1-8

Only the seed never planted cannot grow.

1. A farmer’s sweat is the best fertilizer.

John 15:1-4 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.

2. Hope breaks up the hardest fields.

John 15: 5-8 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

How to prepare for FRUIT:

Faithfully present the gospel
Rely totally on the Holy Spirit
Understand the soil
Imitate Christ’s love for the lost
Trust God with the results

Next Steps:

I need to be born again today.
I will plant 1 seed this week.

Big Idea: No amount of force can make peace inside you.

John 14:18-31

No amount of force can make peace inside you.

1. Peace comes from being let into a new family.

John 14:18-21 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

2. Peace comes from being loved by the father.

John 14: 22-24 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.

3. Peace is learned through the Spirit.

John 14: 25-26 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

4. Peace is left by Jesus.

John 14: 27-31 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me. On the contrary, so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded me. “Get up; let’s leave this place.

Next Steps

I accept God’s terms for peace for the first time today.
I need the Holy Spirit to give me peace again today.

Big Idea: Jesus gives His disciples assurance He will never leave them alone.

John 14:12-17

Jesus gives His disciples assurance He will never leave them alone.

1. Jesus answers their fears.

John 14:12-13 "Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

2. He commands them to put their faith in action.

John 14: 14-15 “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commands.”

3. I will send you help.

John 14: 16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn't see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.”

Next Steps

I will seek God when I’m overcome with fear
I need assurance through the Holy Spirit.
I will put my faith in action.

Big Idea: It doesn’t matter how often you stumble when you’re following the way home.

John 14:1-11

It doesn’t matter how often you stumble when you’re following the way home.

1. Don’t let fear cause you to lose the way.

John 14:1-7 “Don’t let your heart 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 am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.” “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

2. Don’t let doubt cause you to miss the truth.

John 14: 8-11 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to give me life for the first time today.
I need a few friends to help me stay on the right path this week.

Big Idea: Soli Deo Gloria

John 13:31-38

Soli Deo Gloria

1. Letting his glory shine.

John 13:31-32 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

2. Led by his glory.

John 13: 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so now I tell you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

3. Loving for his glory.

John 13: 34-35 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

4. Living for his glory.

John 13: 36-38 “Lord,” Simon Peter said to him, “where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.” “Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.

Next Steps

I’ve lived for my glory. I need God to change my heart for the first time today.
I will put God’s glory above my glory this week.

Big Idea: Body armor can’t stop the wound of a friend.

John 13:21-30

Body armor can’t stop the wound of a friend.

1. Love and ‘trouble’ go together.

John 13:21-25 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in his spirit and testified, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples started looking at one another—uncertain which one he was speaking about. One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close beside Jesus. Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was he was talking about. So he leaned back against Jesus and asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

2. Only a friend can stab you in the back.

John 13: 26-27 Jesus replied, “He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.” When he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.”

3. Lonely nights are the darkest.

John 13: 28-30 None of those reclining at the table knew why he said this to him. Since Judas kept the money-bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. After receiving the piece of bread, he immediately left. And it was night.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to forgive my betrayal today.
I need a small group of friends to walk through life with me.
Despite my past hurt, I will keep my heart open this week.

Big Idea: Humility is the bedrock of humanity!

John 13:12-20

Humility is the bedrock of humanity!

1. Be the first to serve.

John 13:12-17 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

2. Be ready to sacrifice for others.

John 13: 18-19 “I’m not speaking about all of you; I know those I have chosen. But the Scripture must be fulfilled: The one who eats my bread has raised his heel against me. I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am he.

3. Remember who sent you.

John 13: 20 Truly I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives him who sent me.”

Next Steps

Today, I come to Jesus like a humble child for the first time.
I will find an opportunity to serve someone this week.

Big Idea: Mom’s love can turn finger painting into a fine work of art.

1 Samuel 1: 1 - 28

Mom’s love can turn finger painting into a fine work of art.

1. Mom is passionate.

Samuel 1: 1-8 There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives, the first named Hannah and the second Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless. This man would go up from his town every year to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of Armies at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were the Lord’s priests. Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he always gave portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to each of her sons and daughters. But he gave a double portion to Hannah, for he loved her even though the Lord had kept her from conceiving. Her rival would taunt her severely just to provoke her, because the Lord had kept Hannah from conceiving. Year after year, when she went up to the Lord’s house, her rival taunted her in this way. Hannah would weep and would not eat. “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband, Elkanah, would ask. “Why won’t you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

2. Mom prays.

John 13: 9-16 On one occasion, Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. The priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s temple. Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, “Lord of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.” While she continued praying in the Lord’s presence, Eli watched her mouth. Hannah was praying silently, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord. Don’t think of me as a wicked woman; I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.”

3. Mom is present.

John 13: 17-22 Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request you’ve made of him.” “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent. The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to worship before the Lord. Afterward, they returned home to Ramah. Then Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. After some time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, because she said, “I requested him from the Lord.” When Elkanah and all his household went up to make the annual sacrifice and his vow offering to the Lord, Hannah did not go and explained to her husband, “After the child is weaned, I’ll take him to appear in the Lord’s presence and to stay there permanently.”

Mom keeps her promises.

John 13: 23-28 Her husband, Elkanah, replied, “Do what you think is best, and stay here until you’ve weaned him. May the Lord confirm your word.” So Hannah stayed there and nursed her son until she weaned him. When she had weaned him, she took him with her to Shiloh, as well as a three-year-old bull, half a bushel of flour, and a clay jar of wine. Though the boy was still young, she took him to..."

Next Step:

I will make Hannah’s vow tomorrow.

Big Idea: You are God’s family treasure.

John 13:1-11

You are God’s family treasure.

1. Accepted completely.

John 13:1 Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2. Held securely.

John 13: 2-3 Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

3. Purified effortlessly.

John 13: 4-11 So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.” “You will never wash my feet,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” For he knew who would betray him. This is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

Next Steps

I need to be adopted into Jesus’s family today.
I will stop trying to earn God’s love this week.

Big Idea: Even Jesus can’t make closed eyes see.

John 12:37-50

Even Jesus can’t make closed eyes see

1. You’re blind when you chose to ignore.

John 12:37-40 Even though he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.

2. You’re blind when you look in the wrong direction.

John 12:41-43 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless, many did believe in him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, so that they would not be banned from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than praise from God.

3. You’re blind when you can’t look past the surface.

John 12:44-50 Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. And the one who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a command to say everything I have said. I know that his command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to open my eyes for the first time today.
I will look at my life through the eyes of faith this week.

Big Idea: God reset your clock to 00:00 on Easter morning!

John 12:20-36

God reset your clock to 00:00 on Easter morning!

1. Your Identity was reset!.

John 12:20-26 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

2. Your history was reset!

John 12:27-33 “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die.

3. Your future was reset!

John 12:34-36 Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to give my soul life today.
I need hope that’s stronger than my problems this week.
I need to let go of a past mistake today.

Big Idea: Who sits at the top of your pyramid of power?

John 12:12-19

Who sits at the top of your pyramid of power?

1. The Roman government.

John 12:12-13 The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!”z.

2. The rightful King.

John 12:14-16 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written: Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt. His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

3. The religious leaders.

John 12:17-19 Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify. This is also why the crowd met him, because they heard he had done this sign. Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You see? You’ve accomplished nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!”

Next Steps

I need King Jesus to claim my soul for his kingdom today.
I will lay my heart before at his feet again today.

Big Idea: Light must fight the darkness.

John 12: 9-11

Light must fight the darkness.

Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.

1. Don’t look for controversy.

Romans 12:8 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone..

2. Don’t run from controversy.

1 Corinthians 1:22-23For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.

Next Steps

I will invite someone to our Easter service this week.
I need Jesus to give my dead heart new life today.

Big Idea: The heart of worship is a worshipping heart.

John 12: 1-8

The heart of worship is a worshipping heart.

1. Worship requires total sacrifice to the Father.

John 12: 1-3 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

2. Your heart must be joined with Jesus.

John 12: 4-6 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

3. Your actions must align with the Holy Spirit.

John 12: 7-8 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Next Steps

I need the Holy Spirit to give me a heart of worship today.
I will worship Jesus with everything I have this week.

Big Idea: You can’t run fast when tied to a dead faith.

John 11:45-57

You can’t run fast when tied to a dead faith.

