Adrian Christian Church Sermons: Recent Episodes

Farmhouse Faith

Adrian Christian Church's audio sermons.

JESUS SOUGHT OUT A HURTING WOMAN

John 4:4-9 Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
JESUS OFFERS LIVING WATER

John 4:10-15 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
JESUS KNOWS HER WHOLE STORY

John 4:16-18 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
“I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”
JESUS IS THE MESSIAH

John 4:25-29 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,
“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”

August 2 - Guest Speaker – Troy Nelson from A.R.M. Prison Outreach Ministry
Learn more about the American Rehabilitation Ministry by visiting their website: www.arm.org/

PEOPLE WILL STRUGGLE WITH THE IDEA OF A SECOND COMING

2 Peter 3:3-7 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

GOD IS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO FOLLOW JESUS

2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

JESUS WILL COME UNEXPECTEDLY

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE FOR HIS COMING?

2 Peter 3:11-14 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

1 Peter 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
HOPE IS ANCHORED IN THE PAST

1 Peter 1:3 In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure
HOPE IS FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

1 Corinthians 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Psalm 68: 3-4 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds;
rejoice before him - his name is the Lord.

GOD IS NOT ONLY INTERESTED IN YOUR HAPPINESS

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
DON'T PUT YOUR HAPPINESS ABOVE GOD

Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
HAPPINESS IS ONLY FOUND GOD'S WAY

John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now 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. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

THE STORY OF INDIVIDUALS

Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
THE STORY OF A NATION

Their Laws:
* Civil * Ceremonial * Dietary * Moral

THE STORY OF THE GOD

Luke 24:25-27 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

John 5:39-40 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

LIVING IN FEAR OF PAST MISTAKES

Genesis 50:15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”

Genesis 50:16-18 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
REFRAME YOUR STORY

Genesis 50:19-20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

CHOOSE HEALING OVER REVENGE

Genesis 50:21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

THE JOURNEY INTO MESSINESS

Genesis 35:23-26 The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.
The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
The sons of Rachel's servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali.
The sons of Leah's servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher.
These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.
Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
HOPE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

AN UNIMAGINABLE TEST
Genesis 22:1-8 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
AN UNCOMPROMISED FAITH

Genesis 22:9-14 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

Genesis 16:1-4 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.

MESSY CHOICES LEAD TO SOLO PARENTING

Genesis 16:4-5 When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.”

THE WHOLE SITUATION CAUSES MESSY FEELINGS

Genesis 16:6a “Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.”

Genesis 16:6b Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.
GOD IS PRESENT IN THE MESS

Genesis 16:7-8 The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”
“I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.

Genesis 16:11 The angel of the Lord also said to her:
“You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son.
You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery."

Genesis 16:13-14 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.

Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

Genesis 6:11-12 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.

Genesis 6:8-9 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.
NOAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN

Genesis 6:22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him

Genesis 7:5 And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.
NOAH WAS BLAMELESS

*Among the people of his time
NOAH WALKED WITH GOD

Genesis 5:24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Genesis 4:3-5 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering – fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offering.
GOD WANTS US TO AVOID THE MESS

Genesis 4:6-7 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
MESSY CHOICES PRODUCE DEEP PAIN

Genesis 4:8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
CLEAN UP YOUR MESS THROUGH GOD

Hebrews 12:23-24 You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Genesis 4:25-26 Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, "God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him." Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh.
At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.

Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
GOD HAS A DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
GOD CREATES A LIFELONG BOND

Matthew 19:4-6 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Luke 24:50-53 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Acts 1:9-11 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
WE ARE TO WORSHIP JESUS NOW

Luke 24:52-53 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
WE ARE TO GET TO WORK

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Luke 24:46-49 He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
THE PROMISE

"I am going to send you what my Father has promised."

Joel 2:28-29 And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

John 14:16-17And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
THE POWER

"Until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:5-6 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us

Galatians 5:16-18 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Luke 24:46-49 He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Luke 24:48 "You are witnesses of these things."
THE NEW TESTAMENT IS BUILT ON EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
THAT TESTIMONY IS DESIGNED TO TRANSFORM YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

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

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says

Luke 24:46-49 He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed
with power from on high.

Luke 24:47 “and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
REPENTANCE

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds
FORGIVENESS

Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins

1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

Acts 13:38 Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Luke 24: 46-49 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Luke 24:46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
GOD'S PLAN INCLUDED JESUS' DEATH

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
GOD'S PLAN ALSO INCLUDED A RESURRECTION

Luke 24:46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,

Romans 6:9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

Acts 17:18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
Acts 20:32 Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED

1 Corinthians 6:11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
BUILD YOU UP

Acts 20:32 Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
*Inheritance for you

1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you

Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

Leviticus 16:30 Because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins
THE CONCEPT OF PROPITIATION

1 John 2:2 (NIV) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 (ESV) He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 3:25-26 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood - to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Hebrews 9:12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

WE HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED

THROUGH FAITH

Galatians 2:16 Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD

Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

WHAT WE ARE REDEEMED FROM
1 Peter 4:3-4 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do - living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you

WHAT WE ARE REDEEMED WITH
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

1 Corinthians 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL RECONCILIATION
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Colossians 1:21-22 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

APPLYING GOD’S WORK OF RECONCILIATION TO OUR LIVES
2 Corinthians 5:20 “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

“Serve”
Next Steps - Week 3
Our service must be born out of a heart that loves Jesus and loves His Church.

Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The word “handiwork” comes from the original Greek word poy-ay-ma. It is where we get our English word poem.
• Something made
• Something crafted
• A work of art
• A masterpiece
• A creation shaped with intention

For we are God’s intentionally created, handcrafted masterpieces who are created to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1 Corinthians 12:12-20 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

So, what about you? Where has God prepared you to serve?

• Connect with Jesus
• Connect with Church Family
• Connect with God’s Purpose

Ephesians 1:18-20 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
CONNECT OUR LIVES WITH JESUS

CONNECT WITH OUR CHURCH FAMILY
John 17:20-26 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Matthew 28:19–20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

FEED ME

1 Corinthians 3:1–2 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly - mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready

1 Peter 2:2–3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

FEED YOURSELF

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen

FEED OTHERS

Hebrews 5:12–14 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

Luke 15:1–2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

LIFE CHANGE IS CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
Luke 15:5–7 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:9–10 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

WILL YOU JOIN THE CELEBRATION?
Luke 15:22–24 But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.

Luke 15:25–28 Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

2 Timothy 1:6-8 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

First Obstacle: OUR INTERNAL FIRE FOR JESUS IS DYING

2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Mark 4:18-19 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful

Second Obstacle: WE ARE AFRAID

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Third Obstacle: WE ARE ASHAMED

2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile

"A Story To Tell" // Made For More - Week 2

UNDERSTANDING THE PASSAGE IN CONTEXT.
Romans 6:20–22 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

USING THE PASSAGE AS AN EVANGELISM TOOL
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Acts 1:1-7 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES
Acts 4:18-20 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Matthew 10:19-20 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

INTO ALL THE WORLD
Acts 1:8 …and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up

A Man Reaps What He Sows.

YOU NEED TO BE CLEAR ON THE SEED YOU ARE SOWING

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

YOU CANNOT GIVE UP

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up

2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT TO US

2 Corinthians 9:14 "...because of the surpassing grace God has given you"

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

OUR THANKFUL RESPONSE

John 1:14-17 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

THE PERSON OF GRACE
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

ENOUGH GRACE FOR EVERY PERSON
John 1:16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

A PROMISE TO PEOPLE IN DARKNESS

Isaiah 9:1-3 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

A CHILD WHO CHANGES EVERYTHING

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Matthew 4:12-16 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - (14) to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - (9) not by works, so that no one can boast.

SAVED BY GRACE

THROUGH FAITH

Romans 3:23-25 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood - to be received by faith.

Acts 11:21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

THE GREATEST GIFT

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

IT’S A REVOLUTIONARY PRINCIPLE

Acts 20:33-35 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

THE BLESSING OF GIVING

Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

JESUS WATCHES THE OFFERING

Mark 12:41-42 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched
the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT GIVING

Mark 12:43-44 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.”

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Luke 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:33-34 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

A RADICAL CALL TO GENEROSITY.

THE REVEALING POWER OF TREASURE

Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

A QUESTION FOR JESUS

Luke 12:13-14 Someone in the crowd said to him (Jesus), “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”

JESUS ISSUES A WARNING

Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

Luke 12:16-20 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

A SUMMARY STATEMENT FOR US TO APPLY

Luke 12:21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.

UNDERSTANDING LIFE AFTER DEATH

Ecclesiastes 12:7 …and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

LIVING LIFE BEFORE DEATH

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Luke 16:27-31 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Colossians 1:15-16 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

ANGELS

Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

FALLEN ANGELS

2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

EVERY FOLLOWER OF JESUS RECEIVES THE HOLY SPIRIT
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS BELIEVERS
Galatians 5:16-25 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

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

BELIEVERS WROTE DOWN WHAT THEY EXPERIENCED

Matthew 11:2-5 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

THE GOAL WAS THAT YOU WOULD BELIEVE

2 Kings 17:36 But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices.

Acts 2:22 Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.

BY BELIEVING YOU WOULD HAVE LIFE

Luke 7:16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”

John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

EVERYONE NEEDS RELATIONSHIPS TO FULLY MATURE

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

ONE KEY TO GROWTH IS TO REMAIN SOFT

EMBRACE BOTH ROLES IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

2 Timothy 2:1-2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

TWO TYPES OF CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted …

Proverbs 27:6 … but an enemy multiplies kisses.

HANDLING BAD CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Matthew 7:20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

TWO POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIPS
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

LOOKING TWO DIRECTIONS
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 12:26 NIV The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

THE POWER OF A CONNECTION

Proverbs 12:26 NIV (2011) The righteous choose their friends carefully …

Proverbs 12:26 ESV One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor…

“The righteous will seek out his friends”

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

WE MUST CHOOSE OUR CONNECTIONS WISELY

Proverbs 12:26 NIV The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Esther 4:12-14 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

1. WHO KNOWS

2. YOU HAVE COME TO YOUR ROYAL POSITION

3. FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Esther 4:15-16 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

THEREFORE –
1. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER 2. BUILD EACH OTHER UP

"As in fact you are doing"

1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Matthew 5:14-15 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

John 9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Exodus 20:1-2 And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

LAWS ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:4-6 You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Exodus 20:7 You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Exodus 20:8-11 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

LAWS ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PEOPLE

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.

Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal.

Exodus 20:16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Exodus 20:18-21 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

THEY WERE IMPATIENT

Exodus 32:1 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

THEY WORSHIPPED IDOLS

Exodus 32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD.”

THEY WERE STIFF-NECKED

Exodus 32:9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff- necked people.

THEY MADE EXCUSES

Exodus 32:23-24 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”

Exodus 32:30-32 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

Psalm 106:23 So he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.

GOD WILL PROVIDE HIS PEOPLE WITH ALL THEY NEED

Exodus 16:3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

Exodus 16:12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ”

Exodus 16:6-7 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD …”

THE PEOPLE NEEDED TO LEARN OBEDIENCE TO GOD

Exodus 16:4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.”

Deuteronomy 8:16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors
had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you.

Exodus 16:20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell...

Exodus 16:27 Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none.

Exodus 16:28 Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?”

Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Exodus 12:40-41 Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt.

Exodus 13:21-22 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

GOD DOES NOT LEAD IN A STRAIGHT LINE

Exodus 13:17-18 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

GOD SOMETIMES LEADS TOWARD STRUGGLE

Exodus 14:1-4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for
myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So the
Israelites did this.

GOD ALLOWS PEOPLE INTO IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS

Exodus 14:11-12 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

GOD CAN DELIVER THROUGH ANY SITUATION

Exodus 14:13-14 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Exodus 14:15-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.”

Exodus 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

Exodus 14:28-31 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Exodus 11:4-5 So Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.

Exodus 12:3-13 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

THE EVENTS OF THE PASSOVER

Exodus 12:30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE PASSOVER

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 Corinthians 5:7(b) For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

Matthew 26:26-28 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Exodus 6:1-7 "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.”
God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.
“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.”

BECAUSE OF MY MIGHTY HAND HE WILL LET THEM GO – v. 1
v1: "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.”

I WILL BRING YOU OUT FROM UNDER THE YOKE OF THE EGYPTIANS – v. 6
v6: “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.

Exodus 6:7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

Choose to Obey Jesus

John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands”

John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me…”

John 14:23-24 “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching…”

Caring For Others

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:7-8 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Philippians 2:3-5 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”

“When people observe how you love others, how much of Jesus do they actually see?”

Remembering Your New Identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Matthew 22:15-16 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are.

TEACH THE TRUTH

NOT SWAYED BY OTHERS

Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

1 Kings 9:4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS AS A LEADER

Joshua 1:7-8 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS AS A FOLLOWER

Job 30:20 “I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me.”

2 Corinthians 12:7-8 Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

THE APOSTLE PAUL HAD A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

GOD DID NOT RESOLVE PAUL’S PROBLEM AFTER PRAYING

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

John 10:1-6 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by 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 the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

THE SHEEP LISTEN TO HIS VOICE

HE CALLS THE SHEEP & LEADS THEM

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

THE SHEEP WILL FOLLOW HIM

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

THE NATURAL WORLD REVEALS GOD.

Psalm 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his
hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The song begins with an invitation to explore and discover.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

THE NATURAL WORLD DOES NOT REVEAL EVERYTHING.

Psalm 19:7-10 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.

The Creator will always know how His creation will best experience the world He has created.

The creation will never discover a better way of experiencing the Creator's design outside of what the Creator has already set in motion.

As His creation, we are participants in our Creator's design; therefore, we, as the creation, don't get to redefine the Creator's design.

As His creation, our purpose is to live as our Creator created us to live.

1 John 4:9-10 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning Sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:16-19 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement; In this world, we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.

Since I Know My Creator Loves Me, Will I Trust Him Enough To Live How He Created Me To Live?

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

1. EVERY LIFE HAS VALUE TO GOD

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2. GOD OFFERS GRACE TO EVERY LIFE

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“Whoever Believes in Him”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

JESUS IS PREPARING A PLACE IN HEAVEN

John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN

John 14:5-6 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we
know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

THE BIBLE IS GOD TALKING TO YOU.

“All Scripture is God Breathed”

2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

THE BIBLE HELPS YOU GROW SPIRITUALLY.

“And is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness”

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

THE BIBLE EQUIPS YOU FOR REAL LIFE.

“so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

If Christ is NOT Resurrected from the Dead

If Christ IS Resurrected From the Dead

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and forever! Amen.

DECLARING JESUS AS LORD

John 20:26-28 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Philippians 2:5-8 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming
obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

THAT MEANS HE IS LORD OF YOUR LIFE

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

John 1:35-36 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

THE REDEEMING LAMB

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

THE VICTORIOUS LAMB

Revelation 5:6-8 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

Revelation 5:10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:12-13 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high
priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

1. JESUS IS THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST

Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

Hebrews 5:1 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Hebrews 10:10-12 … we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God

2. JESUS CAN EMPATHIZE WITH US

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

3. JESUS CAN HELP US LIKE NO OTHER

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, “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’?”

1. HE WAS A MAN WITH A MISSION
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

2. HE WAS A MAN WITH A FUTURE
Daniel 7:13-14 In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Mark 14:61-62 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all
the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.

Acts 7:56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.”

