Union Chapel Ministries: Recent Episodes

Union Chapel Ministries

This is the place to catch up on the latest messages from Union Chapel.

Matthew 6:25-34

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Don’t worry about your past

Don’t worry about the opinion of others.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27

“Do not worry about your life.”

Matthew 6:25

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Matthew 6:27

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Psalm 91:11-12

Don’t worry about growing old.

Worry is an achievement

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8: 31,37

Worry is a killer.

Worry is a sin.

Don’t worry about death.

Don’t worry about your enemies.

Don’t worry about what you are not.

Luke 1:26-38

There is so much that we can learn from Mary in her response to trouble and pain. Mary knew very well that there was going to be pain associated with this announcement.

The first thing that we can learn from Mary is to:

Be honest in our pain. We must first acknowledge pain in order to receive healing.

Pain reveals Where you put your trust & where you find your peace.

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

Luke 1:29

Mary was told why Jesus was to be born in Luke 2:35 “so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

God wants to sit with us in our pain.

Be patient in our pain.

The second thing we see from Mary through this process is she waited to hear from the messenger of God. She quietted herself to hear what the angel had to say.

We will never learn a single thing without pain.

C. S. Lewis said that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains: It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

So this raises the question: “How do we become patient in our pain?”

i. We Pray – When we pray, we are reorientated. When we are praying, we are reminded that we are not in control and do not have the answers.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

ii. We Wait- Waiting is uncomfortable, and hard. Waiting causes us to slow down and view the world differently. Waiting takes strength

Later in Psalm 27:14 the David writes: Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

iii. We fix our eyes on Truth:

Don’t distract yourself, this will be something you will be tempted to do.

Life from God doesn't solve our fears or pains. It only distracts us for a little while. Distraction is not the same as deliverance. We want to stay distracted from our fear or pain so that we don’t have to feel. But then we distract ourselves from pain, we distract ourselves from God as well. But when the center of life is fulfilling desires and avoiding pain, no redemptive purpose for pain can be given. It is merely something to be avoided and soothed.

Be hopeful in our pain.

For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:37-38

We grieve differently than the World.

To bookend the life of Jesus, near the end he shares these thoughts in John 16:20-23

“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

John 16:20-23 NIV

“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

Jesus gives us a hope that we do not have to be in pain forever.

When we begin to worship, pain will find its rightful place.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

Luke 1:46-49

Advent is all about hope coming to this world, in unlikely fashions and working in ways we never anticipated.

Because of the birth of Christ, we can have hope in the midst of so much pain, the world is full of pain and Christ wants to be actively engaged with us as we walk through the darkest valleys.

Psalm 103:1-2

Thanksgiving: The Holy Spirit is Always at Work in Everyone Everywhere

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Psalm 103:1-2 NLT

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

2 Peter 3:9 NLT

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:15-17

“This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!

God reigns; let the earth be glad!”

(UMH # 144 / OGRP # 19)

Advent: Living Between the Cradle and the Coming Again

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

(UMH # 196/ OGRP # 163)

Christmas: Messiah Jesus is the Center

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations,

and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Luke 2:30-32

John 18:37 NKJV

37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

MATTHEW 28:18-21 NIV

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

HOW DO WE LIVE WITH KINGDOM PURPOSE?

MAKE IT ABOUT GOD AND OTHERS

John 15:9-14 NIV

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 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. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

BE PLANTED, NOT POTTED

Psalm 92:13-15 NKJV

13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord

Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;

They shall be fresh and flourishing,

15 To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

REALIZE YOUR ROLE AT UNION CHAPEL

Ephesians 4:11-12 NKJV

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ,

II Corinthians 8:1-7

A “faith promise” offering is simply FAITH in God to provide an amount of money followed by a PROMISE to give it. Paul called this the “grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Grace is always a provision of something we don’t have. A “faith promise” offering is a commitment to give what we will trust God to provide.

I. An offering supplied by God’s grace.

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches… They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability… See that you also excel in the grace of giving.”

II Corinthians 8:1-7

The grace of new opportunity

The grace of discipline

The grace of the unusual

II. An offering to be completed within a year.

“Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by our completion of it.”

II Corinthians 8:10-11

III. An offering to be carefully administered.

“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” Paul understood the need for financial accountability and strategic investment!

II Corinthians 8:20-21

Acts 3:1-10

I. HEALING IN THE BIBLE

In the Old Testament.

The Ministry of Jesus.

The teaching of Jesus

“The time has come,” he said. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark 1:15

All who believe will be totally healed on that day!

The Kingdom of God is both “now” and “not yet"

The ministry of Jesus

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”

Matthew 4:23

The commission of Jesus

II. HEALING IN CHURCH HISTORY

III. HEALING TODAY

Matthew 28:16-20

The Command of Jesus (Great Commission)
Needs of Others.
The Gospel is Good News.

I. PRESENCE

“…if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”

I Peter 3:1-2

II. PERSUASION (not pressure)

III. PROCLAMATION

Invitational

Relational

Telling our own story

IV. POWER

V. PRAYER

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

A life without connection brings:

a. Isolation

“Rising from the debris of our lost values is the new value on the individual. The ‘me’ generation has given way to a ‘me’ world. The question is, how will the church, the ultimate ‘WE’ organization, adjust?”

– Church Consultant, Lyle Schaller in The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee

Loneliness is a warning light on the dashboard of your life that confirms that you are running low on the primary fuel you need: connection.

b. Exhaustion

c. Frustration

Godly and meaningful connection brings:

a. Production

b. Provision

c. Protection

An unconnected life brings isolation, exhaustion, and frustration but when you enter into a life of Godly and meaningful connection, you’ll see that it brings production, provision, and protection!

Next Steps to Help Live a Connected Life:

Surrender to Jesus
Join a small group
Connect with others through serving
Get baptized
Attend the “DISCOVER” class

Matthew 19:1-9

The culture does not need from the Church anger and judgment nor accommodation and compromise. The Church’s best posture is to joyfully teach and model God’s original design and intent while loving, accepting and forgiving ourselves and one another when we fall short.

I. Isn’t this much ado about nothing?

II. Why is the Church so focused on these issues?

III. Can’t we agree to disagree?

Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Jude 3

God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.

Romans 1:24-25

Consequently, their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Romans 1:26-27

If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

I Corinthians 14:8

IV. Why are some Christians so angry and bigoted?

The goal of our instruction is love, from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

I Timothy 1:5

Extravagant love for all people.
Inside the Church we must be clear about Christian identity.

