MyCalvaryLife: Recent Episodes
Pastor Jeff Johnston
Calvary's audio podcast, with weekly messages from Pastor Jeff Johnston, along with guest speakers, recorded live at Calvary Church in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
For more information about our church visit us online at www.mycalvary.life. #MyCalvaryLife
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Develop the holy habit of spiritual DEVOTION
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Develop the holy habit of self CONTROL
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Develop the holy habit of spiritual DEVELOPMENT
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Jesus demonstrated iconic humility in his monumental STEP DOWN
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Jesus demonstrated iconic humility in his full surrender to God's divine PROCESS
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The iconic humility of Jesus is not just to BEHOLD but to BECOME
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Jesus is the image of the invisible God to us, for us to see and know
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Jesus is the image of the invisible God with us, to be incarnational among us
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Jesus is the image of the invisible God for us, for us to become like
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God won't answer every prayer with a "yes"
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God wants us to know the "no"
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We can soften or stiffen our hearts after the "no"
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How do you get strong?
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Live in the present
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Live with conviction
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Understanding where your strength comes from
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Live by faith
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Was Jesus really talking about heaven and hell?
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Is there anything I can do to "earn" my salvation?
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Is there anything I can do to lose my salvation?
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Who really are the sheep and who are the goats?
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What does this parable actually mean for me today?
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Notice the SEPARATION
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Foolishness = Having FORM without FUEL
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Wisdom = Being prepared with FORM and FUEL
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Your meeting time could be inconvenient / unexpected
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We are out of TIME once it is TIME
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Your readiness has a divine REWARD
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Suddenness should foster READINESS
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The mandate is clear: Be PRODUCTIVE
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Some are given more, and others less, but all have been given MUCH
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Characteristics of a productive servant: URGENCY, EFFORT and INCREASE
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Characteristics of an unproductive servant: RESENTMENT, LAZINESS, and FEAR
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The master will settle our ACCOUNTS
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Idleness will receive its RECKONING
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Productivity will receive its REWARD
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Watch for the SIGNS
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Do not be ALARMED
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Stand firm through imminent PERSECUTION
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PREACH the good news everywhere
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Hold on to your greatest HOPE
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Watch YOURSELF very closely
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The Gospel doesn't just SAVE you - it CHANGES you
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The Gospel worthy life fulfills divine DUTY
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This is a call to SURRENDER
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The Gospel worthy life involves SUFFERING
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This is a call to RESILIENCE
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The Gospel worthy life rejects DIVISION
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This is a call to UNITY
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There is incredible POWER in the gospel of Jesus Christ
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Jesus paid the most expensive PRICE of the gospel
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God is the most valuable PRIZE of the gospel
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We hold the most important CHOICE of the gospel
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The Gospel is the most important INVITATION we will ever share
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Contend with the VEIL over the Gospel
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Contend with the evil OPPOSITION of the Gospel
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Contend with the REJECTION of the Gospel
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Contend with our LIMITATIONS of sharing the Gospel
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We look so much like Jesus when we serve and so little like him when we don't
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Servants love the towel and apron
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Servants embrace the posture of humility
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Servants make their life about others
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Servants receive their reward
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The ADVERSARY works to sabotage through OPPOSITION
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Beware the adversity of DECEPTION
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Beware the adversity of AFFLICTION
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Beware the adversity of DIVISION
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Your RESILIENCE will be REWARDED
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The THIEF works to sabotage you with TEMPTATION
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We must deal with our own EVIL DESIRES
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Temptations should be RESISTED and AVOIDED
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UNBRIDLED temptations have deadly TRAJECTORY
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Choose the right kind of PERFECTION
- The ACCUSER works to sabotage you with SHAME
- God is our DEFENDER, not our ACCUSER
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God gives us something new to WEAR and something new to BECOME
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God's FAVOUR will follow your FAITHFULNESS
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Jesus is already AHEAD of our NEED
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Being HELPLESS can lead to being HOPELESS
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Jesus INVITES us to participate in the miracle
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Jesus can make ALOT out of our LITTLE
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Follow the FIRST THINGS FIRST principle
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Follow the BLUEPRINT principle
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Follow the HIDDEN principle
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Follow the ETERNAL principle
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Follow the PROFITABLE principle
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David had a LONGING and CALLING before his wilderness
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David was DELAYED in the wilderness
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David faced HARDSHIP in the wilderness
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David responded RIGHTLY in the wilderness
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David was ELEVATED after his wilderness
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There is no PROGRESS without PROCESS
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Stir your PASSION for some PROGRESS
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Accept the PAINS of the process
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Pay the PRICE of the process
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Embrace the PACE of the process
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Celebrate the COMPLETION of the process
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BIG IDEA: Jesus embraced a lifelong process of GROWTH
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Jesus grew in STATURE
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Jesus grew in WISDOM
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Jesus grew in OBEDIENCE
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Jesus grew in FAVOUR
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What's the problem? Life is challenging and causes many anxieties
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Big Idea: We can build up an immunity to anxiety
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Meet every situation with THANKSGIVING and PRAYER
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Host God's peace in your HEART and MIND
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Set your MIND on BETTER things
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The REVERED sign will also be REJECTED