1. Don't put religion before Jesus.

John 11: 45-48 Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what he did believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and were saying, “What are we going to do since this man is doing many signs? If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

2. Don’t put respect before Jesus.

John 11: 49-54 One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God. So from that day on they plotted to kill him. Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews but departed from there to the countryside near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and he stayed there with the disciples.

3. Don’t put ritual before Jesus.

John 11: 55-57 Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country to purify themselves before the Passover. They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?” The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it so that they could arrest him.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to change my dead soul today.
I will run hard after Jesus this week.

Big Idea: Suffering teaches us 1 powerful lesson about King Jesus!

John 11:21-44

Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Yet even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her. Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”

1. Jesus comes near in suffering.

John 11:28-37 Having said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” As soon as Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there. As soon as Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and told him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!” When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked. “Lord,” they told him, “come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Couldn’t he who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?”

2. Jesus cares about your suffering.

John 11:38-42 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. “Remove the stone,” Jesus said. Martha, the dead man’s sister, told him, “Lord, there is already a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so that they may believe you sent me.”

3. Jesus doesn’t waste your suffering.

John 11:43-44 After he said this, he shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

Next Steps

I am suffering right now. Help me connect with a Life Group.
I need Jesus to save me from sin today.
I will hold on to Jesus during my most difficult days.

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Big Idea: The resurrection and eternal life are represented in Jesus Christ.

John 11: 1-21

The resurrection and eternal life are represented in Jesus Christ.

1. Delay doesn’t mean denial.

John 11: 1-6 Now a man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was.

2. Courage under fire.

John 11: 7-15 Then after that, he said to the disciples, "Let's go to Judea again." "Rabbi," the disciples told him, "just now the Jews tried to stone you, and you're going there again?" "Aren't there twelve hours in a day?" Jesus answered. "If anyone walks during the day, he doesn't stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.'' He said this, and then he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I'm on my way to wake him up." Then the disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well." Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought he was speaking about natural sleep. So Jesus then told them plainly, "Lazarus has died. I'm glad for you that I wasn't there so that you may believe. But let's go to him."

3. If only…

John 11: 16-21 Then Thomas (called "Twin") said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go too so that we may die with him." When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem (less than two miles away). Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.

Next Steps

- I need strength while I wait for a response from God.

- I need the Holy Spirit to comfort me in my storm.

- I will trust God more this week.

Big Idea: Ignoring the warning signs could be a sign of war.

John 10: 31-42

Ignoring the warning signs could be a sign of war.

1. Don’t shoot the messenger.

John 10:31-33 Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these works are you stoning me?” “We aren’t stoning you for a good work,” the Jews answered, “but for blasphemy, because you—being a man—make yourself God.”

2. Don’t miss the obvious.

John 10:34-39 Jesus answered them, “Isn’t it written in your law, I said, you are gods? If he called those to whom the word of God came ‘gods’—and the Scripture cannot be broken—do you say, ‘You are blaspheming’ to the one the Father set apart and sent into the world, because I said: I am the Son of God? If I am not doing my Father’s works, don’t believe me. But if I am doing them and you don’t believe me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I in the Father.” Then they were trying again to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

3. Don’t waste time on religious people.

John 10:40-42 So he departed again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him and said, “John never did a sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

Next Steps

I surrender to Jesus for the first time today.
I need Jesus’s Spirit to win the war within my heart this week.

Big Idea: Jesus paints with permanent ink.

John 10: 22- 30

Jesus paints with permanent ink.

God’s sheep are safe in Christ.
God’s sheep are secure in Christ.
God’s sheep are strong in Christ.
God’s sheep are sure in Christ.
God’s sheep are sealed in Christ.

Next Steps

I need to be adopted into God’s family today.
I will not worry about the future.
I will live tomorrow through Christ’s strength.

Big Idea: Jesus is the good Shepherd.

John 10: 1 - 21

Jesus is the good Shepherd.

1. Learn the voice of the Good Shepherd.

John 10:1-6 "Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don't know the voice of strangers." Jesus gave them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

2. The Good Shepherd protects His Sheep.

John 10:7-13 Jesus said again, "Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn't own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn't care about the sheep.

3. A Good Shepherd knows his sheep.

John 10:14-18 "I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."

3. Don’t be tone-deaf sheep.

John 19-21 Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, "He has a demon and he's crazy. Why do you listen to him?" Others were saying, "These aren't the words of someone who is demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

Next Steps

I need to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.
I am tone-deaf and need prayer to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd.
I acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd and will follow Him alone.

Big Idea: Disciple = Discipline

Matthew 6: 16-18

Disciple = Discipline

1. When you fast.

Matthew 6: 16-18 “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

2. Prayer with fasting.

Acts 13: 2-3 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

3. When the stomach corrects the heart.

Isaiah 58: 3-7 “Why have we fasted, but you have not seen? We have denied ourselves, but you haven’t noticed!” “Look, you do as you please on the day of your fast, and oppress all your workers. You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today, hoping to make your voice heard on high. Will the fast I choose be like this: A day for a person to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the Lord? Isn’t this the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood?

Next Steps

I need to become a disciple of Christ for the first time.
I will join in the 21-day church fast.

Big Idea: Glasses can't fix chosen blindness.

John 9: 35-41

1. I once was blind, but now I see!

John 9:35-38 Jesus heard that they had thrown the man out, and when he found him, he asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, Sir, that I may believe in him?” he asked. Jesus answered, “You have seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” “I believe, Lord!” he said, and he worshiped him.

2. Is spiritual blindness God’s fault?

John 8:39-41 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, in order that those who do not see will see and those who do see will become blind.” Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things and asked him, “We aren’t blind too, are we?” “If you were blind,” Jesus told them, “you wouldn’t have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

Next Steps:

I need God to open my eyes for the first time today.
I need Jesus to help me see my need for Jesus again today.

Big Idea: Glasses can't fix chosen blindness.

John 9: 1-34

1. (Not) All sickness is the result of sin!

John 9:1-12 As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After he said these things he spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he left, washed, and came back seeing. His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit begging?” Some said, “He’s the one.” Others were saying, “No, but he looks like him.” He kept saying, “I’m the one.” So they asked him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So when I went and washed I received my sight.” “Where is he?” they asked. “I don’t know,” he said.

2. I refuse to live in a world where everything can be explained.

John 8:12-23 They brought the man who used to be blind to the Pharisees. The day that Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes was a Sabbath. Then the Pharisees asked him again how he received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” he told them. “I washed and I can see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was a division among them. Again they asked the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he opened your eyes?” “He’s a prophet,” he said. The Jews did not believe this about him—that he was blind and received sight—until they summoned the parents of the one who had received his sight. They asked them, “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” “We know this is our son and that he was born blind,” his parents answered. “But we don’t know how he now sees, and we don’t know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he’s of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said these things because they were afraid of the Jews, since the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed him as the Messiah, he would be banned from the synagogue. This is why his parents said, “He’s of age; ask him.”

3. We’re all blind to our blindness.

John 9: 24-34 So a second time they summoned the man who had been blind and told him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether or not he's a sinner. I don't know"I was blind and now I can see!"Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" "I already told you,” he said, “and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don’t want to become his disciples too, do you?” They ridiculed him: “You’re that man’s disciple, but we’re Moses’s disciples. We know that God has spoken to Moses. But this man—we don’t know where he’s from.” “This is an amazing thing!” the man told them. “You don’t know where he is from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does his will, he listens to him. Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything..."

Next Steps

I’ve been blinded by sin. Today, I turn to Jesus for the first time.
I need Jesus to open my eyes to his work around me this week.

Big Idea: Titles don’t matter, only your name lasts.

John 8:48-59

1. This name can defeat Thanos.

John 8:48-51 The Jews responded to him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you’re a Samaritan and have a demon?” “I do not have a demon,” Jesus answered. “On the contrary, I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and judges. Truly I tell you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

2. Ignore the critics when they call you names.

John 8:52-53 Then the Jews said, “Now we know you have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets. You say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham who died? And the prophets died. Who do you claim to be?”

3. Act in the Father’s name.

John 8:54-56 “If I glorify myself,” Jesus answered, “my glory is nothing. My Father—about whom you say, ‘He is our God’—he is the one who glorifies me. You do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say I don’t know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”

4. Call him God the Son.

John 8:57-59 The Jews replied, “You aren’t fifty years old yet, and you’ve seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple.