How do we become more distinctive? We do it by quietly building good marriages, families, churches and friendships. We don’t need better words, we need better demonstrations of God’s best design!

Acts 6:5; 7:54-60

I. Commanded to forgive

More people will be emotionally, relationally, spiritually and physically healed by the power of forgiveness than by any other power.

II. Unforgiveness is destructive

Unforgiveness makes you weak because it makes you subject to the weakness of another.

The great paradox of Christian forgiveness is that as long as I stay in a forgiving mode, I am stronger than those who are pursuing me to hurt me.

III. The grace to forgive

Forgiveness is a matter of choice not emotion.
God will do through us what we cannot do ourselves.
Understand that forgiveness is a process
Remember, the power of God to forgive is in you through the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 33:1-23

What do you Desire?

a. Why wouldn’t I want to desire God?

i. A relationship with God is disruptive, it will cost you something.

ii. Are you willing to be inconvenienced by Jesus?

b. What you do – determines what you want.

c. Moses had to work this out.

d. Moses was still receiving the blessing of God without the presence of

God.

God is accessible to anyone.

a. God wants to be seen by you.

b. Make it generational.

How do we do this practically?

i. Loneliness is the inability to spend time with God.

ii. Muddy water will only become clear when you give it time to

settle.

a. Word

iii. Memorize the word of God.

iv. Psalm 119:11

v. Spending just 5 minutes a day will change everything.

b. Worship

i. Worship is placing God where He rightly deserves.

ii. Humble yourself.

iii. Get together with other believers, fellowship.

c. Prayer

i. Pray as you can, not as you can’t.

Ask God one of these questions.

a. God, what are You like?

b. God, what do You want to say to me?

c. God, what do I desire?

d. God, what do You want me to do?

e. God, who do You say that I am?

Psalm 1:1-3

Introduction to the Bible:

*The most popular/preeminent book

7 billion total, 44 million copies per year

*The most powerful/influential book

The Bible is preeminent in influence. Why? Because it has the power to change lives!

*The most precious book

(Matthew 4:4)

I. A manual for life — God has spoken

Christianity is a revealed faith. We cannot find out about God unless God reveals Himself. God has revealed Himself in a person, Jesus Christ. He is God’s ultimate revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2; II Timothy 3:16-17). If it is God’s Word, then it must be our supreme authority for what we believe and how we live. It’s a manual for life.

II. A love letter from God – God speaks

It is also a love letter from God to you. John 5:39-40 The Bible is only so wonderful and exciting because it is about Jesus. It helps us come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

*To those who are not Christians

First, He brings faith to those who are not yet Christians. Romans 10:17.

*To those who are Christians

Become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18); Joy and peace in the midst of a storm (Psalm 23:5); Guidance (Psalm 119:105); Health/healing (Proverbs 4:20-22); Defense against spiritual attack (Matthew 4:1-11); Power (Hebrews 4:12); Cleansing (John 15:3)

III. How do we hear God speak through the bible?

Time, Place, Method

Ask God to speak

Read & study the Bible (What does it say and mean? How does it apply?)

Respond in prayer

Put it into practice

Matthew 7:24

I John 5: 1-5, 11-13

“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun.”

II Corinthians 5:17

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

I John 5:13

I. The natural order

Cosmological argument
Evidential Evidence.
Moral Argument.

II. The Word of God

III. The Work of Jesus

IV. The Witness of the Spirit

Acts 2:1-21

I. Love

II. Power

God wants to unleash on the world a passionate, focused, disciplined, humble, Spirit-filled church... Authentic in our expression of the love of God, purity of God and power of God.

III. Purity

The unresolved gap between our confession as a Spirit-filled Christian and the conflicted internal condition of our own lives is the crevice into which the post-modern, emergent culture has fallen.

The great witness of the Holy Spirit is, above all else, a changed heart and a changed life.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

Peter replied, ‘Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gif of the Holy Spirit.’

Acts 2:38 (NLT)

I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

Luke 12:50 (ESV)

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:3-4 (NIV)

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

Colossians 2:12 (NLT)

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

II Corinthians 5:17

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:16 (ESV)

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

James 2:14

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…

II Chronicles 16:9

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “you are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

You have a new kind of love.

God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:4

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:44

You are a new creation.

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]?

Romans 2:4 Amplified Bible

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

You have a new purpose.

When your life belongs to Jesus you no longer exist for yourself.

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.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

You have a new hope.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:22-23

The Apostles Creed

John 3:16-21

I. THE PROBLEM

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

The pollution of sin:

What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’

Mark 7:20-23

The power of sin:

Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

John 8:34

The penalty for sin:

For the wages of sin is death.

Romans 6:23

The partition of sin:

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

Isaiah 59:1-2

II. THE SOLUTION

The “self-substitution” of God:

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree…by His wounds you have been healed.

I Peter 2:24

The agony of the Cross:

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6

I choose God’s love.

We have come to know and believe the love He has for us.

I John 4:16

I pray that you might have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:18-19

III. THE RESULT

What do you have to do?

John 4:4-10

The things that God calls us to do are greater than the excuses we make.

Put it another way — it’s not about you.

John 4:11-15

We will never be satisfied by anything other than God, and serving God is a great place to start.

She came to this well to get her physical needs met, Jesus wants to do something deeper.

John 4:25-30

When God calls us to Go — He will equip us.

We might not feel equipped, but God calls us to rest in Him.

John 4:31-42

What do you have to do?

Ephesians 2:19-22

• God formed me for his family.

• God’s family is called the church.

• I’m called to belong to his church.

1. In God’s family I learn my true identity.

In God’s temple I’m supported by others.

3. In Christ’s body I discover my unique value.

4. In God’s flock I’m protected and I’m cared for.

5. In God’s garden my life becomes productive.

Isaiah 1:18-20

I. Public worship connects us to God.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

Matthew 18:20

II. Public worship inspires us to faithful living.

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.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

III. Public worship ennobles us for higher purpose.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

I Peter 2:9-10

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Revelation 22:17

Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

Barriers to having the mindset of Christ in our relationships:

SELFISHNESS

The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others - ignoring God! --- harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for it in his life is weeds. But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life and eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8 (The Message)

Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.

Philippians 2:4 (NLT)

Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit, then you won’t feed the compulsion of selfishness.

Galatians 5:16 (The Message)

PRIDE

Pride will destroy a person. A proud attitude leads to ruin.

Proverbs 16:18 – (NCV)

First pride then the crash, the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.

Proverbs 16:18 (The Message)

…Be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves… your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.