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The greatest GIFT provoked the greatest HOSTILITY
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Where does all the hostility come from? A FALLEN HEART
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Hearts will be revealed in the PRAISE or PROTEST of the sign
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Series theme: Jesus is never without effect on our lives. He always causes a FALLING or RISING to happen
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Jesus lifts the SPIRITUAL outsiders
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Jesus lifts the SOCIAL outsiders
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Jesus lifts the SUFFERING outsiders
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Series theme: Jesus is never without effect on our lives. He always causes a FALLING or RISING to happen
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Big Idea: Jesus lifts up the LOWLY
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Jesus causes the low in POSITION to rise
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Jesus causes the low in POSTURE to rise
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Jesus causes the low in POWER to rise
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We have to make an active choice to love the Lord and then grow in our love for Him
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We have to make an active choice to obey the Lord and then keep on obeying Him
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We have to make an active choice to commit ourselves firmly to the Lord
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Mary experienced incredible DELIVERANCE
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Mary became a devoted FOLLOWER of Jesus
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Mary became a devoted SERVANT of Jesus
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Mary became a devoted MESSENGER of Jesus
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The felon was GUILTY & CHARGED
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The crowd TIPPED the scales of justice
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The sentences were SWAPPED
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The great INJUSTICE led to a greater JUSTIFICATION
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There is a direct connection between our LOVE for God and our LOYALTY to Him
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John was loyal through HARDSHIP
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John was loyal through INCONVENIENCE
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John was loyal in his FAITH
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John was loyal in his SERVICE
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Failure isn't FAR AWAY
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He failed when his ACTIONS fell short of his INTENTIONS
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His failure was FORGIVEN by the grace of Jesus
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Failure wasn't his final IDENTITY
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Betrayal is a violation of a person's trust or confidence
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A contrast of hearts
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Judas: An unsurrendered heart
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Jesus: A heart of a patient saviour
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A contrast of actions
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Judas: Hatches plot to betray Jesus
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Woman with the alabaster jar: Hatches her treasure to worship Jesus
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A contrast of destinations
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Judas: A son of a perdition
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Peter: A son by repentance
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Big Idea: Jesus is never without effect on our lives. He will always cause a FALLING or RISING to happen
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Who does Jesus cause to fall?: THE TRADITIONALISTS
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Who does Jesus cause to fall?: THE JUDGMENTAL
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Who does Jesus cause to fall?: THE UNWILLING
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Big Idea: Jesus is never without effect on our lives. He will always cause a FALLING or RISING to happen
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Who does Jesus cause to fall?: THE EXTERNALISTS
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Who does Jesus cause to fall?: THE HYPOCRITES
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Who does Jesus cause to fall?: THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS
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When you experience pain from others: Be FORGIVING
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When you experience pain because of yourself: Be REFORMED
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When you experience pain from the enemy: Be RESISTANT
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When you experience pain from a holy trial: Be FAITHFUL
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Respond to the threat with FASTING
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Trust your life in the HANDS of GOD
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WATCH and WAIT for God's providence
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Turn your FASTING into FEASTING
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Nehemiah's intercession was birthed in A BURDEN
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Nehemiah's prayerful INTERCESSION led to his physical INTERVENTION
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Nehemiah's intercession faced steep OPPOSITION
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Nehemiah's intercession led to significant CHANGE
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Jesus showed us how to pass the test of fasting: Be led by the Spirit, to resist the enemy, through the power of the word, to accomplish God's will
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Follow the Spirit into your WILDERNESS
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Resist the enemy's APPEALING OFFERS
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Invoke the power of God's WORD
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Step into God's GREATER WILL
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A divine encounter begins with your intentional SEPARATION
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Divine encounter requires dedicated SEEKING
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Divine encounter is sparked by personal SACRIFICE
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A divine encounter provokes God's SHOWING and your SHIFTING
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There will always be easy exit points in your journey of faith
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Love is your greatest motivation
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The highest form of freedom is allegiance, not autonomy
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True devotion is being bound to something bigger than yourself
Promises for John in his Kaleidoscope:
Many will rejoice because of his lifeHe will be great in the sight of the LordHe will be set apartHe will be filled with the Holy SpiritHe will be a great evangelistThe Spirit of prophecy will be on himHe will make ways and make waves
Mary's kaleidoscope began showing amazing GRACE Mary saw HUMILITY at every turn of her kaleidoscopeMary's FAITH revealed miracles in her kaleidoscope Mary's FAITH revealed miracles in her kaleidoscopeMary's SURRENDER kept her kaleidoscope turningMary REVELLED in the wonder of her kaleidoscope
Generosity begins in God's GRACE
Generosity isn't limited by LACK
Generosity operates in two DIMENSIONS
Generosity doesn't wait to be ASKED
Generosity exceeds EXPECTATIONS
Generosity is always shared FIRST to God
We can all HONOUR the Lord with our WEALTHProfitable Activity: WORK EARNESTLYUnprofitable Activity: IDLENESS & LAZINESSProfitable Activity: SAVE WISELYUnprofitable Activity: SAVE SPARINGLYProfitable Activity: SPEND MODERATELYUnprofitable Activity: SPEND EXCESSIVELYProfitable Activity: INVEST INTO THE FUTUREUnprofitable Activity: LIVE IN THE PRESENTProfitable Activity: LEVERAGE DEBTUnprofitable Activity: OVERWHELMED BY DEBT
- God is the owner of EVERYTHING
- God PROVIDES for all of our NEEDS
- God gave us the ability to MAKE WEALTH
- God's provision will BLESS our hearts, and his BLESSINGS will test our hearts
- God wants us to TRUST him for everything
- The everyday decision for every believer is FRUIT or FLESH
- Don't fall for FAKE fruit
- Growing fruit is a LIFELONG PROCESS
- Fruit will BUILD you and BLESS others
- There is a spiritual gift for EVERYONE and everyone has a SPECIFIC gift
- We should be STEWARDS not STOREHOUSES
- Gifts are meant for the COMMON good, more than our OWN
There is a MIRACLE in the power There is a MYSTERY in the power There is a DANGER to the power There is open ACCESS to the power There is a BAPTISM in the power
- Holy Spirit is called to be CLOSE to us
- Holy Spirit is ready to be WITH us
- Holy Spirit was given to LIVE in us
- Holy Spirit is the DIVINE PERSON of God who came to share the father's HEART with us
- The person of Holy Spirit is affirmed by his NATURE
- The person of Holy Spirit is affirmed by his NAMING
- The person of Holy Spirit is affirmed by his ACTIVITY
- Sexuality is not an UNTOUCHABLE topic in the bible
- How it began: Sex was given to us as a BEAUTIFUL GIFT of God How it went wrong: God's gift was CORRUPTED causing sexual immorality
- How it can be redeemed: Jesus wants to RESTORE our broken sexuality
- What is my takeaway?: Pursue WHOLENESS and HOLINESS
- Sexuality is not an UNTOUCHABLE topic in the bible
- How it began: Sex was given to us as a BEAUTIFUL GIFT of God How it went wrong: God's gift was CORRUPTED causing sexual immorality