Next Steps

I need to be called ‘God’s child’ for the first time today.
I will find an opportunity to make the name of Jesus famous this week.
I will only allow my Father to shape my identity.

Big Idea: It’s better to lie on a bed of hard truth, than soft lies. John 8:30-47

1. Truth is the key that unlocks all prison doors.

John 8:30-33 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “We are descendants of Abraham,” they answered him, “and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”

2. Truth is a mirror, not a window, for the human soul.

John 8:34-38 Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. I know you are descendants of Abraham, but you are trying to kill me because my word has no place among you. I speak what I have seen in the presence of the Father; so then, you do what you have heard from your father.”

3. Truth hurts, but lies kill.

John 8:39-47 “Our father is Abraham,” they replied. “If you were Abraham’s children,” Jesus told them, “you would do what Abraham did. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You’re doing what your father does.” “We weren’t born of sexual immorality,” they said. “We have one Father—God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and I am here. For I didn’t come on my own, but he sent me. Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to my word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Who among you can convict me of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.”

Next Steps

I need Jesus to set me free for the first time.
I need the Holy Spirit to remind me of my identity with God.
I will pursue God’s truth in every circumstance this week.

No force on earth can stop a focused church. Ephesians 4:11-16

Ephesians 4:11-13 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. 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. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 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. 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.

1. Our past

2. Our present

3. Our future

Next Steps

I will focus my life on the Great Commission.

You can hold on through anything when you hold on to hope.

John 8:21-29

1. Hope is more powerful than your problems.

John 8: 21-22 Then he said to them again, “I’m going away; you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I’m going, you cannot come.” So the Jews said again, “He won’t kill himself, will he, since he says, ‘Where I’m going, you cannot come’?”

2. Hope is bigger than your battles.

John 8:23-24 “You are from below,” he told them, “I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

3. Hope is louder than life’s lies.

John 8:25-29 “Who are you?” they questioned. “Exactly what I’ve been telling you from the very beginning,” Jesus told them. “I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the one who sent me is true, and what I have heard from him—these things I tell the world.” They did not know he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own. But just as the Father taught me, I say these things. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.”

Next Steps

I will listen to King Jesus rather than the lies about me this week.
I have lost hope lately. Pray for me.
I need Jesus to save me from my sin for the first time.

Jesus = Joy = Jesus

1. Joy pushes back darkness.

**John 8:12

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”**

2. Joy helps you see clearly.

John 8: 13-18

So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.” “Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied, “My testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’m going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I’m going. You judge by human standards. I judge no one. And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am the one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”

3. Joy warms your heart.

John 8:19-20

Then they asked him, “Where is your Father?” “You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

**Next Steps:I need Jesus to change my cold heart today.

I will choose joy this week.

I will bring joy to the world this week.**

Big Idea: Grace is God’s free and priceless gift.

John 7:53-8:11

1. We all desperately need God’s grace gift.

John 7:53 [Then each one went to his house.

2. Grace gives you a second chance.

John 8:1-6 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.

3. Grace provides the power to change.

John 8:6-11 Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”]

Next Steps

I need God’s grace to change my soul today.
I have been trying to earn God’s grace lately.

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A failure to plan is a plan to fail.

1. How will we serve?

1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.

2. What will we do?

1 Thessalonians 3:12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you..

3. Who will we be?

1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to accept me into his church.
I will pray for my church daily.
I will put the Great Commission first in my life.

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Big Idea: Your thirst for more ______ can only be satisfied in Jesus.

1. The Holy Spirit satisfies.

John 7:37-39 On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

2. He convinces about King Jesus.

John 7:40-44 When some from the crowd heard these words, they said, “This truly is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some said, “Surely the Messiah doesn’t come from Galilee, does he? Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Messiah comes from David’s offspring and from the town of Bethlehem, where David lived?” So the crowd was divided because of him. Some of them wanted to seize him, but no one laid hands on him.

3. He sets the rules.

John 7:45-52 Then the servants came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him?” The servants answered, “No man ever spoke like this!” Then the Pharisees responded to them, “Are you fooled too? Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which doesn’t know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus—the one who came to him previously and who was one of them—said to them, “Our law doesn’t judge a man before it hears from him and knows what he’s doing, does it?” “You aren’t from Galilee too, are you?” they replied. “Investigate and you will see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

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Big Idea: "Living Free" means no critics allowed in 2 Cities.

1. Believe they can tell God what to do

John 7: 10-13 After his brothers had gone up to the festival, then he also went up, not openly but secretly. The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, “Where is he?” And there was a lot of murmuring about him among the crowds. Some were saying, “He’s a good man.” Others were saying, “No, on the contrary, he’s deceiving the people.” Still, nobody was talking publicly about him for fear of the Jews.

2. Believe they’re smarter than you

John 7: 14-19 When the festival was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. Then the Jews were amazed and said, “How is this man so learned, since he hasn’t been trained?” Jesus answered them, “My teaching isn’t mine but is from the one who sent me. If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. The one who speaks on his own seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Didn’t Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”

3. Believe they know your heart

John 7:20-24 “You have a demon!” the crowd responded. “Who is trying to kill you?” “I performed one work, and you are all amazed,” Jesus answered. “This is why Moses has given you circumcision—not that it comes from Moses but from the fathers—and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses won’t be broken, are you angry at me because I made a man entirely well on the Sabbath? Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment.”

4. Believe you should follow their rules

John 7: 25-31 Some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Yet, look, he’s speaking publicly and they’re saying nothing to him. Can it be true that the authorities know he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from. When the Messiah comes, nobody will know where he is from.” As he was teaching in the temple, Jesus cried out, “You know me and you know where I am from. Yet I have not come on my own, but the one who sent me is true. You don’t know him; I know him because I am from him, and he sent me.” Then they tried to seize him. Yet no one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come. However, many from the crowd believed in him and said, “When the Messiah comes, he won’t perform more signs than this man has done, will he?”

5. Believe they can change you

John 7: 32-36 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things about him, and so the chief priests and the Pharisees sent servants to arrest him. Then Jesus said, “I am only with you for a short time. Then I’m going to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.” Then the Jews said to one another, “Where does he intend to go that we won’t find him? He doesn’t intend to go to the Jewish people dispersed among the Greeks and teach the Greeks, does he? What is this remark he made: ‘You will look for me, and you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come’?”

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1. Too close

John 7:1-5 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since he did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him. The Jewish Festival of Shelters was near. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” (For not even his brothers believed in him.)

2. Too far

John 7: 6-9 Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil. Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said these things, he stayed in Galilee.

Obstacles to faith: 1. Not popular 2. Didn’t get your wish 3. Not for your glory 4. Might be painful 5. Delayed reward

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1. Hard words break the hard heart.

John 6:60 Therefore, when many of his disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”

2. Why you can’t fake faith

John 6:61-65 . Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, asked them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to observe the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. But there are some among you who don’t believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray him.) He said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted to him by the Father.”

3. Where can you go?

John 6: 66-71 From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus replied to them, “Didn’t I choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” He was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, one of the Twelve, because he was going to betray him.

Next Steps

I need the Holy Spirit to do surgery on my soul today.
I need the Father to speak his truth over me.

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Big Idea: Stay Hungry!

1. Stay hungry to know Jesus.

John 6:41-47 Therefore the Jews started grumbling about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Isn’t this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Stop grumbling among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Fathercomes to me— not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God. He has seen the Father.

2. Stay hungry for Heaven.

John 6:47-52 “Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever.The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” At that, the Jews argued among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

3. Stay hungry for intimacy.

John 6:53-59 So Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Manand drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day, because my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the manna your ancestors ate—and they died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to satisfy my soul for the first time.
I will let go of here to get a better hold of Heaven this week.

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Write this down: Daily bread can’t satisfy your hungry soul.

1. Don’t settle for ‘stuff’.

John 6:22-27 The next day, the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw there had been only one boat. They also saw that Jesus had not boarded the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone off alone. Some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.”

2. Decide to take the first step.

John 6:28-29 “What can we do to perform the works of God?” they asked. Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the one he has sent.”