Philippians 2:3, 5-6 (NLT)

INSECURITY

The fear of human opinion disables.

Proverbs 29:25 (Message)

Love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear.

I John 4:18 (NLT)

RESENTMENT

To worry yourself to death with resentment is a foolish, senseless thing to do.

Job 5:2 (Today’s English Version)

Since my heart was embittered (resentful) and my soul deeply wounded, I was stupid and could not understand.

Psalm 73:21-22 (New American Bible)

You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13 – (NLT)

How to have the mindset of Jesus in our relationships:

Resist selfishness

Exchange pride for humility

Receive authentic love in place of insecurity

Overcome resentment with forgiveness

Ephesians 6:10-13

John 10:10

Your relationships are under attack

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44

Your enemy isn’t your spouse, your parents, siblings, children, or boss.

The devil usually attacks with distractions and seductions.

Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Song of Solomon 2:15

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people … but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:3

Play it forward: where is this distraction/seduction taking me? Is the end result something I want?

Take charge of your heart.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

You understand the source of a thought by looking at the direction it will take you.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Tear down the lies that try to tear your relationship apart.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

Ask each other: where are we most vulnerable to spiritual attacks?

Fight back with the power of God. You have the power of His Word, the power of prayer, and the power of His love on your side!

Hebrews 12:14-17

Lies we believe that keep us from forgiving:

Lie #1: If I get even, I’ll get better.

Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”

Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”

Hebrews 10:30 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”

Lie #2: I can forgive quickly.

What does the process of forgiveness look like:

Face your pain

Questions you need to answer:

What happened?

How do I feel?

How has it impacted me?

How can I move on?

Release the offense

Forgiveness is infinitely more important for you than the person who hurt you.

Esau despised his birthright by trading it for a bowl of lentils. Don’t despise the freedom, forgiveness and love Jesus paid for by holding on to your pain.

Pray for the person who hurt you

What will happen if I refuse to forgive?

Matthew 6:14-15

Bitterness and pain will deteriorate all of your relationships.

greiner@unionchapel.com

What would change if we really believed that we were on mission together?

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 9:35-38

a. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

We aren’t called to be fruitful, but faithful.

a. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that we have to be fruitful in sharing the Gospel.

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

Mark 4:3-8 NIV

There is a mission.
We’re not called to just proclaim the Good News, but to become the Good News.

“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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Revelation 12:11 NIV

What would change if we really believed that we were on mission together?

Mark 12:28-34

We all need relationships

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone."

Genesis 2:18a

We all have Relationships.

We all choose Relationships.

“Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'”

1 Corinthians 15:33

Who are we engaging with the Gospel?

Christ-Centered Relationships forgive.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew 5:23-24 NIV

Christ-Centered Relationships are a gift.

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Proverbs 13:20

Christ-Centered Relationships are Christ Centered.

“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. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:12-17

What steps do you need to take to put Jesus back in the center of your relationship?

We share stories and celebrate what God did during SERVE week.

Psalm 112:1-6

Manage Exposure

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

Expose them to the joy of knowing God personally.

Now this is eternal life: That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

John 17:3

Expose them to the presence and power of God in His Church.
Expose them to the thrill of being used by God.

Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve but as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:14-15

Ephesians 6:10-13

I. Satan has definitely declared war on you!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

II Timothy 4:7-8

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

I Timothy 6:12

Could it be that the Church of Jesus Christ is a sleeping giant in the world?

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13

The Devil is not God’s equal.

II. Weapons at our disposal: Prayer & preaching

III. It’s time for us to wake up!

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Romans 13:11

When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2

Ephesians 6:10-20

Vs. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Vs. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Vs. 13 …so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Vs. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…

Vs. 18-20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Acts 2:1-13

The historical significance of Pentecost

John 7:37-39

Pentecost marks a cataclysmic shift in the way we relate to God.
The Holy Spirit is available to each and to all.

Acts 2:3-4

Joel 2: 28-32

Acts 2: 38-39

The work of the Holy Spirit happens best when we are together.

Acts 2:1

Acts 1:14

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11: 11-13

Why should you be filled with the Holy Spirit?

• Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit your Helper/Counselor/Advocate. John 14:26

• He will teach you all things and remind you of everything Jesus has said.

• The Holy Spirit will help you know what to say when the time is right. Mark 13:11

• He will teach you what to say. Luke 12:12

• He will fill you with joy just like He did Jesus. Luke 10:21

• The Holy Spirit will empower you to share Jesus and serve others. Acts 1&2

• He will help you speak God’s word boldly. Acts 4:31

• The Holy Spirit will encourage you when you’re afraid Acts 9:31

• He will do miracles and heal people through you. Acts 10:38

• He produces the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Galatians 5

• The Holy Spirit will pour God’s love into your heart. Romans 5:5

• He helps you when you’re weak, helps you pray, and He prays for you. Romans 8:26

• He is your source of peace and joy. Romans 14:17

• The Holy Spirit gives joy in the midst of severe suffering. 1 Thessalonians 1:6

• He guards the sound teaching you’ve received. 1 Timothy 1:14

• He renews you. Titus 3:5

• Holy Spirit gives you gifts to serve other people. Hebrews 2:4

• He softens your heart when it gets hard. Hebrews 3:7

• He will put God’s laws in your heart and write them on your mind. Hebrews 10:15

Matthew 6:25-34

What you think about God has everything to do with how you live your life.

Pastor Gregg.
God is always working.

Obed Edem (2 Samuel 6)

Where the presence of God is, you can expect to see the works of God.

Don’t just chalk things up to coincidence. God is always working.

God works in our failures.

Sampson (Judges 16)

You can expect that even despite ourselves God will see us through to the very end.

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again

Proverbs 24:16a

God works in the mundane.

Water into wine (John 2)

If it matters to you it matters to God because you matter to God.

God works in our victory.

Psalm 127

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”

Psalms 127:1 NIV

When Satan undertook to draw Eve away from God, he did not hit her with a stick, but with an idea. It was with an idea that God could not be trusted and that she must act on her own to secure her own well-being.

Dallas Willard

Don’t be confused, God is in the middle of every victory and every failure, that’s not the issue – The issue is whether or not you will acknowledge it.

Ephesians 6:1-3

God is clear on this subject. If you honor your father and your mother you will be blessed. One of the 10 Commandments includes this admonition. Honor your father and mother. Why is it so important?

Every parent is flawed.
You would not be alive without them.
God chose their DNA to make you unique.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13,16

How do I honor my mother through the seasons of life? As a child, I honor my father and mother by…

Obeying them

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Ephesians 6:1

As an adolescent/teenager, I honor my father and mother by…

Respecting them

Each of you must respect his mother and father.