- How it can be redeemed: Jesus wants to RESTORE our broken sexuality
- What is my takeaway?: Pursue WHOLENESS and HOLINESS
- Big Idea: We are image BEARERS not DESIGNERS
- The Problem: The reflection of God's image in us has been DISTORTED by sin
- The Solution: The broken reflection of God's image in us is RESTORED by Jesus
- Final Thought: We have an inherent DIGNITY and DESTINY
- Big Idea: We are image BEARERS not DESIGNERS
- The Problem: The reflection of God's image in us has been DISTORTED by sin
- The Solution: The broken reflection of God's image in us is RESTORED by Jesus
- Final Thought: We have an inherent DIGNITY and DESTINY
- Big Idea: There is an EVERLASTING life for EVERYONE there will be a great JUDGMENT
- Everyone has a FREE WILL
- There will be an eternal PUNISHMENT and an eternal PRIZE
- Final thought: Hell is entirely AVOIDABLE and heaven is entirely DESIRABLE
- The truth of God is PERSONIFIED in Jesus
- The truth Of God is very INTERACTIVE
- The truth of God will be EXCHANGED
- The truth of God is ultimately UNTOUCHABLE
- BROKENNESS was a magnet to Jesus
- COMPASSION was his driving force
- TRANSFORMATION was his legacy
- SENDING was his ambition
- The well is where we go to when WE ARE IN NEED
- Initially, it is HARD WORK to dig the well
- The more we go to the well, THE EASIER it is to draw from the next time
- The well is not just for us, but for FUTURE GENERATIONS
- Pitfalls of flawed prosperity: 1) A LOVE OF MONEY
- Pitfalls of flawed prosperity: 2) A DEPENDENCE ON HAPPINESS
- Pitfalls of flawed prosperity: 3) AN APPETITE FOR EASE
- Pitfalls of flawed prosperity: 4) A CRAVING FOR SAFETY
- Pitfalls of flawed prosperity: 5) A LOVE OF SELF
- The most important battle you will fight in exile is the battle for your PERSONAL DEVOTION
- Personal devotion will attract BLESSINGS and BATTLES
- Personal devotion shouldn't waver in the face of SANCTIONS or SACRIFICE
- Personal devotion sets the stage for divine OUTCOMES
- There is a propensity for PROFANITY
- Heaven is never on HOLIDAYS
- The renaissance of RIGHTEOUSNESS
- The WRITING is on the WALL
- The RESILIENCE of righteousness
- Your faith will be TESTED in EXILE
- The exercising of your faith will attract OPPOSITION
- There is a direct connection between the COST of and COMMITMENT to your faith
- The testing of your faith is BIGGER than YOU
- The testing of your faith reveals the SOURCE of your TRUST
- Response #1: Aim to understand the times
- Response #2: Choose your battles carefully
- Response #3: Don't cave in your own character
- Response #4: Wait for your own time to flourish
- There is an open invitation for all to be filled with the Holy Spirit
- Trust Issue #1: Trust His divine PROMISE
- Trust Issue #2: Trust the divine DELAY
- Trust Issue #3: Trust the divine ENCOUNTER
- Trusting Jesus's claims is a choice made in FAITH more than FACT
- Trust Issue #1: Being unwilling to ACCEPT the claims of Jesus
- Trust Issue #2: Being unwilling to BELIEVE the claims of Jesus
- Trust Issue #3: Being SLOW to believe the claims of Jesus
- God wants you to have a meaning-full life
- There is a TIME for everything
- There can be JOY in all things
- There should be ETERNITY in our HEARTS
- Jesus' victory made it possible for humanity to be reunited with God
- Jesus won victory over SIN
- Jesus won victory over the WORLD
- Jesus won victory over the POWERS OF EVIL
- Jesus won victory over DEATH
- The problem with divine perfect: EXCLUSION
- The impossibility of divine perfection: INADEQUACY
- The fulfillment of divine perfection: CRUCIFIXION
- The outcome of divine perfection: INCLUSION
- Jesus offers everyone and anyone ACCESS to God
- A Thief: Access to the CONDEMNED
- A Soldier: Access to the CONDEMNING
- Nicodemus: Access to the RELIGIOUS
- Disciples: Access to the ABSENT
- Becoming a SERVANT was the pathway to Jesus' victory and our redemption
- Jesus' vulnerability was APPALING
- Jesus' vulnerability was REJECTED
- Because of his vulnerability, Jesus voluntarily LOWERED HIMSELF
- There will be many moments you'll need to interrogate the enemy's DECEPTIVE APPEALS
- Interrogate the enemy's appeal to your APPETITES
- Interrogate the enemy's appeal to your need for AFFIRMATION
- Interrogate the enemy's appeal to your AMBITION
- There is a safe space for God to interrogate your BELIEFS and their BOUNDARIES in your life
- God begins when we're willing to EXPLORE the LIMITS of our beliefs
- New boundaries are formed when we ACCEPT what God is revealing to us
- God's interrogation is complete when we ENGAGE with what He revealed to us
- Jesus lead the greatest spiritual resistance ever
- Resist with RESILIENCE
- Resist with RIGHTEOUSNESS
- Resist with INTERCESSION
- The Apostle's burden: THE CHURCH
- Their crisis response: A CALL TO UNITY
- The Prophet's burden: THE NATION
- Their crisis response: A CALL TO INTERCESSION
- The Evangelist's burden: THE LOST
- Their crisis response: A CALL TO BRILLIANT WITNESS
- The Pastor's burden: THE PEOPLE
- Their crisis response: A CALL TO CARE FOR OTHERS
- There are two kinds of estate planning: EARTHLY and ETERNAL
- Plan your FUNERAL
- Make good INVESTMENTS
- Determine your WILL
- We commit to be LEARNERS
- We commit to being part of the COMMUNITY
- We commit to being CONTRIBUTORS
- We need to lose the weight of INDEPENDENCE
- Holy discipline is DIFFICULT to BEAR
- Holy discipline comes from a FATHER'S HEART
- The outcome of rejecting discipline: an ILLEGITIMATE life
- The outcome of embracing discipline: a PROSPEROUS life
- We need to lose the weight of INDEPENDENCE
- Holy discipline is DIFFICULT to BEAR
- Holy discipline comes from a FATHER'S HEART
- The outcome of rejecting discipline: an ILLEGITIMATE LIFE
- People are becoming: More AFRAID of others than ever, and more ANGRY at others than ever
- Your fast can be perfectly EXECUTED and entirely NULLIFIED
- DEHUMANIZING others will neutralize your own fast
- Change your POSTURE to change the OUTCOME
- He keeps his PROMISES in the midst of PERIL
- He is at PEACE in the PANIC
- He has POWER over the POWERS
- Watch for a heart that is ANGRY
- Watch for a heart that is STAINED
- Watch for a heart that is JEALOUS
- Jesus was the incarnation of the perfect PROPHET
- Jesus was the incarnation of the perfect PRIEST
- Jesus was the incarnation of the perfect KING
- We all know the experience of being LOCKED OUT
- Locked out by TRANSCENDENCE
- Locked out by LEGALISM
- Locked out by STATUS
- Locked out by IMPERFECTION
- We have all been given ACCESS back in
- Access through INCARNATION
- Access by FAITH
- Access by ADOPTION
- Access through RECONCILIATION
Big Idea: To be incarnational is to be VULNERABLE - Vulnerability requires HUMILITY - Vulnerability fosters CONNECTION - Vulnerability BENEFITS others - Vulnerability brings greater GLORY
- A SENDING church is a HEALTHY church
- A HEALTHY church sends RESOURCES
- A HEALTHY church sends LEADERS
- God's plan for SUCCESS includes someone else SUCCEEDING us
- True succession includes our PARTICIPATION
- Anointing for succession is found in OBEDIENCE
- Adversity blinds you from your blessings and breakthroughs
- You have to seek God to settle down
- Find the difference between what you see and what God sees
- Jesus MODELLED a powerful love for us; now he MANDATES it from us
- Love others PRACTICALLY
- Love others SACRIFICIALLY
- Love others UNCONDITIONALLY
- Love others FREELY
- His mercies never fail
- His mercies are like manna... new every day
- It's time to pick your portion
- God desires worship from a CLEAR CONSCIENCE, not a CLUTTERED one
- God's presence is a place of CONVICTION
- Reconciliation begins with you
- Calamity can kill our compass
- Sketchy supports lead to shattered stories
- You can rest in Him, or run on horses
- A perfect SALVATION
- For inclusive INVITATION
- From eternal VICTORY
- With personal ADVOCACY
- Quiet down
- Not every battle is yours to fight
- If you must disagree, don't divide
- Be a better busybody
- There is always an excuse
- Beware the implications of IDLENESS
- Don't EVADE effort - EMBRACE it
- Know that we are SERVANTS, not STARS
- Know that it is GOD WHO GROWS things
- Know that it ALL BELONGS to God
- Be willing to let others SHINE
- Be careful what you're BUILDING
- What you have to contribute will often feel like it's not enough
- He has miracles in mind that haven't even crossed our minds
- There's more than enough for everyone!
- Known the SOURCE of your confidence
- Keep the FAITH of your confidence
- Live in the LOCATION of your confidence
- Cling to the CERTAINTY of your confidence
- We are all given something to care for
- Our view of the master will govern our actions
- When we are faithful with little, we are given more
- We will all give an account
- Decline bad counsel
- Decline the influence of bad company
- Cultivate a delight in the law
- Cultivate the practice of meditation
- Lament begins with a COMPLAINT
- The perspective of a soul in TROUBLE (seeing a God of AMBIVALENCE)
- Laments advance into an APPEAL
- The perspective of a soul in DEVOTION (seeing a God of DELIVERANCE)
- Laments finish in a state of TRUST
- The perspective of a soul in SURRENDER (seeing a God of BENEVOLENCE)
- Don't fall for fool's gold
- Deal with the dangers of disqualification
- Live with eternity in your heart
- Self control expressed through initiation
- Self control expressed as restraint
- Self control anchored in partnership
Question: "How do I lose my zeal & fervor for God?" How do I restore my zeal & fervor for God? - Find your holy HUSTLE - Flame your holy FIRE - Make your holy SACRIFICE
Big Idea: You can have real STRENGTH when you EMBRACE HIM
- Stronger in IDENTITY
- Stronger in PEACE/PRESENCE
- Stronger in PURITY
- Stronger in HIS POWER
- A prayer for divine FAVOUR: "Show me your ways"
- A prayer for divine PARTNERSHIP: "Don't send us without you"
- A prayer for divine ENCOUNTER: "Show me your glory"
- His PROMISE without his PRESENCE is our PROBLEM
- A HEARD WORD leads to a HEART SHIFT
- A HUMBLE HEART softens a STIFF NECK
- Settle DOWN
- Don't RUSH God's timing
- Multiply
- BLESS and do not CURSE
- Do not be MISLED
- HOLD ON to His promises
Big Idea: MAKE ROOM for more of God in your life - Seeking requires SEPARATION - Seeking is for EVERYONE and ANYONE - Seeking leads to FINDING
Psalm 137:1-4 "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while we are in a foreign land?"