3. The Great Bread Bake Off

John 6 30-33 “What sign, then, are you going to do so that we may see and believe you?” they asked. “What are you going to perform? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, Moses didn’t give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

4. Seeing isn’t believing.

John 6:34-40 Then they said, “Sir, give us this bread always.” “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again. But as I told you, you’ve seen me, and yet you do not believe. Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. This is the will of him who sent me: that I should lose none of those he has given me but should raise them up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Next Steps

I need Jesus to give me eternal life.
I will look only to Jesus to satisfy my hunger.

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Big idea: Bad problems are the best place for God’s big power.

1. It’s darkest just before the Son rises.

John 6: 16-18 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not yet come to them. A high wind arose, and the sea began to churn.

2. Don’t row against raging seas.

John 6:19 After they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. He was coming near the boat, and they were afraid.

3. God’s solutions will surprise you.

John 6:20-21 But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him on board, and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading.

Next Steps

How to let go of your problems:

Admit you can’t fix them
Trust that Jesus is aware
Accept that Jesus cares
Allow Jesus to take control of your life
Assume they won’t turn out the way you expect

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Big idea: What draws you to GOD?

1. The fickle crowd

1 After this, Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2 A huge crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was performing by healing the sick. 3 Jesus went up a mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a Jewish festival, was near. 5 So when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so that these people can eat? ”

“If popularity drives the decision, you’ll choose the crowd. If faith drives the decision, you’ll choose the Lord.” -Dr. Tony Evans

2. Be prepared for the test.

6 He asked this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.” 8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish *—

but what are they for so many? ” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place; so they sat down. The men numbered about five thousand.*

3. Are you drawn by Jesus’ miracles and sent away by His words?

11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks he distributed them to those who were seated *—

so also with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This truly is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Therefore, when Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king*, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Next Steps

Today, I need more than physical food. I need spiritual food, as well.
Seek the spiritual as you deal with the physical dilemmas of life.
I will place my faith in the things of God over the popularity of the crowd.

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Write this down: The internal war starts after the last bullet is fired.

I. What was it all for? Deuteronomy 20:8 The officers will continue to address the army and say, ‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.

II. Was it worth it? Psalm 20:7 Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.

III. What happens next? Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus replied to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of labor pains.

Next Steps

I need Jesus to change my soul today.
I need to work through some things. Connect me with your military group.
I will place my hope for the future on King Jesus, not the military or politicians.

Videos played in the sermon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cUlWwFU_Uo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pApJ1lcs7i8

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Write this down: You are a son or daughter, not a servant, of the King!

1. Do people have guardian angels?

Psalm 91:11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.

Matthew 18:10 See to it that you don’t despise one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of my Father in heaven.

2. Do angels carry our spirits to Heaven?

Jude 9 Yet when Michael the archangel was disputing with the devil in an argument about Moses’s body, he did not dare utter a slanderous condemnation against him but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Luke 16:22-23 One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.

3. Do nations have their own angels?

Daniel 10:12 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

Daniel 12:1 At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress such as never has occurred since nations came into being until that time. But at that time all your people who are found written in the book will escape.

4. What is the nature of our relationship to angels?

Acts 7:53 You received the law under the direction of angels and yet have not kept it. (See also Hebrews 2:2-3)

Luke 22:27-30 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. You are those who stood by me in my trials. I bestow on you a kingdom, just as my Father bestowed one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (See also 1 Corinthians 6:3)

Next Steps

Today, God’s angel has convinced me of my helplessness and my need for Jesus to save me.
I will only let The Father determine my worth this week!

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Write this down: You can’t walk away from this spiritual fight.

Matthew 10:1 Summoning his twelve disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.

Is there still demon possession today like in the Bible?

Acts 10:37-38 You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him.

2 Timothy 2:25-6 Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2. Can a demon possess a Christian?

1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus, and I am with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, hand that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

3. If I (a fit young man) fought a normal angel, would I win?

Acts 19:14-16 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded.

4. Can anybody drive out a demon?

Acts 8:6-8 The crowds were all paying attention to what Philip said, as they listened and saw the signs he was performing. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Next Steps

Today, I need Jesus to rescue my soul.
I’ll be armed and ready to fight this week.

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2 Cor 4:3-4 But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Write this down: Satan still serves God!

1. How did Lucifer have the choice to rebel against God with pride?

1 Timothy 3:6-7 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

2. If Satan is not omnipresent, is it more likely the work of demons that brings about our temptation?

Matthew 4:8-11 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.

3. When I stub my toe after doing something bad, and my mom says, “The devil made you do it,” is that true?

James 1:13-14 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.

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This week, Pastor Jeff preaches the third in a short series on angels and demons.

Also in this episode, Army veteran and country music singer, Keni Thomas, premiers a song he and Billy Montana wrote about being an angel to others.

Which came first, evil or Lucifer?

Luke 10:18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning.

1. When were angels created?

Job 38:4-7 Where were you when I established the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? What supports its foundations? Or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

2. Is God still creating angels?

Genesis 2:1 So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed.

3. How many angels exist?

Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.

4. When did Satan fall?

1 John 3:8 The one who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works.

Next Steps

I need the Gospel to make me pure today.
I need the Gospel to keep me pure this week.

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Ps 148:1–2. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly armies.

Write this down: “Dad loves you most.” 1. What are angels? Are they like ghosts?

PS 103:20 Bless the Lord, all his angels of great strength, who do his word, obedient to his command.

Heb 13:2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.

Do angels have gender?

Matt 22:29-20 Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.

Gen 6:1–4. When mankind began to multiply on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful, and they took any they chose as wives for themselves. And the Lord said, “My Spirit will not remain with mankind forever, because they are corrupt. Their days will be 120 years.” The Nephilim were on the earth both in those days and afterward, when the sons of God came to the daughters of mankind, who bore children to them. They were the powerful men of old, the famous men.

3. Do angels have the power of choice?

Jude 5-6 Now I want to remind you, although you came to know all these things once and for all, that Jesus saved a people out of Egypt and later destroyed those who did not believe; and the angels who did not keep their own position but abandoned their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains in deep darkness for the judgment on the great day.

Are angels redeemed?

Heb 2:14-16 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring.

Next Steps

Today, I need Jesus to change my soul.
I will remember my redemption this week.

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Colossians 1:16

Big Idea: Jesus is King of 2 realms

1. Angels

Matthew 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels?

-sons of God

-gods

-Holy ones

-Ministers

-Messengers

-Commander

-Host/army

-Messenger (envoy)

-Cherubim/ cherub

-Seraphim

-Watchers

-Archangel

-Glorious ones

2. Demons

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

-Evil spirits

-Unclean spirit

-Demons

-Beings that oppose God

-False prophet

-Belial

-Beelzebub (god of Ekron)

-Satyrs (hairy demon)

-Lillith (Female demon/ unclean animal)

-Azazel (Goat/ wilderness demon)

-Plague

-Flame/ firebolt

-Terror at night

-King of Terrors

-Great cold

-The Satan (accuser)

-Satan (Lucifer, serpent, dragon, beast...)

3. The Angel of the LORD

Genesis 16:9-10 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.”

4. The Lord’s messenger

James 2:25 In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route?

Next Steps

Today, I need King Jesus to change my soul.
I will be aware of the spiritual battle around me this week.

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John 5:31-47

1. John the Baptist

John 5:31-34 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. I don’t receive human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

2. God the Father

John 5:36-40 “But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me. The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven’t seen his form. You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.

3. Moses the Lawgiver

John 5:41-47 “I do not accept glory from people, but I know you—that you have no love for God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But if you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe my words?”

Next Steps

Today, I need Jesus to change my soul.
I will follow the Truth this week.

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John 5:17-30

Big idea: Only after you’ve learned you can do NOTHING, can you do ANYTHING for God.

1) A faithful child’s…

John 5:17-18 Jesus responded to them, “My Father is still working, and I am working also.” This is why the Jews began trying all the more to kill him: Not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God.

2)... full submission…

John 5:19-23 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing, and he will show him greater works than these so that you will be amazed. And just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to whom he wants. The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all people may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him."

3)… perfectly accomplishes the Father’s will.

John 5:24-30 "Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life. Truly I tell 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. For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he has granted to the Son to have life in himself. And he has granted him the right to pass judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of condemnation. I can do nothing on my own. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of him who sent me."