Leviticus 19:3

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it…

Hebrews 12:9

Listening to them

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

Proverbs 13:1

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:22

As an adult, I honor my father and mother by…

Appreciating them

When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.

Proverbs 23:22 Today’s English Version

May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!

Proverbs 23:25

Your parents have an intense need to know they made a positive impact on your life.

Providing for them

[In your church] treat the older women as you would your own mother, and treat the younger women as your own sisters…The Church should care for any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them…This is something that please God.

I Timothy 5:2-4 New Living Translation

My father and mother may abandon me, but the Lord will take care of me.

Psalm 27:10 Today’s English Version

Romans 12:1-2

What you think about God has everything to do with how you will live your life.

Past generations looked to God and the Bible for determining morality and truth.

Our feelings should subject themselves to what is true rather than developing your worldview based on how you feel.

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2

Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its mold.

Phillips translation

He created them male and female and He blessed them. And named them mankind when they were created.

Genesis 5:2

No one ever discovers their true identity, their true self, their true purpose in this world apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 4:8-10

I believe that standing for orthodoxy is exciting, faithful, courageous, challenging, hard (in the face of today’s culture) and right.

I think standing for a changing, shifting, progressive culture/church is boring, easy, compromising, lazy and bankrupt.

The Thrill of Orthodoxy

The Boredom of Progressivism

The Excitement of Orthodoxy

Christianity is radically inclusive!

Christianity is also radically exclusive!

Marriage and Gender Issues Matter

Stand Up for Jesus

Luke 6:36-40

Luke 6:20-26

Here’s the challenge: don’t settle for success, security and acceptance when Jesus has immeasurably more waiting for you.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:38

Giving breaks the curse of selfishness that we all struggle with so we can experience the kind of peace, contentment and extravagant joy that can only come from God!

When your finances don’t measure up: Give money

When your schedule doesn’t measure up: Give time

When your relationship doesn’t measure up: Give love

When God doesn’t measure up: Give Him all that you are

Mark 4:21-25

I. Come to worship prayerfully

II. Come to worship hungering for truth

III. Come to worship without prearranged agenda

IV. Come to worship asking to hear at the deepest level

I Corinthians 15:3-8

There were many eyewitnesses at Jesus’ death.

There was no doubt Jesus was dead (John 19:38-42).

Chief priests met with Pilate to demand a guard on the tomb.

Female relatives and followers of Jesus were convinced He was dead. (John 19:39).

Saints were raised from the dead to physical life (Matthew 27:51-53).

After an earthquake, an angel descended.

Angels spoke to the women.

The disciples did not believe the women.

Peter and John ran to the tomb.

The resurrected Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene (Acts 1:8, 21-22; Luke 24:48).

The disciples did not believe Mary.

The guards were bribed.

Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

The Emmaus disciples spoke to “the eleven,”

Jesus appeared, and they touched Him.

After eight days, Jesus appeared again.

The disciples traveled to Galilee.

Christ catches fishermen’s attention.

More than 500 brethren saw Christ in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Disbelieving James and Jude. (John 7:3-5).

Additional disciples saw Christ.

The apostles returned to Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-8).

Vicious enemy becomes defender (Apostle Paul, Galatians 1:13-14; Acts 8:3; Galatians 1:11-17).

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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

Psalm 150

I. Worship with our regenerated spirit.

a. Worship in spirit

b. Singing spiritual songs

c. Giving thanks by the spirit

II. Worship with our renewed mind.

a. Worship with intelligent obedience.

b. Pray with understanding.

c. Praise with understanding.

III. Worship with our revived emotions.

a. Shouting and clapping hands unto the Lord

b. Rejoicing and expressing thanksgiving

c. Being silent before the Lord

IV. Worship with our rededicated body.

a. Kneeling in worship

b. Bowing heads

c. Raising heads

d. Lifting hands

e. Waving hands in praise

f. Dancing with joy before the Lord

Psalm 100

Worship defined: Worship in truth and spirit is experiencing/encountering God.

I. Serve God (with praise & adoration)

Worship is seeing what God is worth and giving him what he’s worth.

Tim Keller

I’ve experienced God’s presence most powerfully in worship, often during the singing, I suppose because when we sing to him, we are looking hard in his direction.

J.I. Packer

Christian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life.

Karl Barth

The world can be saved by one thing and that is worship. For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.

Archbishop William Temple

II. Serve people (with His sufficiency)

In His presence is fullness of joy.

Psalm 16:11

Mark 2:21-22

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”

St. Augustine

I. Revival is God-breathed not program planned.

II. You really cannot stop something that you didn’t start.

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

I Corinthians 1:28-29

Listen as we share stories from several Asbury students and Union Chapel staff who visited the Asbury Revival.

John 4:34-42

Three Trends:

Woke is making people, in general, miserable.
Parents and others are getting angry with school boards and other politicians over what they are doing to our children.
There is coming, and now is, a youth “backlash” against woke culture.

Revival is birthed in the womb of humility and brokenness without which you will never personally receive.

Question: Would you have felt comfortable with the 120 in the upper room on the day of Pentecost?

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

John 4:35

But where sin does abound, grace does much more abound.

Romans 5:20

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV)

God will never increase our love if we are disconnected from the source.

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. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:7-12;16

Human love is directed to the other person for his own sake, spiritual love loves him for Christ's sake.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

Psalm 16:2

We must acknowledge that we serve a God of an upside Kingdom.

The greatest act of love is self-denial.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God

2 Corinthians 5:21

Humility and patience are the surest proofs of the increase of love.

John Wesley.

Love is my responsibility.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Where is God asking you to increase your love?

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)

Christians take the kingdom of God everywhere we go.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

The purpose of “good works” is to glorify God.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)

The Kingdom of God is IN YOU!!

We are God’s hands, feet, and mouths to bring the kingdom of God into people’s lives.

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3:8 (NKJV)

To destroy the devil’s works, we must use what we’ve been given.

These are kingdom weapons that flow from inside of us.

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 7:37-39 (NKJV)

The power of the Holy Spirit wants to flow out of you.

The only way to bring order out of the chaos is to exert power and authority against it.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)

The Kingdom in you comes with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Mark 16:19-20 (NKJV)

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Matthew 13:24-30 (NKJV)

There’s a false church that has been sown.

Your assignment from God can overcome any plan from the enemy.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

The tares in your life are sown to challenge the kingdom in you.