Big Idea: SINGING in seasons of STRUGGLE is one of the LEAST APPEALING things we can do, and also one of the most PROFITABLE
- Singing is often SILENCED during times of SORROW and STRUGGLE
- Singing STEERS us OUT and THROUGH times of sorrow and suffering
- Singing SWELLS after the song of STRUGGLE
- The DISILLUSIONMENT of suffering
- The CLARIFICATION of suffering
- The PROCLAMATION over suffering
- The BLESSEDNESS of suffering
Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined and unwavering, marked by firm determination, bold, steady
- There is an OPPORTUNITY before you
- You should expect OPPOSITION
- You CHOOSE your SPIRIT
- WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: That God has remained in control, even though the world feels out of control
- WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: How to nurture gratitude and starve entitlement
- WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: How to make room for God in 2021
- Be FED and FIXED
- It's CAUGHT in a CROWD
- GRASP the GREATNESS (of His Love)
- FEEL the FULLNESS (of His Love)
- Joy is a GIFT from God
- Joy is a gift found in His PRESENCE
- Joy is a gift that CHANGES our PERSPECTIVE
Series Verse: Romans 15:13 Today's Passage: Colossians 1:19-20
Hebrew word for Peace: SHALOM Greek word for Peace: EIRENE
- Jesus made a way for us to feel PEACE with GOD
- Jesus calls us to make PEACE with OTHERS
- Jesus wants us to feel PEACE within OURSELVES
Big Idea: Jesus offers us an invincible, eternal and unrivalled HOPE
- Jesus is hope for all TIME
- Jesus is hope for all THINGS
- Jesus is hope for all PEOPLE
- Jesus is hope in all TROUBLE
- Run AFTER Jesus not AWAY FROM Jesus
- Endurance to run FOR Jesus comes from a life that believes IN Jesus
- Instead of hiding FROM Jesus, hide IN Jesus
OUR 'RUNNING' BEGINS WITH SINFUL SEPARATION
OUR 'RUNNING' CONTINUES WITH SHAMEFUL ISOLATION
OUR 'RUNNING' ENDS WITH PAINFUL DESOLATION OR POWERFUL EXONERATION
Big Idea: Some burdens are meant to be CAST, not CARRIED Other burdens are meant to be CARRIED, not CAST
Burdens that are meant to be CAST: >>> MY OWN Burdens that are meant to be CARRIED: >>> OTHERS'
Big Idea: Gratitude is a spiritual super power
Gutsy Gratitude: Give thanks in all circumstances, not just the great ones Gutsy Gratitude: Gives thanks for a prayer heard, not just a prayer answered Gutsy Gratitude: Gives thanks for purpose in the pain, instead of deliverance from it
BIG IDEA: The "House of God" (Corporate Gathering) is a place of DIVINE CONNECTION and DIVINE COMMISSION
Place of Divine Connection: Where God's Word, Heart and Power is BROADCAST to a corporate GATHERING
Place of Divine Commission: Where our combined burdens, gifts and resources are utilized and devoted to FULFILL the MISSION of God
BIG IDEA: The House of God is a BODY not a BUILDING
- Building God's house in the home requires a DEVOTION to FELLOWSHIP
- Home is a place to KNOW and be KNOWN
- Home is a place to be AUTHENTIC
- Home is a place to GROW
BIG IDEA: God wants you to build Him a house IN YOUR HEART
- Take responsibility to build something
- Expect a divine encounter
- Embrace personal transformation
BIG IDEA: YOU CAN BE PHYSICALLY CAPTIVE, YET SPIRITUALLY FREE - WE NEED TO KNOW HIM - WE NEED TO KNOW HIS HOPE - WE NEED TO KNOW HIS RICHES - WE NEED TO KNOW HIS POWER
- "YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IT WAS SAID, 'EYE FOR EYE, AND TOOTH FOR TOOTH" MATTHEW 5:38
- BUT I TELL YOU, DO NOT RESIST AN EVIL PERSON. IF ANYONE SLAPS YOU ON THE RIGHT CHEEK, TURN TO THEM THE OTHER CHEEK ALSO. MATTHEW 5:39
- AND IF ANYONE WANTS TO SUE YOU AND TAKE YOUR HEART, HAND OVER YOUR COAT AS WELL. MATTHEW 5:40
- IF ANYONE FORCES YOU TO GO ONE MILE, GO WITH THEM TWO MILES. MATTHEW 5:41
- GIVE TO THE ONE WHO ASKS YOU, AND DO NOT TURN AWAY FROM THE ONE WHO WANTS TO BORROW FROM YOU. MATTHEW 5:42
- DIVINE VICTORY REQUIRES DIVINE AUTHORITY
- MY ACTION: BE CLOTHED WITH GOD'S POWER
- POWERFUL TESTIMONY TYPICALLY COMES WITH PERSONAL SCARS
- MY ACTION: ENDURE PAIN WITH PERSEVERANCE
- THE PATH TO THE PODIUM CAN BE VERY PUZZLING
- MY ACTION: TRUST GOD AND HIS PROCESS
- We need to govern the HARDENED heart
- We need to govern the BROKEN heart
- We need to govern the IMPURE heart
BIG IDEA: GROWING IN CAPABILITY OF FLEXIBILITY PROVIDES US WITH A GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO BE USED BY GOD - GOD WANTS ME TO HAVE FLEXIBILITY IN MY AVAILABILITY - GOD PROMISES HIS ASSISTANCE WHEN ENCOUNTERING RESISTANCE #BENDINGNOTBREAKING - FLEXIBILITY WITH WHAT I DO HAVE CREATES STRENGTH WHEN FACING THE REALITY OF WHAT I DON'T HAVE
- THE TONGUE IS THE TINY RUDDER THAT STEERS OUR LIFE!
- THE TONGUE HAS UNLIMITED POWER TO DESTROY US
- SALT WATER IS FOR SWIMMING AND SWISHING, NOT SWALLOWING
- BITTER LIPS WON'T PRODUCE A SWEET LIFE; SWEET LIPS WON'T PRODUCE A BITTER LIFE
BIG IDEA: THERE IS A LIFE OR DEATH DEBATE HAPPENING EVERY DAY IN OUR MINDS
- YOUR MENTAL FOCUS REINFORCES ITSELF
- THE SEEDS OF OUR THOUGHTS BECOME THE SITUATIONS OF OUR LIVES
- EVERYTHING RIDES ON YOUR VOTE
BIG IDEA: If you have a hard time finding space for UNCOMFORTABLE truth, you may need to make more ROOM
Big Idea: LOSS doesn’t have to be LASTING
- Sometimes, loss is NECESSARY to make ROOM for what’s better
- Elevation out of LOSS and into JOY
- Even though we’re suffering LOSS, we can ORIENT ourselves in JOY
- It’s hard to SING in the midst of LOSS
- One of the most important things we can do when we’re walking through loss is to protect our SONG
- We can sing HERE by taking our hearts back THERE to the testimony and deliverance of God
- Live beyond the loss: you’ve got to KEEP SINGING about the goodness of God
BIG IDEA: We can be labelled by the SHAME of our FAILURES, or we can be labelled by the GRACE of our SAVIOUR
- Judas was RUINED by the shame of his mistake
- Peter was RESTORED by the grace of his saviour
- Jesus replaces the label of failure with our true identity and purpose
BIG IDEA: Reconciliation is a hallmark of GOD and His KINGDOM; Division & Separation are a hallmark of Satan, the enemy of our souls
- Reconciliation is HARDER than Division
- Jesus made His enemy a FRIEND
- When JESUS enters the equation, everyone’s labels CHANGE
- We behave most like Jesus when we make ENEMIES into FRIENDS
- WE COME BACK TO OUR “REAL” SELF
- WE TRY FIXING THE FAULT IN OUR OWN STRENGTH
- THE SHAME WAVE
- THE DROP OUT
NO MISTAKE IS TOO BIG FOR THE GRACE OF GOD
BIG IDEA: What we put in the ground TODAY determines what we get out of it TOMORROW
- Let us not become WEARY in doing GOOD
- There is a PROPER time for HARVEST
- We will REAP a HARVEST
BIG IDEA: CHURCH IS NOT AN EVENT WE ATTEND, BUT A COMMUNITY WE BELONG TO.
- ISOLATION MAY BE CLEAN, BUT IT’S ALSO LONELY
- COMMUNITY IS MESSY, BUT IT’S ALSO REWARDING
- DAVID AND JONATHAN ENJOYED SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP
- MOSES AND AARON ENJOYED SPIRITUAL PARTNERSHIP
- ELIJAH AND ELISHA EXPERIENCED SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP
BIG IDEA: We need to pivot from SURVIVAL to SERVING
- God’s purpose is not HALTED by HARDSHIP
- Serving Gods PURPOSE means serving Gods PEOPLE
- The higher the PURPOSE, the greater the SACRIFICE
BIG IDEA: The FURTHER we go in God, the DEEPER we should be in Him - The river of God brings LIFE wherever it goes - God isn’t discovered all at once but at various DEGREES - The river of God causes perpetual PRODUCTIVITY BRING IT HOME: It’s safe in the shallows, but we were made for MORE
BIG IDEA: What we sow into our relationship with God TODAY determines what we harvest in the FUTURE
BIG IDEA: There is a MANDATE for a HOLY ENDURANCE to rise up in God's people
- Endurance is forged in the fires of ADVERSITY
- Endurance is ANCHORED in God's PROMISES
- Holy endurance leads to eventual ENJOYMENT
BIG IDEA: God is a WAY MAKER. He can turn ANY situation for GOOD. HE can REDEEM and rescue ANYTHING.