“The Son of God”
HELLO MY NAME IS …
March 16, 2025 Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD.
John 5:18 For this reason they tried 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 with God. 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Luke 22:70-71 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”AS THE SON, HE REVEALS GOD TO US.
John 14:8-9 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Ephesians 4:11-13 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Hello My Name Is...
"Jesus"
March 9th, 2025

1. THE NAME OF JESUS

Matthew 1:21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

IT’S A SIMPLE NAME
IT’S A NAME WITH A PURPOSE

Acts 10:43 “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

2. THE POWER OF THE NAME OF JESUS

Philippians 2:6-8 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
HIS NAME IS ABOVE EVERY NAME*

HIS NAME IS TO BE WORSHIPPED

"Train Up A Child" -- Baby Dedication Sunday

Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will
not turn from it.

1. START CHILDREN OFF

2 Timothy 3:14-15 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become
convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, (15) and how from
infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2. ON THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO

3. WHEN THEY ARE OLD THEY WILL NOT TURN FROM IT.

“Making Peace With God”
A CRISIS OF FAITH?

PEACE COMES THROUGH JESUS.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(9) Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall
we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
*Text the Church @ 816-297-274
Text Pastor Matt @ 816-812-1926
PEACE IS MAINTAINED IN JESUS
Romans 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now
stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

“When Saints Are Sinners”
A CRISIS OF FAITH?
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. (2) And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? (3) For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. (4) So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, (5) hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

THE CHURCH HAS A PROBLEM WITH A PUBLIC SIN
PAUL TELLS THE CHURCH TO ADDRESS IT
Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the
two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. (16) But if they will not listen,
take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of
two or three witnesses.’ (17) If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they
refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you
who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch
yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. (6) The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. (7) Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. (8) I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. (9) Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. (10) Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, (11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no
regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
1. COMFORT HIM (v. 7)
2. REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE (v. 8)
3. FORGIVE HIM (v. 7 & 10)

“Is God Punishing Me”
A CRISIS OF FAITH?
1 John 1:5-10 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is
light; in him there is no darkness at all. (6) If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk
in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all
sin.
(8) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (9) If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness. (10) If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word
is not in us.
1 John 2:1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody
does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (2) He is the
atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1. BELIEVERS LIVE WITH A TENSION
2. THE FORGIVENESS OF JESUS IS THE ANSWER
1:7 … and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness.
2:1 But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the
Righteous One
2:2 – He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of
the whole world.
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

“Running Away From God”
A CRISIS OF FAITH
Jonah 1:1-17 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: (2) “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
(3) But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. (4) Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. (5) All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. (6) The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” (7) Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. (8) So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” (9) He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (10) This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) (11) The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” (12) “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”(13) Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. (14) Then they cried out to the LORD, “Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased.” (15) Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. (16) At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. (17) Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

JONAH WAS ONCE CLOSE TO GOD
HIS REASON TO RUN
Jonah 4:2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home?
That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and
compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from
sending calamity.
RUNNING AWAY FROM GOD CAN BE EASY
GOD WAS NOT DONE WITH JONAH
Jonah 1:3-4 …he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
(4) Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea …
Jonah 3:1 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.

“I’m Kind of Worried”
HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
1. THE PROBLEM OF WORRY
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more
than clothes? (26) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (27)
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
1 Corinthians 12:25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts
should have equal concern for each other.
Philippians 2:20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your
welfare.
2. THE SOLUTION TO WORRY
Matthew 6:28-34 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field
grow. They do not labor or spin. (29) Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was dressed like one of these. (30) If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is
here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of
little faith? (31) So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or
‘What shall we wear?’ (32) For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly
Father knows that you need them. (33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given to you as well. (34) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows
that you need them.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will
be given to you as well.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“I’m Tired”
HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
(29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

1.THE INVITATION OF JESUS

THE YOKE OF JESUS
Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s
shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
THE PROMISE OF JESUS
1 John 5:3 “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not
burdensome”
Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient
paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you
said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

“Anna at the Temple”
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
Luke 2:36-37 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, (37) and then was a
widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting
and praying.
Luke 2:38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the
child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

“Simeon and Praise”
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
Luke 2:21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the
name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Luke 2:22-24 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses,
Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (23) (as it is written in the
Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), (24) and to offer a
sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young
pigeons.”
1. A MAN NAMED SIMEON
Luke 2:25-27 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. (26)
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen
the Lord’s Messiah. (27) Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the
parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
2. THE TWO STATEMENTS OF SIMEON
Luke 2:28-32 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
(29) “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in
peace. (30) For my eyes have seen your salvation, (31) which you have prepared in the
sight of all nations: (32) a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people
Israel.”
Luke 2:33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is
destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be
spoken against, (35) so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword
will pierce your own soul too.”

“Shepherds and Angels”
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
Luke 2:8-20 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at
night. (9) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. (10) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause
great joy for all the people. (11) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the
Messiah, the Lord. (12) This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a
manger.” (13) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
(15) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (16) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (17) When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (18) and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (19) But Mary treasured up all
these things and pondered them in her heart. (20) The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
SHOW – Two Cherub – On screen.
SHOW – Sistene Madonna on screen.
1. THE ANGEL’S APPEARANCE
1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will
cause great joy for all the people.
2. THE ANGEL’S WORDS
Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord.
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his
favor rests.”
Luke 2:17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told
them about this child
Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had
heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

“Joseph, Mary, and the Baby”
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

THE BIRTH STORY IS HISTORICAL
Luke 2:1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of
the entire Roman world. (2) (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was
governor of Syria.) (3) And everyone went to their own town to register.
THE BIRTH STORY IS MESSIANIC
Luke 2:4-5 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. (5) He
went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a
child.
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans
of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose
origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will
be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the greatness of his government and
peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
THE BIRTH STORY IS A CONTRAST
Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, (7) and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because
there was no guest room available for them.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he
was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might
become rich.