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)

A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

Proverbs 27:15 (NIV)

It is better to step in warm dog poop, or to pass a kidney stone, than to marry a self-centered, narcissistic man.

Ryan 4:18

Why do so many marriages struggle?

“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.”

Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)

What is marriage? It is a man and a woman becoming one.

The Foundation: Friendship

The Walls: Romance

The Ceiling: Marriage

The Roof: Sex

John 9:1-7

My Story- Divine Intervention
Partnership With Doctors/Counselors

James 5:13-15

Romans 8:28

(The Best Loved Most Misunderstood Verse In The Bible)

Process- Ask Seek and Knock

Mark 8

Death

"Why Not You?"

"Why Not Me?”

John 2:1-11

I. Need, Greed or Seed

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work”

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches – feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God”

Proverbs 30:8-9

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook”

I Kings 17:6

”Then as Elijah lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. And he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God”

I Kings 19:5-6,8

II. God Is After Our Hearts

God goes through our treasure to get to our hearts.

“Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”

Acts 2:21

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him”

2 Chronicles 16:9

When I touch God, He immediately touches me back.

III. Do Whatever He Tells You

Deuteronomy 15:7-15

There is nothing in Scripture that says we should make personal gain our motive for giving. God doesn’t want us to catch the vision of getting. He wants us to catch the vision of giving.

“Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

Luke 6: 30-35

I. The Selfish Heart

Deuteronomy 15:9 “Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought…”

II. The Grieving Heart

Deuteronomy 15:10 “You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.”

Selfishness can attack us before we give, but grief can attack us after we give.

When we get God’s perspective on money – when we understand that God owns it all – it is easy to give it when He asks for it.

III. A Generous Heart

Deuteronomy 15:14 “You shall supply him liberally (generously) from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord has blessed you with, you shall give to him.”

IV. A Grateful Heart

Deuteronomy 15:15 “You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.”

When we’re grateful, we’re generous. Genuine gratitude to God is a rare and powerful thing.

Luke 16:10-13

I. True Riches

Matthew 6:19-21

What are the “true riches” the “treasures in heaven?” It’s people and relationships. When we use money for righteous purposes, we are laying up treasure in heaven.

II. Tithing

Luke 16:10

The Bible says that we must be faithful with a little before we will be entrusted with much. It’s not how much we have but whose it is. The tithe “belongs” to God. The message is if we will return the tithe, then God will bless or redeem the rest.

People say, “The reason I don’t tithe is because I can’t afford it.” You will never be able to afford to tithe until you tithe because tithing is what breaks the curse and opens the windows.

III. Mammon

This is what the spirit of mammon tries to tell us: You don’t need God. Trust in riches!

Mammon promises us those things that only God can give – security, significance, identity, independence, power and freedom. Mammon tells us that it can insulate us from life’s problems and that money is the answer to every situation.

I Timothy 6:10- Money is not the answer to life’s problems – God is.

IV. Poverty and Pride

Mammon has friends. They will keep you from being blessed and fulfilled. They are called poverty and pride.

Both poverty and pride have a common root – they get us to focus on “stuff” rather than God.

Pride says, “Wealth comes from hard work.”

Poverty says, “Wealth comes from the devil.”

If you have been blessed by God because you’ve done things His way, stop feeling guilty. Don’t be ashamed of having a heart God can bless!

Deuteronomy 28:1-15

“Bring in the tithe…so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”

Deuteronomy 14:29

“Give generously to him (your needy brother) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”

Deuteronomy 15:10

“You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.”

Deuteronomy 23:20

I. Firstborn

“Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine…That you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.”

Exodus 13:2,12-13

The principle of the firstfruits is very, very powerful.

It always requires faith to give the first.

II. Firstfruits

“The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.”

Exodus 23:19

“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Proverbs 3:9-10

III. Tithe

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.”

Malachi 3:8-9

“So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, What is this?” that you shall say to him, “By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharoah was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the first-born of man and the first born of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.”

Exodus 13:14-15

“Just as we define our actions, our actions define us.”

George Eliot

“Our challenges don’t define us, our actions do.”

Michael J. Fox

“Stupid is as stupid does.”

Forrest Gump

Would you do what you are about to do if you knew it would be the last thing you would do?

“The unresolved gap between what we say and how we live is the crevice into which people fall.”

Gregg Parris

“There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.”

British explorer Freya Stark

“A postmodern culture that measures truth by relevance will measure the truth of our faith by the relevance of our lives.”

Jim Denison

You are my hiding place

You always fill my heart

With songs of deliverance

Whenever I am afraid.

I will trust in You

I will trust in You

Let the weak say I am strong

In the strength of the Lord

I will trust in You.

Luke 2:1-16

I. An Unlikely Crib

It is rather startling that the completely omniscient, self-sufficient God that owns everything and needs nothing would seek for something, and that something would be us!

He left His Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!) emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me!

“And Can It Be that I Should Gain”

Charles Wesley

II. A Quiet Invasion

III. A Divine Plan

Jesus demonstrated to us that true greatness comes not by exalting yourself but by serving others.

And he brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Union Chapel's 2022 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

I. A promise you receive. (You are never alone)

II. A promise you share.

Matthew 1:23

Why were confused, hurting and lost people drawn to Jesus? Because when everyone looked down and pushed such people away, Jesus pulled them close to Himself. He wanted to be with them.

How can we be with the people we are trying to reach?

a. Seek to understand them.

b. We must remember our own stories.

c. We must care about others’ stories.

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:18-25

I. A Special Name

The combination of Jehovah and Hoshea made the name Joshua, translated means Jesus (The Lord of Salvation or God saves!)

II. A Name that Saves

You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:17

The notion of sin doesn’t fly well in a society that so often denies personal responsibility and believes nothing is truly wrong if it makes you feel good.

III. A New Name

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

John 1:9-13

Will you receive? Will you believe? Multitudes from every age, nation, and tongue have already done this. They know what His name means for them personally: Jesus…God saves!

Matthew 2:1-12

I. The Eyes to See

Psalm 8:4; Matthew 8:2; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 2:2

Deep calls to deep.

Psalm 42:7

The wise men were wise because they did not allow their souls to be anesthetized by possessions and success.

II. The Courage to Follow

Matthew 2:3

For to us a child is born, To us a child is given, And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

Often, we allow busyness with matters that are temporal to keep us from seeking the eternal.

III. The Humility to Worship

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11a

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:11-12

They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. Reverential awe came on everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. All who believed were together and held everything in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that anything that belonged to him was his own, but everything was held in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. For there was no one needy among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales and placing them at the apostles’ feet. The proceeds were distributed to each, as anyone had need.