- What you see as IMPOSSIBLE, God can make POSSIBLE
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God will MAKE A WAY where we see NO WAY
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God will make a way THROUGH
- God will make a way TO
- The PROMISES of God will become our TESTIMONY
BIG IDEA: A crisis of ISOLATION can give birth to a new opportunity for DEEPER CONNECTION
- The great SCATTERING turned into a great GATHERING
- We are responsible FOR each other; and we are responsible TO each other
- The Church is on a MISSION
God's heart for the body of Christ: That ALL members have EQUAL concern for one another: 1. Find ways to CONNECT in a deeper way, RELATIONALLY 2. Serve SACRIFICIALLY
BIG IDEA: When life causes UNCERTAINTY, we can grab hold of a DIVINE CERTAINTY - Our uncertainty DECREASES as our understanding of Jesus INCREASES - We don’t know WHERE this is going, but we know the ONE who is leading us
Sword of the Spirit: The word of God is a POWERFUL WEAPON against a POWERFUL spiritual ENEMY
Fitted Feet: Spiritual shoes help us STAND FIRM and GET MOVING
GET MOVING: Gospel of Peace for UNBELIEVERS STANDING FIRM: Gospel of Peace for BELIEVERS
Our Secret Weapon: PRAYING in the SPIRIT All OCCASIONS. All PRAYERS. All PEOPLE.
BIG IDEA: Comfort is HIGHLY OVER-RATED in our journey of faith.
TARGET the big TROPHY.
Take some BLACK-EYED selfies. (Push past the COMFORTS of the COMMONPLACE)
Put a PURPOSE to your PAIN.
FOCUS on the coming CROWN.
BIG IDEA: The constant roar of SOUND and MOTION hinders our ability to hear God's voice and know his heart.
Noise will always FIND you to FILL you.
We can be ADDICTED to noise and not even KNOW it.
We have to create SPACE for SILENCE.
BIG IDEA: No one in the world has more power to SABOTAGE your life than YOU
There is a BAD that is hard to STOP, and a GOOD that is hard to START.
It may not be our ROOT, but it is our RESPONSIBILITY.
Pay ATTENTION to the TENSION.
If it is a DUPLICATE, return it.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:21-24
Jesus does not see you as an INTERRUPTION.
Jesus is the HEALER.
Jesus is GOD of the IMPOSSIBLE.
BIG IDEA: There is nothing happening to us that Jesus cannot REDEEM, RESTORE, or REPLACE
If it doesn't FIT, return it.
If it doesn't WORK, return it.
If it isn't BENEFICIAL, return it.
If it is a DUPLICATE, return it.
Full of Wonder (Part Three)
Big Idea: Jesus is our greatest SOURCE of HOPE in the world.
Our hope WAITS.
Our hope is HEARD.
Our hope does not LOSE HEART.
Our hope is ANCHORED in a greater WORK.
Full of Joy (Part Two)
Big Idea: A relationship with Jesus that is missing JOY is incomplete.
Our hearts can be full of JOY when our lives are full of SORROWS
Our hearts can be full of JOY when our lives are full of STRUGGLES
Our hearts can be full of JOY when our lives are full of STRESS
Our hearts can be full of JOY when our lives are full of SUCCESS
Join us as we kick off our Full of Wonder Christmas series with a panel of pastoral staff.
BIG IDEA: The pathway to God is a passage of truth
- The war on truth will attack it aggressively
- The war on truth will avoid it at all costs
- The war on truth will adjust it continually
BIG IDEA: We are called to be humbly dedicated to living for His glory instead of trying to win our own. Dedication One: We don't serve to deserve something. We deserve to serve for someone. Test One: Do I find myself complaining about where I'm not or content with where I am? Dedication Two: Our humility is best tested when someone other than us is succeeding. Test Two: Do I find myself comparing or celebrating when someone else succeeds more than me? Dedication Three: We are called to be faithful not first in the kingdom of God.
Test 3: Do I find myself competing or cooperating? Is it possible that in my attempt to be first that I am competing with God for the place He deserves.
BIG IDEA: There are incredible blessings of and responsibilities to spiritual community.
Characteristics of Spiritual Circles: - All assigned by individual design. - All together in unity, not uniformity. - All included, no one excluded.
BIG IDEA: The Kingdom culture of celebration invites us to continually life up and uplift.
Kingdom Ethic of 'Lifting Up': To declare God's wonder, worth and works.
Kingdom Ethic of 'Uplifting': To declare your approval & affirmation of someone else's performance or personhood.
BIG IDEA: Everybody is going to be offended, nobody has to stay offended.
- Our heart is in trouble if seeing someone troubles our heart.
- Many offences have more to do with us.
- Offended people give the worst advice.
- The spirit of offence will eventually reverse your fortunes.
BIG IDEA: Don't ever give up on growth
- Extended spiritual infancy leads to unhealthy cycle and unbalanced diets
- Spiritual maturity comes from consistent grazing careful training
- Everyone is designed for graduation
BIG IDEA: The primary activity of a Christian is not to be good for God, but to be close to Him
- Our time with God is essential, and influences everything else we do, or don't do
- Beware every threat to your intimacy with God
- Beware every threat to your intimacy with God: SUCCESS · BUSYNESS · APATHY
BIG IDEA: God desires to spread and share Jesus through all our lives, and to everyone
- We are all part of a great parade
- We spread His fragrance through word and action
- The fragrance will be received and rejected
- Our responsibility is sacred and significant
BIG IDEA: There is no pathway to Jesus that doesn't lead us through repentance
- The hallmark of repentance is humility
- The posture of repentance is brokenness
- The outcome of repentance is change
The redeemed need to be VOCAL about their VICTORY. He gives the LOST a HOME. He brings us out of the DARKNESS. He sets us free from our PRISONS. He RESCUES us from our REBELLION. He HEALS us from our BROKENNESS. He STILLS our STORMS. He SECURES our SUCCESS.
- Hope is anchored in the original promise
- Hope is possible in the problem
- Hope is tested in the postponement
- Hope is proven in the provision
Reality of the wilderness: test and temptation Overcoming the wilderness: intimacy with God and His word Result of overcoming the wilderness: victory and empowerment
BIG IDEA: Jesus expects us all to reproduce and multiply
- We have a source and a supervisor
- Productivity requires partnership
- Jesus scolds the sterile
Christophe’s passion is to pull people out of the darkness and into the light through power evangelism and biblical training. He is an ordained minister with Partners in Harvest, earning his Master’s degree in Discipleship and Mission from Northern Theological Seminary. His wife, Rhonda, is a gifted mentor to young women and an anointed worship leader, with her associates degree in Biblical Studies from University of the Nations. They have been in full time ministry for over ten years, including six years on pastoral staff at a local church. Christophe and Rhonda have four children: Judah, Jeru, Aliyah and Ashon.
BIG IDEA: Some of our greatest spiritual victories are won daily in small increments
- Long game victory comes through systematic progress in small increments
- The long game requires a growth mindset
- The enemy doesn't fall overnight
- The people of God are the people of testimony
- Your testimony is ongoing
- Your testimony is about you
- Your testimony is powerful
Share your testimonies with us: info@mycalvary.life
BIG IDEA: Jesus calls us to live from the inside out, not the outside in
- It's easy for appearances to drift from authenticity
- The outside is worthless when the inside is fictitious
- The outside always follows the inside
BIG IDEA: Jesus invites us into upside down generosity
- Generosity is always a matter of the heart
- We have capacity to build treasures
- Treasures of the earth have a short expiry date
- Treasures of Heaven are built to last
BIG IDEA: We can conquer an enemy with violence or we can conquer them with love
- The activity of loving changes indentity in living
- Broadcast your love beyond the basic level
- Perfection is possible... push for it!