Next Steps

How to find joy in the Father’s will:

Seek the Father’s will
Struggle to live for God’s glory
Submit your desires to the Holy Spirit
Substitute your toil for his joy

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John 5:1-16

Big Idea: Jesus is more ______!

1. ...than your health problems

John 5: 1-6 After this, a Jewish festival took place, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Aramaic, which has five colonnades. Within these lay a large number of the disabled—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and realized he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to get well?”

2. ...awesome than the angels

John 5: 6 “Sir,” the disabled man answered, “I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, someone goes down ahead of me.”

3. ...than a bunch of religious rules

John 5:8-13 “Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk.” Instantly the man got well, picked up his mat, and started to walk. Now that day was the Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath. The law prohibits you from picking up your mat.” He replied, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ “Who is this man who told you, ‘Pick up your mat and walk’?” they asked. But the man who was healed did not know who it was, because Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.

4. ...than the sins that haunt you

John 5:14-16 After this, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well. Do not sin anymore, so that something worse doesn’t happen to you.” The man went and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began persecuting Jesus because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.

Next Steps

I need King Jesus to heal my soul today.
I will find my joy and strength in Jesus this week.

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John 4:43-54

Big Idea: Faith is the lens that lets you look directly at the Son.

1. Farsighted faith

John 4:43-54 After two days he left there for Galilee. (Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) When they entered Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him because they had seen everything he did in Jerusalem during the festival.

2. Faith brings life into focus

John 4:46-48 For they also had gone to the festival. He went again to Cana of Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a certain royal official whose son was ill at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea into Galilee, he went to him and pleaded with him to come down and heal his son, since he was about to die. Jesus told him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

3. Seeing always follows believing

John 4:49-54 “Sir,” the official said to him, “come down before my boy dies.” “Go,” Jesus told him, “your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and departed. While he was still going down, his servants met him saying that his boy was alive. He asked them at what time he got better. “Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him,” they answered. The father realized this was the very hour at which Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was also the second sign Jesus performed after he came from Judea to Galilee.

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John 4:27-42

Big Idea: Turn your past mistakes into a powerful story of God’s love.

1. Let ‘em talk.

John 4:27 Just then his disciples arrived, and they were amazed that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

2. Don’t be embarrassed by your past.

John 4:28-38 Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They left the town and made their way to him. In the meantime the disciples kept urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?” “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them. “Don’t you say, ‘There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest’? Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest. The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you didn’t labor for; others have labored, and you have benefited from their labor.”

3. Nothing is holding you back anymore.

John 4:39-42 Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”

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John 4:1-26

Big Idea: Only a Gospel with no boundaries can set your soul free!

1. The Gospel crosses all cultural boundaries

John 4:1-9 When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples than John (though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), he left Judea and went again to Galilee. He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food. “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.

2. The Gospel shatters all religious rules

John 4:10-25 Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.” “Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.” Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.” “Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.” “Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.” “I don’t have a husband,” she answered. “You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’ ” Jesus said. “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

3. The Gospel conquers all sin

John 4:26 Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”

Next Steps:

Today, I surrender my soul to King Jesus for the first time.
I need the Holy Spirit to help me live free of religious rules.

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John 3:31-36

Big Idea: 3 reasons the King gives his servants freedom

1. Authority without limit

John 3:31 The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth is earthly and speaks in earthly terms. The one who comes from heaven is above all.

2. Love without measure

John 3:32-35 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, and yet no one accepts his testimony. The one who has accepted his testimony has affirmed that God is true. For the one whom God sent speaks God’s words, since he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hands.

3. Life without end

John 3: 36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.

Next Steps:

Today, I surrender my soul to King Jesus for the first time.
Today, I surrender “all things” to King Jesus all over again.

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Jesus IRL

John 3:22-30

Big idea: Someone is always getting in the way of your success!

1. Stop fighting for control of your life v.22-27

John 3:22-37 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, 24 since John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. 26 So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.” 27 John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven.

2. Get out of your own way v. 28-29

You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete.

3. Let someone else live your life V. 30

"He must increase, but I must decrease.”

HE > = ME <

Next Steps:

I surrender my life to King Jesus for the first time today.
I surrender my life to King Jesus all over again today.

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John 3:1-21

Big Idea: The biggest jump you’ll ever make is the leap between your head and heart!

1. Setting up the jump (v.1-2)

There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

2. The short run up (v. 3)

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

3. The ramp of faith (v. 4-8)

“How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

4. The bottomless pit of belief (v. 9-13)

“How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus. “Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. “Truly I tell you, we speak what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.

5. Either a safe landing or a fireball on the other side (v. 14-21)

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will 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. Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

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John 2:13-25

Big Idea: Jesus claims total authority

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a GOD who hasn’t surrendered His authority.” A.W. Tozer

1. Authority over the Temple v. 13-17

13 The Jewish Passover was near, and so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and he also found the money changers sitting there. 15 After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. 16 He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”

17 And his disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for your house will consume me.

2. Authority over Christianity v. 18-22

18 So the Jews replied to him, “What sign will you show us for doing these things?”

19 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.”

20 Therefore the Jews said, “This temple took forty-six years to build, and will you raise it up in three days?”

21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 So when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the statement Jesus had made.

3. Authority over Worship v. 23-25

23 While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. 24 Jesus, however, would not entrust himself to them, since he knew them all 25 and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.

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John 2:1-12

Big Idea: Don’t picnic under exit signs!

John 2:1-12 On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.” “What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.” “Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants. Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons. “Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” And they did. When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. After this, he went down to Capernaum, together with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.

Jesus’s miracles…

demonstrate his grace.
reveal his glory.
convince you of his goodness.
prove he is God!

Next Steps:

I need King Jesus to do a miracle in my soul.
I will keep my focus on Jesus, not the journey, this week.

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John 1:40-51

Big Idea: Becoming a leader is a 1-step journey!

1. Andrew was waiting v. 40-42

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus.

2. Simon was busy v. 42-43

When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”). The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee.

3. Philip was just chillin’ v. 43-45

He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

4. Nathanael was skeptical v. 46-51

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered. Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered. “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

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John 1:29-39

Big Idea: Without direction in life, every road leads nowhere.

1. You don’t need to hold the map. V. 29-34

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him. I didn’t know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on—he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

2. Whom you are following is more important than where you’re going. V.35-36

The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

3. The journey will change you. V.37-39

The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.

Next Steps:

I need to start the journey with Jesus today.
I will follow the Holy Spirit today.

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Big Idea: The 3 parts of an epic testimony

John 1:19-27 This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he said. “Are you the Prophet?” “No,” he answered. “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?” He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.” Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. So they asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you aren’t the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?” “I baptize with water,” John answered them. “Someone stands among you, but you don’t know him. He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.” All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Know the way
Point the way
Get out of the way

Next Steps:

I need King Jesus to give me new life today (let us know by emailing info@2citieschurch.com).
I will do step #3 of Basic Training this week.

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Happy Mother's Day!

Big Idea: Grace gives you the strength to get out of bed, and glory gives you a goal to chase every day.

1.Glory that lights the darkest path

John 1:6-9 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

2. Grace for a new start

V. 10-13 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

3. Where grace meets glory

V. 14-18 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ ”) Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.

Next Steps:

I need to become a child of God today.
I need God’s grace to help me through some challenges.
I will live for God’s glory this week.

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Big Idea: We live fearlessly, because darkness dies in the light.

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

1. Who?

2. Where?

3. When?

4. Why?

John 20:31: But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

5. So What?

Now what?

I need King Jesus to give me new life.
I will push back darkness this week.

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Write This Down: 2 Cities Church exists to turn followers into leaders!

2 Cor 2:15-17 For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? For we do not market the word of God for profit like so many. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

1. Stay amazed at what God has done in your life.

2. You were made to make a difference.

3. God changes the world one heart at a time.

4. Lead 1 in 202One

Action Steps:

I need King Jesus to change me for the first time.
I will lead 1 in 202One

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This week, Pastor Jeff talks specifically about reaching people in your family.

How to speak to people close to you but far from Jesus

John 7:1-9 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since he did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him. The Jewish Festival of Shelters was near. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” (For not even his brothers believed in him.) Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil. Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said these things, he stayed in Galilee.

1. Admit Your Mistakes

2. Own Your Weaknesses

3. Embrace Your Failures

Action Steps:

1.I need King Jesus to change my soul.