“Where Can I Get Confidence?”
INSECURITY
Exodus 3:7-10 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have
heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. (8) So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. (9) And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. (10) So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the
Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.”
Exodus 4:10-16 Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been
eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (11) The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? (12) Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (13) But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (14) Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. (15) You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. (16) He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.

BEING CLOSE TO GOD DOES NOT ELIMINATE INSECURITY
MOSES HAD A PROBLEM THAT NEEDED ADDRESSED
Exodus 4:10 “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to
your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
Acts 7:22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and
was powerful in speech and action.
GOD’S POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ’s power may rest on me.

“I’m Not Good Enough”
INSECURITY

I DON’T FEEL GOOD ENOUGH TO BE SAVED
Romans 8:31-34 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who
can be against us? (32) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how
will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (33) Who will bring any
charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. (34) Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus
I DON’T FEEL GOOD ENOUGH TO STAY SAVED
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or
persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
(36) As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as
sheep to be slaughtered.” (37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“I’m Unsure of Myself”
INSECURITY
1. GOD’S WORD TO US
Jeremiah 1:4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying…
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you
apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my
mother’s womb. (14) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

VOICING OUR INSECURITIES
Jeremiah 1:6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too
young.”
Jeremiah 1:9-10 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and
said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. (10) See, today I appoint you
over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to
build and to plant.”
GOD’S RESPONSE TO OUR INSECURITIES.
Jeremiah 1:7-8 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to
everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. (8) Do not be afraid of them, for I
am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

WE MUST THINK PROPERLY ABOUT THE END TIMES

2 Peter 3:1-2 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as
reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

JUDGMENT IS COMING
2 Peter 3:3-7 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Acts 2:16-17 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

GOD CURRENTLY OFFERS PATIENCE

2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

JESUS WILL COME UNEXPECTEDLY

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

THE END SHOULD IMPACT US NOW

2 Peter 3:11-12(a) Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

2 Peter 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

WE HAVE A HOPE

2 Peter 3:12(b)-13 That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

A NEW CREATION

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Acts 16:31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

A NEW COMMUNITY
Matthew 16:17-18 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

A QUESTION FROM JOHN

Luke 7:18-23 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to
the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Acts 2:22 Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.

A QUESTION FROM JESUS

Luke 9:18-20 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

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

“Captivity”
LONG STORY SHORT

2 Kings 17:7 All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God,
who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They
worshiped other gods

EXILE TO BABYLON
Jeremiah 29:4-7 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried
into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: (5) “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. (6) Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. (7) Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Jeremiah 29:10 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (12) Then you will
call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (13) You will seek me and
find me when you seek me with all your heart. (14) I will be found by you,” declares the
LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and
places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the
place from which I carried you into exile.”

RETURN TO JERUSALEM
Ezra 6:15-16 The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. (16) Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles - celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.
Nehemiah 8:5-6 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. (6) Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Ezekiel 36:24-28 “For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries
and bring you back into your own land. (25) I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be
clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. (26) I will give you a
new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be
careful to keep my laws. (28) Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be
my people, and I will be your God.

“Covenant People”
LONG STORY SHORT

WHAT GOD DESIRED OF HIS PEOPLE
Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your strength.
Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people,
but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Exodus 24:3-4 When Moses went and told the people all the LORD’s words and laws,
they responded with one voice, “Everything the LORD has said we will do.” (4) Moses
then wrote down everything the LORD had said.
Exodus 24:7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They
responded, “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.”
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you
that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that
you and your children may live (20) and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to
his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many
years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
WHAT THE PEOPLE DELIVERED
Isaiah 2:8 Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands,
to what their fingers have made.

“Covenant”
LONG STORY SHORT
1. THE COVENANT WITH ABRAM.
Genesis 12:1-3 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. (2) “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (3) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 15:8-12 But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?” (9) So the LORD said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.” (10) Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. (11) Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.
(12) As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

Genesis 15:17-21 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. (18) On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates – (19) the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, (20) Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites,(21) Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”

THE COVENANT WITH ISRAEL
Exodus 24:1-7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, (2) but Moses alone is to approach the LORD; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.” (3) When Moses went and told the people all the LORD’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the LORD has said we will do.” (4) Moses then wrote down everything the LORD had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. (5) Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the LORD. (6) Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splashed against the altar. (7) Then he took the
Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.”

Galatians 3:19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of
transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.

Deuteronomy 7:7-9 The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. (8) But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (9) Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

“Curse”
LONG STORY SHORT

NATURAL CORRUPTION
Genesis 3:17-19 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the
tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the
days of your life. (18) It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants
of the field. (19) By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the
ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
Genesis 3:16 To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very
severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children.”
MORAL CORRUPTION
Genesis 3:22-24 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing
good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of
life and eat, and live forever.” (23) So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden
to work the ground from which he had been taken. (24) After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

“Creation”
LONG STORY SHORT
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
1. GOD IS ALL POWERFUL.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal
power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been
made, so that people are without excuse.
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and
power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their
being.”
2. GOD IS RELATIONAL
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so
that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and
all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
(27) So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill
the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over
every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 2:15-17 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to
work it and take care of it. (16) And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free
to eat from any tree in the garden; (17) but you must not eat from the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Genesis 3:8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was
walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the
trees of the garden.