BIG IDEA: Our posture is shaped by our perspective
- Look for the reversal
- Look for your deliverance
- Look for your confidence
- Look for your determination
The result of adoption: identity
The benefit of adoption: inheritance
The cost of adoption: incarnation
The proof of adoption: imitation
BIG IDEA 1: The Kingdom of God is anchored in mercy and grace.
BIG IDEA 2: Mercy is not getting everything we deserve. Grace is getting everything we don't deserve.
- Entitlement always expects to receive more
- Entitlement is fueled by performance and pattern
- Entitlement leads to seething and steaming
- Don't be envious when God is being generous
BIG IDEA: Jesus cares deeply about what we are full of
- The health of our eyes sets the brightness of our light
- His light is our life
- Leave the light on
BIG IDEA: Followers of Christ are meant to want and witness the miraculous
- We typically need a miracle before receiving one
- Prayer is our pushback to the problem
- His supernatural is greater than our impossible
- The larger the miracle, the louder the doubt
- A big commotion is the final confirmation
BIG IDEA: There is a big difference between dormant and dead.
- There is a need for necessary endings
- Share greif, not grievances
- Jesus is affected by our afflictions
- Jesus includes us in the miracle
BIG IDEA: Our praise is anchored in our recognition.
- The pharisees wouldn't recognize.
- The city couldn't recognize.
- His followers were eager to recognize.
BIG IDEA: The ways of Holy Spirit are just as important as the works of Holy Spirit.
- We always pick the product
- Not some but all
- Gifts are circulated but fruit is cultivated
Power to GO
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28: 18-20
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
"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." Acts 1:4
Powered by 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." Acts 1:4
Power to SERVE
"There are different kinds of gits, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord." 1 Corinthians 12:4
"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit... But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort." 1 Corinthians 14:1-3
Power of ALL
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles." Acts 10:44-46
BIG IDEA: Holy Spirit is my perfect partner.
Holy Spirit partnered with Jesus through His entire life and ministry. Holy Spirit offers us divine revelation. Holy Spirit offers us divine empowerment.
BIG IDEA: The Holy Spirit is both Divine person and Divine power.
The person of Holy Spirit has been sent to be with us. The person Holy Spirit has been sent to dwell in us. The person of Holy Spirit wants to be our close friend.
BIG IDEA: Our spiritual influence rises and falls on our willingness to engage with the process to achieve it.
Our influence is threatened by inconvenience Our influence flourishes with flexibility
Our influence is threatened by uncertainty Our influence flourishes with trust
Our influence is threatened by insecurity Our influence flourishes with faith
Our influence is threatened by cost Our influence flourishes with sacrifice
Our influence is threatened by completion Our influence flourishes with responsibility
Part #1: THE NEED Our Reaction: Skepticism & Sarcasm
Part #2: THE SEED Our Response: Conceal or Contribute
Part #3: THE POSTURE Our Approach: Panic or Peace
Part #4: THE PROVISION Our Miracle: From . Baffled to Blessed
Part #5: THE PURPOSE Our Faith & His Fame
BIG IDEA: Be ready for the most important appointment of your entire life.
- Keep watch over your readiness
- Keep watch over your investments
- Keep watch over your compassion
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Rearrange for the change In order to have room in your life for God, you must intentionally make room in your life for Him.
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Guard the gate If we don't leave space for God to show up, something or someone is going to fill it.
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Settle in the silence How can we be all that God has asked us to be, if we aren't willing to just be?
“Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Ruth 1:8,9
Love is Selfless
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:16-18
True Love is an Informed Choice
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” Ruth 2:11,12
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
True love is Sacrificial
“At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.” Ruth 4:6
Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!” Ruth 4:9,10
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
Big Idea: Grab the lifesaver of seeking
- Seek God with our attention
Lift our eyes to Him
- Seek God with our affection
Lift our hearts to Him
- Seek God with our appeals
Lift our voice to Him
Why We Don't Move Forward: 1. We go to sleep - Ephesians 5:14 2. We get overwhelmed - Psalm 61:2 3. We keep making the same errors - Proverbs 24:16 4. We are afraid on failure
How We Get Unstuck: 1. We remember who God is (Isaiah 43:16-17) a) We remember what he has done b) We wrestle our faith to the ground 2. Make a break with the past (Isaiah 43:18) 3. Look with the eyes of faith (Isaiah 43:19) 4. Remember the purpose (Isaiah 43:21)
Big Idea: Grab the lifesaver of sacrifice
- Without sacrifice, christianity as we know it falls apart
- Sacrifice works much better out of love than legalism
- We sacrifice for king and kingdom
Big Idea: Grab the lifesaver of surrender
- Jesus went first and farthest
- Deny the right things
- Have higher concerns in mind
- Level up instead of trading down
Big Idea: You don't have to listen to the lie
- You are a natural target for taunting
- The opinions of others have no bearing on your opportunity
- God gives wisdom to find a way
- Holy confidence comes from the why, not the what
- The Reason for our Existence: The Glory of God
“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:7
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Glory of God exposed in the Grandeur of God’s creation
- Glory of God revealed in the Holiness of God
- Glory of God manifested in the History of Israel
- The Reason for Discontentment: Inglorious Substitution
- The Reason for Discontentment: Inglorious Substitution - Ichabod
- The Reason for Contentment: Glorious Revelation Immanuel
BIG IDEA: Nothing satisfies us more than the sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus.
- Jesus has the fullness of power to create
- Jesus has the fullness of power to preserve
- Jesus has the fullness of power to forgive and reconcile
- Jesus has the fullness of power to guide and govern
- Jesus has the fullness of power to triumph
BIG IDEA: Jesus Christ is the undisputed, undefeated king of all time.
- Jesus is the king of all humanity
- Jesus is the king of our hearts
- Jesus is the king of heaven
BIG IDEA: Jesus offers us the greatest VIP, all-access pass of all time.
- Jesus came to our perfect priest
- Jesus came to be our permanent priest
- Jesus came to be our powerful priest
- Jesus came to be our personal priest
BIG IDEA: Find and follow the perfect prophet
- Listen for His voice of revelation
- Listen for His voice of instruction
- Listen for His voice of correction
- Listen for His voice for direction
BIG IDEA: We get to choose what captivates us
- Dim down the distractions
- Highlight the higher things
- Right things for the right reasons
"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.” - Romans 8:28 NIV
- Grief is actually not a negative emotion. But it is a powerful emotion.
- Grief is not a competition.
- Grief is not your enemy.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:5 (NIV)
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” - Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” - James 1:27 (NIV)
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” - Psalm 146:9 (NIV)
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” - Deuteronomy 10:18-19
Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die." Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” - 1 Kings 17:7-16 (NIV)
- God sees you and meets You in your grief.
- God calls you to see beyond your grief to a new purpose and season.
- God has in mind the “Ripple Effect”.
Big Idea: God's plan for my life requires a course of action and a cause of action
Key Questions: - Why do I seek God? - Why do I worship God? - Why do I surrender my life to God? - Why do I give my best to God? - Why do I connect and share with others?
Big Idea: What should I do when God says no?
- "Yes" can be a bad and "No" can be best
- Explore the "No"
- Don't avoid the warning
- Choose who will relent
BIG IDEA: Honour is an essential element in God's kingdom.
- Honour others despite their weakness
- Honour others despite their strengths
- Who is the one person I should never honour? Me.
They saw her sin. He saw her value. - Jesus stooped - Jesus always brings you higher - Jesus sent
Move from the mud to the mission - Jesus stood - Jesus stopped
Big Idea: We all have champions of fear that need to fall.
- Dream the defeat
- Dodge the discouragers
- Anchor your assurance
- Speak out of your certainty
- Take your stand and face your enemy
Big Idea: We are not meant to stand still or stay idle but step into the next assignment on our lives.
Characteristics of God's assignment: - Progress and promotion - Invincible and unstoppable - Promise of partnership
Requirements of God's Assignment: - Confession and meditation - Holy confidence - Unwavering obedience
POINT 1: There is no violent storm or raging heart that Jesus cannot calm.