I will schedule a gospel conversation.
I need God’s help to restore a broken relationship in my family.

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This week, Pastor Troy Singleton starts off our new sermon series about "finding your ONE" in 2021.

Write This Down: Ask Jesus to help you find one person this year to bring to Christ.

John 4:4-6 (NLT) he had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. He Jacobs well was there and Jesus, tired from the long walk, said we really sad the world about noon time.

1. Focus on a relationship

John 4:7-8 (NLT) Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

2. Be open to the direction of the conversation

John 4:9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “ you are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink.”

3. See the person as God sees him or her

John 4:10 Jesus replied, “ if you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I will give you living water.”

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Easter is the day when Power and Grace collide

Acts 4:33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.

Easter signals God’s power in you
Easter shows God’s power through you
Easter showers God’s grace on you

Next Steps:

I need King Jesus to resurrect my dead soul
I will live by the power of the Holy Spirit this week
I’m praying for God’s favor with a neighbor this month

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In this short, special broadcast, Pastor Jeff reflects on the Last Supper, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus Christ.

There is a time for Communion. If you choose to participate, you can use bread, crackers, juice, or wine purchased from the store.

We've also included a few beautiful songs, sung by DeWayne and Octavia Greer. Follow along with these lyrics:

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus Robert Lowry Verse 1

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain: Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Verse 2

For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; For my cleansing this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Verse 3

Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Verse 4

This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Verse 5

Now by this I’ll overcome— Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Now by this I’ll reach my home— Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Faithful Sayings DeWayne Greer Verse 1

Jesus knew His peace, this world would hate

He knew His sheep, though they would forsake Him.

He refused the wine, Because His blood had yet run down.

He took His cup and received His crown.

Chorus

Blessed are those who are called

To the marriage supper of the Lamb

Where we will celebrate our Friend

Who's closer than a brother

Blessed are those invited

To the marriage feast of our Savior

He knocks so let Him enter

Come and celebrate our King

Verse 2

He bore our cross Yet prayed for us

We laughed and scoffed And yet this wasn't enough

We poured out shame, yet at the table

He made a place He took our sin into the grave

He took my sin into the grave!

Chorus

Bridge

And I will run into Your arms like a child runs to a father

I want to see Your face as You hold Your sons and daughters

So let all the earth rejoice and release a joyful noise

For it's an open invitation to witness true salvation

Chorus

Come and celebrate our King (x3)

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Amos Chapter 9

Gathering without masks has always been a problem for the church.

1. Get candid with Jesus V. 1-6

I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said:

Strike the capitals of the pillars so that the thresholds shake; knock them down on the heads of all the people. Then I will kill the rest of them with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape. 2 If they dig down to Sheol, from there my hand will take them; if they climb up to heaven, from there I will bring them down. 3 If they hide on the top of Carmel, from there I will track them down and seize them; if they conceal themselves from my sight on the sea floor, from there I will command the sea serpent to bite them. 4 And if they are driven by their enemies into captivity, from there I will command the sword to kill them. I will keep my eye on them for harm and not for good.

5 The Lord, the God of Armies— he touches the earth; it melts, and all who dwell in it mourn; all of it rises like the Nile and subsides like the Nile of Egypt. 6 He builds his upper chambers in the heavens and lays the foundation of his vault on the earth. He summons the water of the sea and pours it out over the surface of the earth. The Lord is his name.

2. Get clean by Jesus V. 7-10

7 Israelites, are you not like the Cushites to me? This is the Lord’s declaration. Didn’t I bring Israel from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor,[a] and the Arameans from Kir? 8 Look, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will obliterate it from the face of the earth. However, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob— this is the Lord’s declaration— 9 for I am about to give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations, as one shakes a sieve, but not a pebble will fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners among my people who say, “Disaster will never overtake[b] or confront us,” will die by the sword.

3. Get close to Jesus V. 11-15

11 In that day I will restore the fallen shelter of David: I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, 12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name[c]— this is the declaration of the Lord; he will do this.

13 Look, the days are coming— this is the Lord’s declaration— when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one who treads grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, and all the hills will flow with it. 14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel.[d] They will rebuild and occupy ruined cities, plant vineyards and drink their wine, make gardens and eat their produce. 15 I will plant them on their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them. The Lord your God has spoken.

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Amos Chapter 8

Write this down: Nothing speaks louder about a relationship than silence!

Amos 8:11 Look, the days are coming— this is the declaration of the Lord God— when I will send a famine through the land: not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.

1. Get honest V. 1-6

The Lord God showed me this: a basket of summer fruit. He asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” I replied, “A basket of summer fruit.” The Lord said to me, “The end has come for my people Israel; I will no longer spare them. In that day the temple songs will become wailing”—this is the Lord God’s declaration. “Many dead bodies, thrown everywhere! Silence!”

2. Show compassion V. 4-10

Hear this, you who trample on the needy and do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over so we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so we may market wheat? We can reduce the measure while increasing the price and cheat with dishonest scales. We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and even sell the chaff!” The Lord has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: I will never forget all their deeds. Because of this, won’t the land quake and all who dwell in it mourn? All of it will rise like the Nile; it will surge and then subside like the Nile in Egypt. And in that day— this is the declaration of the Lord God— I will make the sun go down at noon; I will darken the land in the daytime. I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make that grief like mourning for an only son and its outcome like a bitter day.

3. Listen carefully V. 11-14

Look, the days are coming— this is the declaration of the Lord God— when I will send a famine through the land: not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east seeking the word of the Lord, but they will not find it. In that day the beautiful young women, the young men also, will faint from thirst. Those who swear by the guilt of Samaria and say, “As your god lives, Dan,” or, “As the way of Beer-sheba lives”— they will fall, never to rise again.

Action Steps:

I need God to speak to my dead soul today.
Pray for me. I haven’t heard from God in a while.
I will spend time listening to Jesus each day.

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AMOS: A voice that can’t be silenced

Amos 7

James 5:16 (NLT) 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.

Write this down: Evil is helpless where the power of God and the prayers of his children collide.

Prayer has the power to…

1. …touch the heart of Jesus V. 1-3

The Lord God showed me this: He was forming a swarm of locusts at the time the spring crop first began to sprout—after the cutting of the king’s hay. When the locusts finished eating the vegetation of the land, I said, “Lord God, please forgive! How will Jacob survive since he is so small?” The Lord relented concerning this. “It will not happen,” he said.

2. …hold back the fires of judgment V. 4-6

The Lord God showed me this: The Lord God was calling for a judgment by fire. It consumed the great deep and devoured the land. Then I said, “Lord God, please stop! How will Jacob survive since he is so small?” The Lord relented concerning this. “This will not happen either,” said the Lord God.

3. …straighten the paths of men V. 7-9

He showed me this: The Lord was standing there by a vertical wall with a plumb line in his hand. The Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” I replied, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will no longer spare them: Isaac’s high places will be deserted, and Israel’s sanctuaries will be in ruins; I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with a sword.”

4. …confront the lies of the enemy V. 10-17

Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent word to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you right here in the house of Israel. The land cannot endure all his words, for Amos has said this: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will certainly go into exile from its homeland.’ ” Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. Earn your living and give your prophecies there, but don’t ever prophesy at Bethel again, for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” So Amos answered Amaziah, “I was not a prophet or the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman, and I took care of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ” Now hear the word of the Lord. You say: Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac. Therefore, this is what the Lord says: Your wife will be a prostitute in the city, your sons and daughters will fall by the sword, and your land will be divided up with a measuring line. You yourself will die on pagan soil, and Israel will certainly go into exile from its homeland.

Action Steps:

I’m praying for Jesus to rescue me from myself.
I want to join the 2 Cities Prayer team.
I need to hear from God today, because I have been hearing the enemy’s lies lately.

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Write this down: One step forward makes a world of difference!

Amos 6:12 Do horses gallop on the cliffs? Does anyone plow there with oxen?

1. Not me! It’s not my problem. V. 1-7

Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those who feel secure on the hill of Samaria— the notable people in this first of the nations, those the house of Israel comes to. Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours? You dismiss any thought of the evil day and bring in a reign of violence. They lie on beds inlaid with ivory, sprawled out on their couches, and dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. They improvise songs to the sound of the harp and invent their own musical instruments like David. They drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils but do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore, they will now go into exile as the first of the captives, and the feasting of those who sprawl out will come to an end.