Acts 4:32-35

I. The Gathering of the Church

The Church that gathers will focus on:

Community and Care for One Another

Acts 2:44 – “All who believed were together and held everything in common.”

Acts 4:32 – “those who believed were of one heart and mind…”

Connection to God, our source of Power

Acts 4:33 – “With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all.”

Acts 2:47 – “…praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.

Matt. 28:19-20 - “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 24:49 – “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Acts 1:8 – “But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

II. The Scattering of the Church

And Saul agreed completely with killing him. Now on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were forced to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was trying to destroy the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Now those who had been forced to scatter went around proclaiming the good news of the word. Philip went down to the main city of Samaria and began proclaiming the Christ to them.

Acts 8:1-5

Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one but Jews. But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 11:19-20

The Church that scatters will:

Chose to Evangelize instead of Agonize

We are called to be both the Church in community and the Church on mission – both a fellowship and a force in the world!

What can we learn from the gathered and scattered church in Acts?

Contribute to Community and Care Connect to God, our Source of PowerChose to Evangelize instead of Agonize

As they make music they will sing, all my fountains are in you.

Psalms 87:7

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I John 5:12

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

Romans 15:20

What voices are you listening to?

What addictions are part of your struggle?

What are you afraid of?

Change
Loneliness
Failure
Rejection
Uncertainty
Something Bad Happening
Getting Hurt
Being Judged
Inadequacy
Loss of Freedom

What provides you with the greatest sense of security?

Do you believe it is more blessed to give than to receive?

Are you living your life with like-minded believers?

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

Acts 2:42-47

Where is your heart right now?

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23 NASB

Is Jesus enough?

“All I could see was the fog. I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it.”

Florence Chadwick

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

I Corinthians 13:12 MSG

Prologue

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John

Revelation 1:1

“Regardless of what view you have of the end times, you want to make certain that when the apocalyptic dust settles you are standing with Jesus.”

A Wise Person

Revelation 1-3

The Alpha and Omega

Revelation 4-5

The Lamb of God

Revelation 6-18

The Righteous Judge

Revelation 19-20

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Revelation 21-22

The Bridegroom

You will live in a new heaven and new earth.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Revelation 21:1-2

You will live with God forever.

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."

Revelation 21:3

You will never suffer again

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:1-2

No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

Revelation 22:3

They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:4-5

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Revelation 22:16-17

Future expectations determine present behavior.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

II Corinthians 4:8-9

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

II Corinthians 11:24-29

What was it that kept him going?

A promised future with Jesus.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.

II Corinthians 4:13-14

No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man.

John 3:13

Three Questions:

What do you believe about your future?Who or what is the source of that belief?Is that source trustworthy?What was it that kept him going? (Promised future with Jesus.)

The promise of reaching more people for God’s glory.

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

II Corinthians 4:15

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

II Corinthians 4:16-17

Living with eternity in view:

a. You are more able emotionally to deal with whatever happens to you in life.

b. You maximize your moments in life.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

II Corinthians 4:17

Saul to Paul: Acts 9

What excuses do you use to disqualify yourself from being used by God?

What excuses do you use to disqualify others?

The enemy doesn’t need to disqualify you if you have already disqualified yourself.

The enemy doesn’t need to disqualify others if we do it for him.

Paul and Silas in Prison: Acts 16:16-40

Following Jesus should be disruptive to our past life.
-2 Corinthians 5:16-17
-Galatians 5:13-25

Jesus, help me be easily interrupted for you.

What is one area you know you need to ask God to interrupt?

We are not just saved people; we are sent people.

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

I. The Church is supernatural in origin and function.

The Church is a supernatural invention that runs on supernatural power.

II. The Church is a community of authentic love.

It is better to be loving than to be right. It is better to be merciful than to be mean-spirited and judgmental.

The unresolved gap between what we say and how we live is the crevice into which people fall.

You cannot make yourself loving any more than you can make yourself good.

III. The Church expects the miraculous presence of Christ.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:46

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Psalm 22:1

Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2

PSALMIST: “All who see me mock me: they hurl insults, shaking their heads.”
Psalm 22:7

GOSPEL: “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads.”
Matthew 27:39

PSALMIST: “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him.”
Psalm 22:8

GOSPEL: “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now…”
Matthew 27:43

PSALMIST: “My mouth is dried up like a potsherd…”
Psalm 22:15

JESUS: “I am thirsty.”
John 19:28

PSALMIST: “…they pierce my hands and feet.”
Psalm 22:16

GOSPEL “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
John 20:25

PSALMIST: “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
Psalm 22:18

GOSPEL: “And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.”
Mark 15:24

Lift up the gates, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory will come in! Who is the King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates, lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – he is the King of glory.
Psalm 24:7-10

There is truth – truth that everyone should believe.

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37

Jesus came to testify to that truth – he is the key witness.

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me.”
John 14:6

Everyone doesn’t listen to Jesus – everyone gets to choose what they believe.

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37

Communicating the truth:

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
II Timothy 2:23-24

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
II Timothy 2:24-25

Remember, you represent Jesus. (the Lord’s servant…)
Show kindness to everyone even when it’s not shown to you. (be kind to everyone…)
Keep winsomely teaching the truth.
Trust God to change their hearts.

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
II Timothy 2:25

What is most important?

Luke 10:38-42

If the enemy can’t destroy you, he will distract you.

The American dream is about distraction, not security. You might retire from your earthly work but never retire from Kingdom work.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Revelation 2:4-5

Jesus brings dead things back to life.
John 11:1-46

Despite her grief, Mary ran to Jesus.

Raising Lazarus from the dead was Jesus' last recorded miracle before his death.

Lazarus outlived Jesus and was a walking testimony of the resurrection for humanity and of Jesus as King.

Turn what looks like death into a prayer.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38-40 | THE STORY Pg. 343

If Jesus is in your boat, you don’t need to be afraid of storms.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:27-29 | THE STORY Pg. 348

If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Matthew 14:13 | THE STORY Pg. 346

Give Jesus what you have and let him multiply it.

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23 | THE STORY Pg. 348

If you don’t come apart, you’ll come apart.

4 Pictures of Jesus’ life and ministry:

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

If you have not been baptized, then what are you waiting for? This is not something to be casual about. This is something to be intentional about.

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1

Why did Jesus submit to this testing?