“Then Comes a Lifetime Together”
FIRST COMES LOVE
Matthew 19:1-3 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the
region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. (2) Large crowds followed him, and he healed
them there. (3) Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to
divorce his wife for any and every reason?”
Matthew 19:4-6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made
them male and female,’ (5) and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? (6) So they are no longer two,
but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Matthew 19:6 “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
1. WHAT GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER.
2. LET NO ONE SEPARATE
1) A New Family Together
2) Increased Intimacy
3) Shared Half-ness
4) Spiritual Connection
5) Security

“Then Comes Marriage”
FIRST COMES LOVE
Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; (4)
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
1. BEFORE YOU ARE MARRIED
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and
wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
2. START YOUR MARRIAGE WELL
Genesis 2:24-25 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and
they become one flesh. (25) Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure,
for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Discipleship: "Putting It Into Practice" by Gary Barbee

“Good Soil”
DIRT
Matthew 13:3-9 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. (4) As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. (5) Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. (6) But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (7) Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. (8) Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (9) Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and
understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times
what was sown.

Mark 4:20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop -some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.

Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

FAITH BEGINS WITH HEARING, UNDERSTANDING, AND
ACCEPTANCE.
WE MUST CONTINUE TO HOLD ONTO FAITH.
Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear
the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Acts 11:22-23 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to
Antioch. (23) When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and
encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
EVENTUALLY WE WILL PRODUCE FRUIT FOR JESUS.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up.

“Among Thorns”
DIRT
Matthew 13:3-9 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow
his seed. (4) As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it
up. (5) Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because
the soil was shallow. (6) But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (7) Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. (8) Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (9) Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
1. WORRIES OF THIS LIFE
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will
be given to you as well.
2. DECEITFULNESS OF WEALTH
Mark 4:18-19 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; (19) but the worries of
this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word,
making it unfruitful.
3. DESIRE FOR OTHER THINGS
Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on
their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

“Rocky Ground”
DIRT
Matthew 13:3-9 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow
his seed. (4) As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it
up. (5) Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because
the soil was shallow. (6) But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered
because they had no root. (7) Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the
plants. (8) Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty
times what was sown. (9) Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:20-21 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and
at once receives it with joy. (21) But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When
trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
1. IT SPRANG UP QUICKLY
2. IT DIED QUICKLY
Luke 8:6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they
had no moisture.
1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow
up in your salvation, (3) now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

“The Path”
DIRT
Matthew 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. (2) Such large
crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the
shore.
Matthew 13:3 Then he told them many things in parables. `
Matthew 13:10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in
parables?”
Matthew 13:11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of
heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”
Matthew 13:3-9 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow
his seed. (4) As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it
up. (5) Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because
the soil was shallow. (6) But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered
because they had no root. (7) Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the
plants. (8) Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty
times what was sown. (9) Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:18-19 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: (19) When anyone hears
the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches
away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
Luke 8:11 This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
1. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT
1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it
grow.
*The Bridge Illustration.
2. THE EVIL ONE SNATCHES IT AWAY
Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and
takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

“Offer Children’s Ministry”
WHY WE DO IT

Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

THE VALUE OF CHILDREN

Matthew 18:2-6 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. (3) And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (4) Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

CHILDREN NEED PROPER GUIDANCE

Matthew 18:6-7 “If anyone causes one of these little ones - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (7) Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

CHILDREN NEED SALVATION TOO

Matthew 18:12-14 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? (13) And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. (14) In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

“Practice Baptism”
WHY WE DO IT

1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (19) After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits – (20) to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, (21) and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Baptism that now saves you

NOT REMOVAL OF DIRT FROM BODY
PLEDGE OF CLEAR CONSCIENCE

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Matthew 28:18 – All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me.

“Listen to Preaching”
WHY WE DO IT
2 Timothy 4:1-2 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the
dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: (2) Preach the word;
be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and
careful instruction.
1. PREACHING IS NOT OPTIONAL
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God may be thoroughly
equipped for every good work.
Acts 20:27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
2. PREACHING HELPS US LIVE FOR JESUS
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and
encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.
Acts 20:20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be
helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who
does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say
what their itching ears want to hear. (4) They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn
aside to myths.