2. Who me? It’s not my fault! V. 8-14

The Lord God has sworn by himself—this is the declaration of the Lord, the God of Armies: I loathe Jacob’s pride and hate his citadels, so I will hand over the city and everything in it. And if there are ten men left in one house, they will die. A close relative and burner will remove his corpse from the house. He will call to someone in the inner recesses of the house, “Any more with you?” That person will reply, “None.” Then he will say, “Silence, because the Lord’s name must not be invoked.” For the Lord commands: The large house will be smashed to pieces, and the small house to rubble. Do horses gallop on the cliffs? Does anyone plow there with oxen? Yet you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood— you who rejoice over Lo-debar and say, “Didn’t we capture Karnaim for ourselves by our own strength?” But look, I am raising up a nation against you, house of Israel— this is the declaration of the Lord, the God of Armies— and they will oppress you from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of the Arabah.

Action Steps:

I need the Holy Spirit to make me alive in Christ.
I will allow the Holy Spirit to work through me this week.

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Justice - Jesus = Junk

Amos 5:24 But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream.

1. We are helpless without Jesus V. 1-3

Listen to this message that I am singing for you, a lament, house of Israel: She has fallen; Virgin Israel will never rise again. She lies abandoned on her land with no one to raise her up. For the Lord God says: The city that marches out a thousand strong will have only a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left in the house of Israel.

2. We should learn to hate like Jesus V. 4-17

For the Lord says to the house of Israel: Seek me and live! Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal or journey to Beer-sheba, for Gilgal will certainly go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. Seek the Lord and live, or he will spread like fire throughout the house of Joseph; it will consume everything with no one at Bethel to extinguish it. Those who turn justice into wormwood also throw righteousness to the ground. The one who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the water of the sea and pours it out over the surface of the earth—the Lord is his name. He brings destruction on the strong,, and it falls on the fortress. They hate the one who convicts the guilty at the city gate, and they despise the one who speaks with integrity. Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact a grain tax from him, you will never live in the houses of cut stone you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted. For I know your crimes are many and your sins innumerable. They oppress the righteous, take a bribe, and deprive the poor of justice at the city gates. Therefore, those who have insight will keep silent, at such a time, for the days are evil. Pursue good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord, the God of Armies, will be with you as you have claimed. Hate evil and love good; establish justice at the city gate. Perhaps the Lord, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. Therefore the Lord, the God of Armies, the Lord, says: There will be wailing in all the public squares; they will cry out in anguish in all the streets. The farmer will be called on to mourn, and professional mourners, to wail. There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass among you. The Lord has spoken.

3. We can’t hide from Jesus V. 18-27

Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! What will the day of the Lord be for you? It will be darkness and not light. It will be like a man who flees from a lion only to have a bear confront him. He goes home and rests his hand against the wall only to have a snake bite him. Won’t the day of the Lord be darkness rather than light, even gloom without any brightness in it? I hate, I despise, your feasts! I can’t stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. Even if you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; I will have no regard for your fellowship offerings of fattened cattle. Take away from me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream. “House of Israel, was it sacrifices and grain offerings that you presented to me during the forty years in the wilderness? But you have taken up Sakkuth your king and Kaiwan your star god, images you have made for yourselves. So I will send you into exile beyond Damascus.” The Lord, the God of Armies, is his name. He has spoken.

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Sermon Notes:

Amos 4:4 Come to Bethel and rebel; rebel even more at Gilgal!

1. Go ahead. I dare you! V. 1-5

Listen to this message, you cows of Bashan who are on the hill of Samaria, women who oppress the poor and crush the needy,

who say to their husbands, “Bring us something to drink.” The Lord God has sworn by his holiness: Look, the days are coming

when you will be taken away with hooks, every last one of you with fishhooks. You will go through breaches in the wall,

each woman straight ahead, and you will be driven along toward Harmon. This is the Lord’s declaration. Come to Bethel and rebel;

rebel even more at Gilgal! Bring your sacrifices every morning,

your tenths every three days. Offer leavened bread as a thanksgiving sacrifice, and loudly proclaim your freewill offerings, for that is what you Israelites love to do! This is the declaration of the Lord God.

2. Tapped snooze too many times. V. 6-11

I gave you absolutely nothing to eat, in all your cities, a shortage of food in all your communities, yet you did not return to me. This is the Lord’s declaration. I also withheld the rain from you while there were still three months until harvest. I sent rain on one city

but no rain on another. One field received rain while a field with no rain withered. Two or three cities staggered to another city to drink water but were not satisfied, yet you did not return to me. This is the Lord’s declaration. I struck you with blight and mildew;

the locust devoured your many gardens and vineyards, your fig trees and olive trees, yet you did not return to me. This is the Lord’s declaration. I sent plagues like those of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I caused the stench of your camp to fill your nostrils, yet you did not return to me. This is the Lord’s declaration. I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick snatched from a fire, yet you did not return to me— This is the Lord’s declaration.

3. Are you ready to meet God? V. 12-13

Therefore, Israel, that is what I will do to you, and since I will do that to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God! He is here: the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, the one who makes the dawn out of darkness and strides on the heights of the earth. The Lord, the God of Armies, is his name.

Action Steps:

I’ve rebelled against God. Today, I come to him in faith.
I’ll live like I’m ready to meet God this week.

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Amos 3:3 Can two walk togetherwithout agreeing to meet?

Big Idea: A steep path with Jesus is better than an easy path without him.

1. Don’t forget where you came from V. 1-8

Listen to this message that the Lord has spoken against you, Israelites, against the entire clan that I brought from the land of Egypt: I have known only you out of all the clans of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together without agreeing to meet? Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey? Does a young lion growl from its lair unless it has captured something? Does a bird land in a trap on the ground if there is no bait for it? Does a trap spring from the ground when it has caught nothing? If a ram’s horn is blown in a city, aren’t people afraid? If a disaster occurs in a city, hasn’t the Lord done it? Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his counsel to his servants the prophets. A lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who will not prophesy?

2. Watch where you’re walking V. 9-10

Proclaim on the citadels in Ashdod and on the citadels in the land of Egypt: Assemble on the mountains of Samaria, and see the great turmoil in the city and the acts of oppression within it. The people are incapable of doing right— this is the Lord’s declaration— those who store up violence and destruction in their citadels.

3. Don’t look down the other path V. 11-12

Therefore, the Lord God says: An enemy will surround the land; he will destroy your strongholds and plunder your citadels. The Lord says: As the shepherd snatches two legs or a piece of an ear from the lion’s mouth, so the Israelites who live in Samaria will be rescued with only the corner of a bed or the cushion of a couch.

4. Don’t follow a broken compass V. 13-15

Listen and testify against the house of Jacob— this is the declaration of the Lord God, the God of Armies. I will punish the altars of Bethel on the day I punish Israel for its crimes; the horns of the altar will be cut off and fall to the ground. I will demolish the winter house and the summer house; the houses inlaid with ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end. This is the Lord’s declaration.

Action Steps:

I need to start a walk with King Jesus today.
When the path gets difficult I will trust the strong arm of Jesus this week.
I’ve been headed down the wrong path lately. Pray for me.

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AMOS: A voice that can’t be silenced

Amos 2:4-16

1. Ghosted God V. 4-5

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Judah for three crimes, even four, because they have rejected the instruction of the Lord and have not kept his statutes. The lies that their ancestors followed have led them astray. Therefore, I will send fire against Judah, and it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem.

2. Lived in lust V. 6-8

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Israel for three crimes, even four, because they sell a righteous person for silver and a needy person for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the poor on the dust of the ground and obstruct the path of the needy. A man and his father have sexual relations with the same girl, profaning my holy name. They stretch out beside every altar on garments taken as collateral, and in the house of their God they drink wine obtained through fines.