POINT 2: Some storms come by design.
POINT 3: We are not alone in our anguish.
POINT 4: Jesus walks on what worries us.
POINT 5: When we call out, Jesus climbs in.
POINT 6: The awe is worth the awful.
BIG IDEA: Be not afraid of God's plan.
- God's plan is creative.
- God's plan is uncertain.
- God's plan is uncomfortable.
- God's plan is rewarding.
BIG IDEA: We all have treasures in our lives worth guarding.
GATEKEEPER OF THE EYES Careful to guard what we see.
GATEKEEPER OF THE EARS Careful to guard what we hear.
GATEKEEPER OF THE MIND Careful to guard what we think.
GATEKEEPER OF THE HEART Careful to guard what we feel.
BIG IDEA: PROXIMITY = PROFITABLE. DISTANCE = DETRIMENTAL
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FOLLOWING JESUS “AT A DISTANCE” IS MORE ABOUT OUR CURIOSITY THAN OUR CONVICTIONS.
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DISTANCE IS ANOTHER FORM OF DISOBEDIENCE.
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DISTANCE CAN BE CAUSED BY THE PROSPECT OF DISRUPTION AND SUBTRACTION.
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DISTANCE DOESN’T MAKE THE HEART GROW FONDER. IT MAKES THE HEART GROW FAINTER.
POINT 1: Truth is exclusive.
POINT 2: Truth is a person.
POINT 3: Truth was crucified.
POINT 4: Truth can be KNOWN and the Truth can SET YOU FREE.
BIG QUESTION: What to do when what WE want is in conflict with what GOD wants from us.
- THE CALL / COMMAND
- THE GREAT ESCAPE
- THE ATTENTION GETTER
- THE HIDING AND SLEEPING
- THE CONSEQUENCES
- THE SECOND CHANCE OFFERED
- THE SECOND CHANCE ACCEPTED
- THE KINGDOM COMES
BIG IDEA: Faithfulness is how we LOVE God. Faithfullness is how we LIVE FOR Him.
POINTS 1: Faith is not ANXIOUS or AFRAID.
POINT 2: Faith is anchored in our HEARING, not our SEEING.
POINT 3: PRAYER is the work between hearing and seeing.
POINT 4: Faith has a RELENTLESS RESOLVE.
POINT 5: God is not SLOW.
BIG IDEA: The human heart can be one of the biggest sources of fake news.
Jesus addressed fake news about anger.
Jesus addressed fake news about love.
Jesus addressed fake news about following through.
Jesus addressed fake news about retaliation.
Jesus addressed fake news about loving our enemies.
How do we spot and stop Fake News? - Consider the source. - Do some fact checking. - Read deeper. - Check your bias.
BIG IDEA: One of the most important things we can ever learn is that there is always more to learn.
The First Aspect of Wisdom: Knowledge - Knowledge comes from Scripture
The Second Aspect of Wisdom: Understanding - Understanding comes for experience
The Third Aspect of Wisdom: Discernment - Discernment comes from the Holy Spirit
82% of unchurched people are at least somewhat likely to attend church if they are personally invited!
Only 2% of church members invite an unchurched person to church, which means 98% of church goers never extend an invitation in a given year.
7/10 unchurched people have never been invited to church in their whole lives.
BIG IDEA: We can see truth as a nuisance or a new opportunity for growth and progress.
POINT 1: The truth will set you free.
POINT 2: Turn up the volume.
...they were unwilling to listen to the Lord's instructions. (Isaiah 30: 19)
They say to the seers, "see no more visions!" and the prophets, "give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophets illusions". (Isaiah 30:10)
...stop confronting us with the holy one of Israel!". (Isaiah 30:11)
POINT 3: Listening leads to belonging.
BIG IDEA: Love is not something we fall into. Love is something we become.
POINT 1: Love does.
POINT 2: Love gives.
POINT 3: Love empties.
POINT 4: Love is for all.
BIG IDEA: The passion of a real patriot is to see God's kingdom come.
Hallmarks of His kingdom coming: - The elimination of evil - Healing and restoration to the broken - Salvation of the lost
This Week's #ChangeMyMind False Narrative: It's God's fault.
Today's Big Idea: When things go wrong, we can blame God or we can trust Him.
POINT 1: Trust Him to perfect us.
POINT 2: Trust Him to protect us.
POINT 3: Trust Him to prosper us.
New Narrative We Can Write And Live Toward: I will pass my test to possess His promise.
This Week's #ChangeMyMind False Narrative: Church life is optional.
Today's Big Idea: Everybody belongs.
Point 1: The body needs your presence.
Point 2: The body needs your connection.
Point 3: The body needs your contribution.
New Statement We Can Write And Live Toward: Healthy church life is desirable and beneficial.
This Week's #ChangeMyMind Statement: Sexual purity is not that important.
Today's Big Idea: Sexual purity is not only possible but profitable.
How Does This False Narrative Become Our Own Personal Perspective?: When we believe sexual purity is either insignificant or unachievable.
How Does Living By This False Narrative Impact Us?: We pay an inflated price that could bankrupt our lives.
What Is A New Statement We Can Write And Live Toward?: "I can honour God with my eyes, my body, my head and my heart".
BIG IDEA: Personal engagement and experience with the Bible is one of our most important priorities.
THIS WEEK'S #CHANGEMYMIND STATEMENT: I will never really understand the Bible.
False Narrative: The Bible isn't real.
False Narrative: The Bible isn't relevant.
False Narrative: The Bible is inconvenient and uncomfortable.
How Does This Statement Impact Our Lives?: Struggle with fragile faith, shaky commitment, and a sluggish spiritual life.
What Is A New Statement We Can Write And Live Toward?: "I can learn and love the living word of God"
BIG IDEA: God is actively working to become real to every living person in world.
POINT 1: God becomes real when we see Him.
POINT 2: God becomes real when we feel Him.
POINT 3: God becomes real when we share Him.
BIG IDEA: Our first impulse to adversity & complications is to run and hide.
POINT 1: The natural reaction to difficulty is to hide in fear.
POINT 2: The spiritual response to difficulty is to stand in faith.
POINT 3: The natural reaction to failure is to hide in shame.
POINT 3: The spiritual response to failure is to face it and grace it.
BIG IDEA: Giving thanks is one of the most powerful weapons in the life of a believer.
POINT 1: Don't ever forget.
POINT 2: Remember the right things.
POINT 3: Thank God for the miraculous, and the mundane.
BIG IDEA: Overcoming relational adversity is one of the most important & under appreciated features of spiritual maturity.
What is the biggest cause of relational conflict? Missed expectations.
What is the default outcome? Fault finding / finger pointing / spiritual felonies.
What is the better way out? Restoration by self examination.
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RESPONSE to the Call needs FAITH.
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RESPONSE to the Call needs REMEMBRANCE.
a. GILGAL: The God who keeps COVENANT.
b. BETHEL: The God who is INTIMATE.
c. JERICHO: The God who fights our BATTLES.
d. JORDAN: The God who BLESSES.
BIG IDEA: Jesus is the greatest shepherd of all time.
POINT 1: What makes a good shepherd? He pays a price.
POINT 2: What makes a good shepherd? He offers protection.
POINT 3: What makes a good shepherd? He makes it personal.
POINT 4: What makes a good shepherd? He has a plan.
POINT 5: What makes a good sheep? Listening & following.
POINT 6: A life of following leads to a life of filling.
BIG IDEA: Jesus and continues making the greatest comeback ever.
POINT 1: What it looked like at the end of a story was just the beginning of a new chapter.
POINT 2: His resurrection power can resurrect you.
Join us as we host a special guest speaker Joe Amaral from the Christian Research Group.
BIG IDEA: We can fumble our through life in darkness or flood it with great light.
Responsibilities to the light of God: Drive out the darkness.
Responsibilities to the light of God: Scarp the sunblock.
Responsibilities to the light of God: Grow your glow.
BIG IDEA: Helping others is a high priority and high reward activity.
POINT 1: If we can't be inconvenienced, we'll never be an influential.