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

The Conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:1-3

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

The Conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan Woman

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now He had to go through Samaria. John 4:1-4

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 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.” John 4:7-10

Prayer: Have you intentionally received Jesus Christ? Have you intentionally been baptized? Are you intentionally trying to get more of His Word into your life so you can stand firm and resist the temptations of life?

5 Movements in The Story: Creation (Eden, Fall, Flood, Tower of Babel) Israel (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Judges, Kings, Prophets) Jesus The Church Paradise/Heaven

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:1-4

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

I. Jesus came to show us truth.

Listen, God is not playing any games of hide and go seek with us. He is absolutely transparent with us. We are allowed to see, full on, what God is like. He has revealed himself all along the way but now He makes a personal appearance in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. God has come in the flesh and He is on mission. He has revealed a very distinct mission. He has come to the world full of grace and truth. Truth here is more than factual reporting about a particular subject or skill. Truth here is about ultimate reality. Jesus is ultimate reality.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

II. Jesus came to show us grace.

(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. 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 1:15-18

Grace is the very opposite of merit. Grace is not only undeserved favor but it is favor shown to the one who has deserved the very opposite. Grace is the unearned, undeserved, unmerited, favor of God.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10

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

What do we do with the Word made Flesh? What do we do with Jesus? We receive Him!

Recent headlines and statistics are not encouraging. There are more than 72 Million Millennials in America, almost one-quarter of our population. An increasingly large portion of the Millennials are walking away from a faith of any kind, choosing to identify themselves as religious ‘nones.’ Researchers in 2008 noted that one third of all Millennials describe themselves as religiously unaffiliated. Ten years later that number had grown to 42%. More trouble: Church numbers in America have suffered a decades-long decline. Gallop first measured church membership in America in 1937. It was 73%. In the 1980’s it was 70%. In 2000 65%. By 2010 it was 59%. Today, less than half of Americans 47% are part of a church. Falling away from the Church or falling away from the faith is serious but it is a deeper reflection of people falling away from Jesus.

I. What does this mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

This is a prophecy about tomorrow that may have implications for today. This falling away Paul is referring is more than a gradual defection from the Church. He calls it “The Falling Away.”

Don’t panic. We may be seeing the beginning of the great falling away but not the full effect of the tribulation. Therefore, we still have time to work!

II. How could people fall away?

a. Some people fall away because they are deceived.

I Timothy 4:1-2

b. Some people fall away because they are disillusioned.

Luke 8:5-8; 12-13

c. Some fall away because they are distracted.

Luke 8:14-15

III. Where do we go from here?

a. Examine yourselves

II Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 7:21-23

b. Encourage yourselves

I Samuel 30:6

c. Exercise yourselves

I Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 2:4-5; Jude 24-25

“It's okay if you don't deconstruct your faith! Practice subversion. Practice resistance. Go to church. Go to Sunday school. Go to youth group and pot-luck and feel free to not apologize for it. Read the Bible even if you don't understand it. Read the Bible and come alive. Give money. Give time. Feel free to not deconstruct. Feel free to not have a crisis of faith. I mean, it's okay if you do have a crisis of faith but feel free not to manufacture one. Doubt is normal but it's not as normal as faith. We are hard-wired to believe. Don't fetishize your doubts. Of course, life is full of crises which seem to contradict God's existence. I do not care. The abyss does not scare me. It is fair to critique the inadequacies of mental assent but go ahead, go on up that mountain of belief. Christ isn’t at the top. He is the mountain and it will feel like at times he is resisting you but you'll soon see that the obstacles he allows are simply the places where you will discover the truth of your testimony. Resist the pressure to start a new religion. Resist the pressure to buy someone else's new piecemeal religion. Don't do drugs. Stay married if you can. Resist graceless religious fervor. Conform to the image of Christ. Take seriously Matthew 5, 6 and 7. Take these teachings into your heart and live your whole life by them. You are the salt of the earth.” Andy Squyres

Jeremiah 1:4-9, 17-19

The Task is Too Demanding

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “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.” Jeremiah 1:4-5

My Talent is Inadequate

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” Jeremiah 1:6

"Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and told me: I have now filled your mouth with My words" Jeremiah 1:9

Always let your inadequacy make you dependent on God's all-sufficiency!

It’s Not a Good Time

"Then the LORD said to me: Do not say, ‘I am only a youth,' for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you. This is the LORD's declaration" Jeremiah 1:7-8

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

"Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you. This is the LORD's declaration" Jeremiah 1:8

Surely Someone Else Will Go

God said, "Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you…" Jeremiah 1:17

“…Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” Jeremiah 1:17

Matthew 28:18-20

OUR MISSION: (Why we exist) Know Jesus Grow in relationship with Jesus Go making Jesus known to others

OUR VISION: (What we are going to do together) Win the lost Outreach to each unique generation Relevant worship Strategic missions Home groups Impacting the Church Practical ministry

The Gospel is to be shared. John 3:16; Mathew 28:18-20
Tell someone: Close the deal. Be prepared to lead a prayer of salvation.
Be ready to follow up after the conversation.

II Corinthians 11:24-29

“Faith ought not be a puny thing. If you believe, have faith like a giant. And may God not grant you peace, but glory.” Mary Bethune

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds…Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 12:23-24; 27-28

Glory looks like sacrifice. It looks like paying a price. It looks like dying for something you believe in. It looks like being willing to suffer for the glory of God by bringing His grace into this world.

How did the first century Church, this group of nobodies, no clout, no power, no status, no social or political connections…how did they overcome, conquer and transform their culture? They did it by living the way that Jesus lived, by loving and serving in the way of Jesus. And when they were persecuted and executed, they did it by dying the way that Jesus did.

It’s going to be hard to minister to this culture in a way that matters. It’s going to be hard to sort the cultural, political and generational landscape. It’s going to be hard to stay faithful, stay committed, stay focused. But that’s okay because we have not been called to easy, safe or comfortable. We have been called to glory!

You and I have difficult things to do but that’s okay, because remember this, “Faith ought not be a puny thing. If you believe, have faith like a giant. And may God not grant you peace, but glory.”

John 15:5-17

Complete your joy: remain in Jesus

Something in us dies when we disconnect from Jesus.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Complete your joy: love like Jesus

Jesus invites you to care about what He cares about. Expect His compassion for people who don’t know Him to grow in your heart.

Complete your joy: pray like Jesus

Praying in Jesus’ name is praying what Jesus wants.

Sign up for The Story Prayer Guide at the Welcome Center or send an email to info@unionchapel.com

Participate in The Story 5/5/5 Prayer: pray for 5 people, 5 min/day, for 5 weeks, and invite them to experience The Story with you.