“Collect an Offering”
WHY WE DO IT
2 Corinthians 8:1-9 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has
given the Macedonian churches. (2) In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their
extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (3) For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,
and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, (4) they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of
sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. (5) And they exceeded our expectations: They gave
themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (6) So we urged Titus, just as he
had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. (7) But since you
excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have
kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
(8) I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the
earnestness of others. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet
for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
1. GIVING IS A MATTER OF THE HEART
2 Corinthians 8:1-3 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that
God has given the Macedonian churches. (2) In the midst of a very severe trial, their
overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (3) For I testify that
they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
-Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
2. GIVING IS AN ACT OF GRACE
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 …Entirely on their own, (4) they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. (5) And they exceeded our
expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also
to us.
3. GIVING IS PART OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in
complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this
grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love
by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
4. GIVING FOLLOWS THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich,
yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

“Take Communion”
WHY WE DO IT
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in
the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (17)
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
1. FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is
the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver
or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you
from your ancestors, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without
blemish or defect.
2. FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER
v. 16 “And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?”
Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is
my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all
share the one loaf.
1 Corinthians 12:12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many
parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

“Sing Together”
WHY WE DO IT
Psalm 66:1-4 Shout for joy to God, all the earth!
(2) Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.
(3) Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe
before you.
(4) All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”
1. BELIEVERS SING AND SHOUT TO GOD
Psalm 66:1-2 Shout for joy to God, all the earth!
(2) Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.
2. SINGING IS A WAY TO CELEBRATE GOD.
Psalm 66:3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your
enemies cringe before you.
Psalm 66:6 He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on
foot— come, let us rejoice in him.
3. SINGING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP
Psalm 66:4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of
your name.

“I Feel Unloved”
LORD, Help Me
1 John 4:7-12 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who
loves has been born of God and knows God. (8) Whoever does not love does not know God,
because God is love. (9) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (10) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (11) Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (12) No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
God is Love

GOD LOVES YOU
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
WE LOVE YOU
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who
loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be
called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his
love is made complete in us.
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself
God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
“Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.”
--Dr. Karl Menninger

Sermon Title: “I’m Angry Right Now”
Sermon Series: LORD, Help Me
James 1:19-21 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (20) because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (21) Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

BECOME SLOW TO ANGER
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to
listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
BECAUSE ANGER DOES NOT PRODUCE RIGHTEOUSNESS
James 1:20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
YOU WILL NEED TO CUT IT OUT BY THE ROOTS
James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly
accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Ephesians 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are
still angry, (27) and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along
with every form of malice. (32) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Sermon Title: “I’m Ready to End it All”
Sermon Series: LORD, Help Me
Matthew 27:3-5 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was
seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. (4)
“I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
(5) So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
1. MENTAL STRUGGLES ARE REAL
2. ENDING IT ALL IS NOT THE ANSWER
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no
regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Job 1:21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The
Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
3. PEOPLE NEED SUPPORT
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.

Sermon Title: “I’m Addicted”
Sermon Series: LORD, Help Me
Deuteronomy 17:17 (a) He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.
2 Samuel 5:13 After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem,
and more sons and daughters were born to him.
2 Samuel 12:7-9 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel,
says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. (8) I gave your master’s
house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had
been too little, I would have given you even more. (9) Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing
what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your
own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.
1. CRY OUT TO GOD
Psalm 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love.
Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God,
will not despise.
2. ACCEPT GOD’S FORGIVENESS
Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your
great compassion blot out my transgressions. (2) Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me
from my sin. (3) For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Psalm 51:7-9 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than
snow. (8) Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. (9) Hide your
face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain
me.
3. ALLOW GOD TO TRANSFORM YOU
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
4. USE YOUR STORY
Psalm 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.
5. PRAISE GOD THROUGH THE PROCESS
Psalm 51:15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

“I’m Lonely”
LORD, Help Me
1. WITH NON-CHRISTIANS, SHARE JESUS WITH THEM.
Romans 16:5 (b) Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in
the province of Asia.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
2. BEFRIEND ANY CHRISTIAN.
Romans 16:9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
3. SEEK WAYS TO CONNECT IN JESUS
Romans 16:8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
4. SERVING TOGETHER CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO CONNECT
Romans 16:12 (b) Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very
hard in the Lord.

Sermon Title: “I’m Struggling”
Sermon Series: LORD, Help Me
John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
1. TROUBLES IN THIS WORLD
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to
test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
2. IN JESUS WE OVERCOME
“But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are
idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with
everyone.
1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world?
Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Sermon Title: “I’m Afraid of Death”
Sermon Series: LORD, Help Me
Hebrews 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil -(15) and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

WE WERE HELD IN SLAVERY BY THE FEAR OF DEATH.
Hebrews 2:15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
HE MIGHT BREAK THE POWER OF DEATH.
Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that
by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death - that is, the
devil.

Hebrews 2:17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in
order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that
he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead
comes also through a man.

Sermon Title: “The Work of the Son”
Sermon Series: GETTING TO KNOW GOD BETTER

A PROPHETIC PARABLE
Luke 20:9-19 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard,
rented it to some farmers, and went away for a long time. (10) At harvest time, he sent a
servant to the tenants so they could give him some of the fruit from the vineyard. But the
tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. (11) He sent another servant, but that one also beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. (12) He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.
(13) “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I
love; perhaps they will respect him.’
(14) “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they
said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ (15) So they threw him out of the
vineyard and killed him. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? (16) He will
come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this,
they said, “God forbid!”
Luke 20:19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him
immediately because they knew he had spoken this parable against them.
A PROPHETIC REVERSAL
Luke 20:17-18 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that
which is written: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?
(18) Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls
will be crushed.”
PICTURE ON SCREEN – (Stone in Luke)
Acts 4:11-12 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the
cornerstone.’ (12) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under
heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Psalm 118:23-24 says that the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. (24)
The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