3. Rejected a relationship with Jesus V. 9-16

Yet I destroyed the Amorite as Israel advanced; his height was like the cedars, and he was as sturdy as the oaks; I destroyed his fruit above and his roots beneath. And I brought you from the land of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness in order to possess the land of the Amorite. I raised up some of your sons as prophets and some of your young men as Nazirites. Is this not the case, Israelites? This is the Lord’s declaration. But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets, “Do not prophesy.” Look, I am about to crush you in your place as a wagon crushes when full of grain. Escape will fail the swift, the strong one will not maintain his strength, and the warrior will not save his life. The archer will not stand his ground, the one who is swift of foot will not save himself, and the one riding a horse will not save his life. Even the most courageous of the warriors will flee naked on that day— this is the Lord’s declaration.

Next Steps:

I need the Holy Spirit to give me a new heart today.
I will kill lust tomorrow.
I will listen to the voice of God this week.

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Amos: A Voice That Can’t be Silenced

Amos 1:1-2 The words of Amos, who was one of the sheep breeders from Tekoa—what he saw regarding Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. He said: The Lord roars from Zion and makes his voice heard from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.

Write this down: God gave you a voice for a reason.

Our voice must…

Shout against slaughter V. 3-5

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Damascus for three crimes, even four, because they threshed Gilead with iron sledges. Therefore, I will send fire against Hazael’s palace, and it will consume Ben-hadad’s citadels. I will break down the gates of Damascus. I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven, and the one who wields the scepter from Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir. The Lord has spoken.

Cry against calloused hearts V. 6-8

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Gaza for three crimes, even four, because they exiled a whole community, handing them over to Edom. Therefore, I will send fire against the walls of Gaza, and it will consume its citadels. I will cut off the ruler from Ashdod, and the one who wields the scepter from Ashkelon. I will also turn my hand against Ekron, and the remainder of the Philistines will perish. The Lord God has spoken.

Thunder against treason V. 9-10

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Tyre for three crimes, even four, because they handed over a whole community of exiles to Edom and broke a treaty of brotherhood. Therefore, I will send fire against the walls of Tyre, and it will consume its citadels.

Roar against rage V. 11-12

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Edom for three crimes, even four, because he pursued his brother with the sword. He stifled his compassion, his anger tore at him continually, and he harbored his rage incessantly. Therefore, I will send fire against Teman, and it will consume the citadels of Bozrah.

Exclaim for the exploited V. 13-15

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing the Ammonites for three crimes, even four, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. Therefore, I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah, and it will consume its citadels. There will be shouting on the day of battle and a violent wind on the day of the storm. Their king and his princes will go into exile together. The Lord has spoken.

Burn against bad leaders V. 2:1-3

The Lord says: I will not relent from punishing Moab for three crimes, even four, because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime. Therefore, I will send fire against Moab, and it will consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die with a tumult, with shouting and the sound of the ram’s horn. I will cut off the judge from the land and kill all its officials with him. The Lord has spoken.

Next Steps:

I need the Holy Spirit to awaken my soul
I will listen for the Holy Spirit this week.
I will find my voice

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Helping you go from stimulus to solid Spending

Isaiah 55:1-3

Big Idea- Spending problems are often spiritual problems

Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water; and you without silver, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without cost! Why do you spend silver on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. Pay attention and come to me; listen, so that you will live. I will make a permanent covenant with you on the basis of the faithful kindnesses of David.

Ballin’ on a budget
Enjoying what you have
Giving from the heart

Action Steps:

I believe Jesus wants to be King over every area of my life.
I will join Financial Peace University.
I will pray for the Holy Spirit to make me content.

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Week 2 of a series on managing money from Pastor Jeff Struecker

Action Steps:

Today, I surrendered everything to King Jesus
I've listened to money more than the Holy Spirit lately.
I will not let my net worth become my idol.

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Big Idea- WORK doesn’t have to be a 4-letter word.

1. We are all called to work.

Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.

2. Work brings dignity.

Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.

3. Worship at work

1 Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Action Steps:

I surrendered everything to King Jesus today.
I am struggling with God’s call. Pray for me.
I will turn my work into worship this week.

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Vision Sunday: Where we're headed in 2021

Big Idea- No amount of darkness can overpower one small light.

John 1:4–5 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it

Push for change
Back to reality
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness”

Action Steps:

Today, I saw “the light” and Jesus saved me
I will push back darkness this year

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Big Idea- No one exchanges the gift of love.

Ro 5:1–5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Being loved by God… …teaches us how to love.

Download the transcript here: https://www.2citieschurch.com/sermons/the-one-gift-no-one-exchanges

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Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:10-11 "But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord."

Big Idea- Joy and love are hand and glove in Jesus.

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The birthplace of HOPE is a manger in Bethlehem.

Ro 5:1–4 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

Hang strong in affliction
Optimism about the future
Proven character
Endurance

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Christmas: Live and in the Flesh

Romans 5:2

Big Idea- The gift of faith gets better the more you use it

Ro 5:1–2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Faith is your doorway to God’s grace
Faith helps you to stand strong

Lk 1:26–38 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

3. Faith helps you see God’s glory more clearly

Lk 1:46–55 And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. 50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. 51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. 53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.

Action Steps:

Today, I exercised my faith in King Jesus for the first time
I will take a step of faith this week.
My faith is weak. Pray for me to exercise it this week.

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Christmas: Live and in the Flesh

What is REAL peace? Romans 5:1

Big Idea- God’s greatest gift is wrapped in a priceless package

Ro 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your relationships are right

1 Ki 22:44 Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel.

Your debts are paid

Lk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

Your life is full

Is 32:17 The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.

Your future is secure

Is 9:6–7 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

Your soul is satisfied

Ps 85:10 Faithful love and truth will join together; righteousness and peace will embrace.

Action Steps:

I need Jesus to change my heart today.
I need God’s gift of peace right now.
I will offer the gift of peace this week.

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Due to technical difficulties in the live service, this is a re-recording Jeff did for you from his home.

At Our Core- Have Fun

Big Idea: If following Jesus isn’t fun, you’re doing it wrong.

Ps 92:4 For you have made me rejoice, Lord, by what you have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of your hands.

1. Free to be yourself

Ps 92: 4 You have made me rejoice… I will shout for joy…

2. Uncontainable goodness of God

Ps 92:5 How magnificent are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts!

3. Never have to worry again

Ps 92:7 Though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be eternally destroyed.

Action Steps:

I need Jesus to make me into a new person today.
I will enjoy my relationship with Jesus this week.
I will turn my worry over to God this week.

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Intro/Outro music Courtesy of Ben Sound

At Our Core- Reach Far

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Big Idea- I’d dislocate my shoulder to reach someone far from Jesus.

1. Famous last words

2.A task for every Christian

3.Reason 2 Cities Church exists

Action Steps:

Today, I surrendered to King Jesus for the first time
I will finish Basic Training this month
I will explain the Good News to one person this year

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Get the sermon transcript HERE

Intro/Outro music Courtesy of Ben Sound

At Our Core- Love Fiercely

Matt 22:37-40

Mt 22:37–40He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38This is the greatest and most important command. 39The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

Big Idea- Jesus is worthy of love at 💯

1. A strong love for Jesus

2. …and a bold love for others

3. is an offering to our God.

Action Steps:

I need King Jesus to change my heart today
I will show Jesus my love this week
I will love like Jesus this week

Download the full transcript of this sermon HERE

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Music courtesy of BenSound

At Our Core

Live Free- Gal 5:1

Big Idea- Only a free life is worth living- because they can’t put chains on your soul!

Ga 5:1 For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Free from your Flesh

Ga 5:16–17 I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

Free from religious Rules

Ga 3:24–26 The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. 25 But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

Free from Evil

Ga 1:3–4 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

Free for Eternity

Ga 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Action Steps:

Today, I asked to King Jesus to set my soul free
I will celebrate my freedom this week
I need the Holy Spirit to free me from sin again

Download the full transcript of this sermon HERE

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Music courtesy of BenSound

At Our Core:

Wow Folks- Luke 10:42

Big Idea- WOW is Everyday excellence. This happens by saying “no” to good things so that we can say “yes” to great things.

Lukek 10:38-42 While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” 41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”

1. Wow is a daily choice

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

2. Wow means choosing to do the right things

Heb 3:12–13 Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

3. Wow mean doing things right

Eph 6:7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people

Action Steps:

I asked King Jesus to change my soul today.
I will choose to WOW someone tomorrow.
There are some Martha things I need to stop doing so I can be like Mary.

Download the full transcript of this sermon HERE

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Intro/Outro music courtesy of BenSound