POINT 2: We choose availability, God chooses opportunity.
POINT 3: We can't become a help, if we're always looking for help.
POINT 4: Bearing a burden will break a budget.
POINT 5: Helping others is heaping up harvest.
BIG IDEA: Never underestimate the reach of your speech.
POINT 1: We all speak from the storehouse.
POINT 2: Stop mixing the message.
POINT 3: Cultivate a better confession.
BIG IDEA: What we confess internally will eventually emerge externally.
POINT 1: Know what causes an identity crisis.
POINT 2: Go on a demolition mission.
POINT 3: Choose epiphany over crisis.
BIG IDEA: The confession of our faith shapes the expression of our faith.
POINT 1: What do I confess about God's character?
POINT 2: What do I confess about God's principles?
POINT 3: What do I confess about God's promises?
POINT 1: The altar was a place of appeal.
POINT 2: The level of adversity affects the intensity of our appeal.
POINT 3: Some won't understand the anguish of your appeal.
POINT 4: Faith is the biggest factor of our turnaround.
POINT 5: God hears and remembers us.
POINT 1: The altar was a place of encounter.
POINT 2: We stumble into God.
POINT 3: We wrestle with God.
POINT 4: We build a place for God.
POINT 1: The altar was a place of reform.
POINT 2: Spiritual reform was voluntary.
POINT 3: Spiritual reform was personal.
POINT 4: There's a difference between regret and reform.
POINT 5: Reform thrives in a love/hate relationships.
BIG IDEA: Spiritual vitality requires personal sacrifice.
Week #1: Come to the altar of sacrifice.
David Said: "I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing.
POINT 1: Sacrifice our comfort for God.
POINT 2: Sacrifice our agenda for God.
POINT 3: Sacrifice our resources for God.
POINT 1: The Problem: People
POINT 2: The Solution: People
POINT 3: The Strategy: Incarnation, Truth And Grace
POINT 4: The Momentum: Contagious
POINT 5: The Challenge: ________
BIG IDEA: Step aside.
POINT 1: Because relationship with God is always more important than results with God.
POINT 2: His presence is the path to personal encounter.
POINT 3: His presence is the foundation of our purpose.
POINT 4: His presence is a vital pause during high productivity.
POINT 5: His presence is a crucial factor in major decisions.
POINT 6: Retreat in His presence to find refuge in crisis.
BIG IDEA: When we step out God is glorified and we are amplified.
POINT 1: We can step out of comfort and safety.
POINT 2: We can step out of routines and preoccupations.
POINT 3: We can step out of our problems.
POINT 4: We can step out of our fears.
BIG IDEA: Summer is a 'postcard' from Heaven.
POINT 1: Outcomes of summer: we have rest.
POINT 2: Outcomes of summer: we receive joy.
POINT 3: Outcomes of summer: we experience overflow.
POINT 4: Outcomes of summer: we practice reflection.
POINT 5: Outcomes of summer: we make new memories.
BIG IDEA: Spring is the season of the big comeback.
POINT 1: Outcomes of spring: we initiate a return.
POINT 2: Outcomes of spring: we experience a renewal.
POINT 3: Spring is a season we should be cleaning.
POINT 4: Spring is a season we should be plowing.
POINT 5: Spring is a season we should sow and plant.
POINT 1: Winter (of the soul) is biblically accurate and spiritually necessary.
POINT 2: The purpose of winter is removing the old, to make way for the new.
POINT 3: Winter can either bury you or plant you.
POINT 4: We always have a helper in our hardship.
POINT 5: The outcomes of winter are learning and perfecting.
POINT 1: God has made everything beautiful in its time.
POINT 2: The right posture results in God's purpose for that season coming to pass.
POINT 3: Reaping means one thing to the faithful, and another thing to the fickle.
POINT 4: Key activities in the fall are celebration and calibration.
Join us as our guest speaker Pastor Mark Colwell shares. Mark is currently serving as the Youth Ministries Director in Western Ontario.
BIG IDEA: The value of a promise isn't measured by what is offered, but what is fulfilled.
POINT 1: We have the ability to make great promises.
POINT 2: We also have the ability to flip flop on our promises.
POINT 3: Jesus' heart is to restore, not reject us.
How does what happened in #Charletsville have implications for us?
Where do we stand as a church?
Pastor Jeff shares a beacon of hope in the midst of the hatred this event brought.
During this series we as a Church are going through our annual 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer. We encourage you to follow along, and if you feel inclined, join us as we venture into this special time!
For more information see the following links.
There's nothing like a new beginning to get us excited. New beginnings are exciting! The same can be with the ending of a chapter. Going from an exciting beginning to a fulfilling ending.
And as exciting and fulfilling as those endpoints are, it's actually in the mundane middle where God does all His work! It's in the 'Process'.
Join us as Pastor Jeff Johnston shares a new chapter of this 'Prosper' series!
MyCalvaryLife #Prosper
Part 3 of the Prosper series ventures into 2 Corinthians 9 as we talk about what it means to prosper in God's blessing. What does it mean to be blessed? There's a lot of great promises in God's word and Pastor Jeff shares what the scripture teaches us on living a blessed life.
MyCalvaryLife #Prosper
In Part 01 of this series we talked about how prospering hinges on our soul. If our soul is growing in a way that honours God than it sets the foundation for our lives.
In this 2nd part we talk about 'prospering in His word' and the direct connection that between 'Prospering in Our Soul' and how that hinges on delighting and living in God's word.
Pastor Jeff Johnston shares from 1 John 1: 2-3 about prospering. It's the heart of God that we should prosper in all things. Just like Jesus said 'I have come that you may have life to the full'.
Pastor Jeff Johnston shares Part 03 of our Vital Signs series.
To watch the other messages in this series simply click the small arrow in the top left hand side of the screen.
VitalSigns #MyCalvaryLife
Join us as Pastor Jeff Johnston shares about the power that temptation has over our individual lives and the process in which we can stand in freedom from it.
What keeps you up at night?
Our lives are filled with so many different 'worries' that sometimes it's easy to spend too much time focused on them.
But what does the Bible say about worrying? The Bible tells us that worrying is actually underestimating God.
Join us as Pastor Jeff Johnston shares about how and why we should focus less on worrying and more on God.
Wouldn't it be great if all that Jesus asked of you was what you were already doing? For some that would seem ideal, but imagine if Jesus never challenged us with our finances, our jobs, relationships, etc? Where would we be?
Pastor Carrie Johnston shares a personal message to the church based from Mark 2:1-12.
Pastor Prakash teaches us the importance of servanthood and why having a servant heart is so vital in our relationship with Jesus.
Join us as we venture into John 13 and learn the mind of a servant, the heart of a servant and the hands of a servant.
When was the last time you took a day of rest? God calls us regularly to move from rush to rest, and without rest you can't have perpetual progress.
It's so easy in this day and age to consistently go, go, go.
Join us as Pastor Jeff Johnston shares a powerful message on how and why we need to PAUSE.
Pastor Jeff Johnston shares a challenging message from 1 Corinthians 6. He enlightens on the following points:
- There is an important difference between what is PERMISSABLE and what is BENEFICIAL.
- Carefully CULTIVATE your CONVICTIONS.
- Honour the PRICE more than the PROTOCOL.
Pastor Jeff Johnston focuses on UNITY in this weeks message. In John 17:20-23 Jesus prayed a prayer that relates to unity of the church, the body of Christ and all of Gods people. You're not going to want to miss this one! #ONE #MyCalvaryLife
Taking a look at the life of Demas. Once a committed ministry partner of Paul, he eventually abandoned him, out of his 'love for the world'. Today, we all have the opportunity to join God's rescue and recovery mission to reach those who have walked away from their faith.
Never underestimate God’s ability to use what SEEMS to be insignificant. The journey to significance will be full of seemingly insignificant moments, and we should embrace them with faithfulness and excellence. #MakeItWorship
Sometimes prayer changes our circumstances. Sometimes it changes US instead. As HEBREWS 4:16 says, “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.”
Carrie Johnston shares from Mark 4 on Father's Day here at Calvary. #InTheBoat #MyCalvaryLife