Sermon Title: “Accountable to the Master”
Sermon Series: GETTING TO KNOW GOD BETTER
Luke 19:11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was
near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.
Luke 19:12-27 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king
and then to return. (13) So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to
work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’
(14) “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our
king.’
(15) “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had
given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
(16) “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’
(17) “ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very
small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
(18) “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’
(19) “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’
(20) “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of
cloth. (21) I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap
what you did not sow.’
(22) “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you,
that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?
(23) Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it
with interest?’
(24) “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten
minas.’
(25) “ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’
(26) “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has
nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
(27) But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill
them in front of me.’ ”
1. THOSE WHO REJECT THE KING
2. THOSE WHO SERVE THE KING
3. THOSE WHO ACCEPT THE KING, BUT DON’T SERVE

Sermon Series: "Getting to Know God Better"
Sermon Title: "Attitude is Everything"

Sermon Series: "Getting To Know God Better"
Sermon Title: "Eternal Questions"

Sermon Series: "Getting to Know God Better"
Sermon Title: "The Great Banquet"

Sermon Series: "Getting to Know God Better"
Sermon Title: "Answered Prayer"

Sermon Series: "Getting to Know God Better"
Sermon Title: "Being Forgiven Much"

Sermon Series: "Getting to Know God Better"
Sermon Title: “Something New is Happening”

Sermon Series: This Is My Year
Sermon Title: Don't Give Up Yet

Sermon Series: "This Is My Year"
Sermon Title: "Maintaining Momentum"

Sermon Series: This is My Year
Sermon Title: "Take it Off"

Sermon Series: This is My Year
Sermon Title: "New Year, New Me"

"Looking Back to See Ahead"

Sermon Series: "Island of Misfits"
Sermon Title: “Before the King”

Sermon Series: "Island of Misfits"
Sermon Title: "The Wrong Stuff Inside"

Sermon Series: "Island of Misfits"
Sermon Title: "A Hole in My Boat"

Sermon Series: "Island of Misfits"
Sermon Title: "Called By the Wrong Name"

Sermon Series: "Stewardship"
Sermon Title: "Sharing Your Treasure"

Sermon Series: "Stewardship"
Sermon Title: "Using Your Talen"

Sermon Series: "Stewardship"
Sermon Title: "Giving Your Time"

Sermon Series: "Stewardship"
Sermon Title: "It's All His"

Sermon Series: "The WORSHIP Experience"
Sermon Title: "Praise the Father, Praise the Son"

Sermon Series: "The WORSHIP Experience"
Sermon Title: "Worthy of the Lamb"

Sermon Series: "The WORSHIP Experience"
Sermon Title: "Sovereign God"

Sermon Series: "The WORSHIP Experience"
Sermon Title: "Holy, Holy, Holy"

Andy Enos Gues Speaker

Teen Message delivered by Kaden Shannon

Sermon Series: "Game Time"
Sermon Title: "Strict Training"

Sermon Series: "Game Time"
Sermon Title: "The Ultimate Prize"

Sermon Series: "Game Time"
Sermon Title: "The Race Before Us"

Sermon Series: "Next Steps"
Sermon Title: "A Place to Belong"

Sermon Series: "Next Steps"
Sermon Title: "Taking the Plunge"

Sermon Series: "Next Steps"
Sermon Title: "Making Changes"

Sermon Series: "Next Steps"
Sermon Title: "I Think I Believe"

Sermon Series: "Flannelgraph David"
Sermon Title: "King David"

Sermon Series: "David Flannelgraph"
Sermon Title: "David and Johnathan"

Sermon Series: "David Flannelgraph"
Sermon Title: "David and Saul"

Sermon Series: "Flannelgraph David"
Sermon Title: "David and Goliath"

Sermon Series: Flannelgraph David
Title: "The Shepherd Boy"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Title: "Dragging Them to Church"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Title: "Real Men of Genius"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Title: "My Dysfunctional Family"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Title: "The Munchkins and Rugrats"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Sermon Title: "Why Won’t They Listen?"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Sermon Title: "Better Half OR Ball and Chain?"

Sermon Series: My Imperfect Family
Title: "What Was I Thinking?"

Sermon Series: Identity
Title: "Does Anyone Truly Like Me?"

Sermon Series: Identity
Title: "Who Am I Really?"

Sermon Series: Identity
Title: "Is There Hope for Me?"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "Why Have You Forsaken Me?"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "This is My Body"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "No One Knows"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "But to Serve"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "Deny Themselves and Take up Their Cross"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "What Comes Out of a Person"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "Not the Healthy Who Need a Doctor"

Sermon Series: Mark My Words
Title: "The Time Has Come"

Sermon Series: Re-Vision
Title: "Making Leaders"

Sermon Series: Re-Vision
Title: "Making Better Disciples"

Sermon Series: Re-Vision
Title: "Making More Disciples"

Sermon Series: Re-Vision
Title: "Making Disciples"

Sermon Series: The Thrill of Hope
Title: "You are the Light of the World"

Sermon Series: The Thrill of Hope
Title: "Mary's Story"

Sermon Series: The Thrill of Hope
Title: " "Zechariah's Story"

Sermon Series: The Thrill of Hope
Title: " "Luke's Story"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title: " "Prayer"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title" "Sword of Spirit"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title: "Helmet of Salvation"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title: "Ready Feet"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title: "Ready Feet"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title: "The Breastplate of Righteousness"

Sermon Series: Armor
Title: "The Belt of Truth"

Week 1 of the sermon series Armor
The title "The Battle"