The Story books are for sale in the lobby: $20 for a bundle of 4

Luke 6:20-22; 36-38

“MAKARIOS” = Happy, fortunate, to be envied

True happiness happens when I realize that God is more concerned with my holiness, than my happiness.

Take the focus off yourself.

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

True happiness happens when I live an open-handed and generous life.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

True happiness happens when understand the measure of God’s love for me.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18-19

Nehemiah 8:1-12

The joy of the Lord is your strength / Happy isn’t enough

Happy is something that happens to you. Joy is something that comes out of you.

The joy of the Lord is your strength / Force your focus on God
The joy of the Lord is your strength / Your passion determines your power

The purpose of spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible reading, meditation, fasting, fellowship, service, generosity) are to strengthen your joy in the Lord.

What do you want? What do you really want?

John 15:26-John 16:11

Work of the Holy Spirit 1. Conviction: The “Convictor” of sin in ourselves and others. a. Small voice that says, “Go this way.” (John 14:25-27) b. We can “speak the truth in love” but we can’t ultimately do the work of changing someone’s heart and mind. (Ephesians 4:11-17)

Righteousness Revealed: Making clear God’s Way of Salvation and Life. a. Jesus’ death and coming resurrection. (2 Corinthians 5:21) b. The old self being put to death and made new. (2 Corinthians 5:14-20) c. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to live Holy (separate) (Titus 2:11-14, Ephesians 4:20-5:20) i. Whisper (Promptings) of God’s Voice, Gut feeling, Audible Guidance ii. Hunger for God’s Way (Psalm 34:8-9)
Judgement Pardoned: Through the completed work of Jesus our sins are forgiven and through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit we live “pardoned” lives. Jesus’ work is complete (Romans 3:22-24) Faith in Christ gives pardon from eternal death (Romans 3:25-26) Grace from the Holy Spirit to live Holy. (Ephesians 2:3-10) God’s grace for God’s assignment (Ephesians 2:3-10)
Unity Through Christ with One Another: The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers to live in Unity (John 17:20-24) a. Unity in Christ is greater than unity in Policy or Politics i. The order matters! Confusion comes when our primary motivators are different. b. How do we interpret these cultural moments? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral i. Scripture ii. Church History iii. Reason iv. Experience c. Unity around Christ shows the world the love for which Christ was sent.

A life bent towards God is marked by surrendering to the voice and activity of the Holy Spirit.

John 14-15

Three types of Obedience Empower by the Holy Spirit:

Fear of the Lord a. Pharoah after the plagues and repeated requests to let God’s people God. (Exodus 12:31) b. Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar after the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Daniel 3:26-29) c. Ezra after returning from Babylon and teaching the Torah. (Ezra 7-10) d. Proverbs 1: Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:1-7)
Duty to the Lord a. Temple Worship in the Old Testament (Exodus 25-27) b. Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple after exile in Babylon (Ezra 1-6)

Weak love is still genuine love. Our love isn’t just real love when it is mature. Our love is real when it begins. -Mike Bickel

Love of the Lord a. Four times in John 14 Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey me.” (John 14:1-24)

Obedience Rooted in Love of the Lord

Empowered by the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-27) a. God Promises to Empower us for Loving Him (John 14:25-31)
Submit to the pruning of the Holy Spirit a. Every branch gets prunes…even the ones bearing fruit (John 1:1-4) b. Take on and Take off: Your life following Jesus should look differently through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:17-5:20)
Stay sensitive (bent) towards the nudge of God (Ephesians 4:17-20) a. I love you Jesus, show me more. (John 15:5-17)

Zerubbabel: Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1-6)

Ezra: Teach the Torah (Ezra 7-10)

Nehemiah: Rebuild the Walls (Nehemiah 1-3)

Nehemiah was more concerned with his relationship with God, than the plan for his endeavor. Nehemiah asked for favor before provision.

Nehemiah: Faces Opposition (Nehemiah 4-7)

I want to be right with God so I can do the right things with God.

24“ ‘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. 25I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26I 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. 27And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites – everyone whose heart God had moved – prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. Pg. 263; Ezra 1:5

“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” Pg. 281; Esther 4:11

“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?” Pg. 282; Esther 4:13-14

“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.” Pg. 282; Esther 4:16

God has placed you in a position of influence.

You must know when to keep your mouth shut.

• In matters of preference (Romans 14:1-9) • To people who won’t listen (Matthew 7:6) • When you’re angry (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19) • Judging someone’s motive (1 Corinthians 4:1-5) • When you don’t know what you’re talking about (Philippians 2:3)

You must know when it is time to speak up

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.  Rescue the weak and the needy;  deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4

When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Leviticus 19:33-34 

“And who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

God will make a way.

Ezra 1:1-4 | The Story, Pg. 263

Things need to be different.

Ezra 3:3 | The Story, Pg. 264

Stay alert to the enemy’s schemes.

Ezra 4:3 | The Story, Pg. 265

“If we put first things first, we get the second things thrown in; but if we put second things first, we lose both the first and second things.” C.S. Lewis

Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly. C.S. Lewis

Remain open to correction.

Haggai 1:3-11 | The Story, Pgs. 266-267

If you want to be a winner in life, you have to find a way to humble yourself and take tough news to heart.

I. Outstanding Character

Dare to be Daniel / Dare to stand alone / Dare to have purpose firm / Dare to make it known. Philip Bliss

II. Overcoming Courage

Death to Self-will.
Joy

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Daniel 3:24-27

III. Ongoing Commitment to be a positive influence on others.

A church that is on its knees with the windows open to Jerusalem is a church that is in danger from the world but safe from the lions!

Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God  and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed,  his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves;  he performs signs and wonders  in the heavens and on the earth.  He has rescued Daniel  from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:25-28

Many people don't know about God, but they do know about your God. They picture God through your life!

2 Kings 21:1-9

2 Chronicles 33:10-11

3 Phrases You Might Say if You are Choosing Your Way: 1. I don’t need to pray about this, I can do this. 2. Is this really that bad? Justification is the first step away from God. 3. I know the Bible says_______ BUT……

2 Chronicles 33:12-13

2 Chronicles 33:21-23

Jeremiah 1:4-5

5 Scriptures to Speak and Pray Over this Generation: Provers 3:7-8, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 6:11-12, Philippians 2:3-4, Acts 1:8

Jeremiah 1:6-8

2 Chronicles 7:13-16

If we want to see healing in our county and world it must first start with brokenness and repentance within the Church.

I. Isaiah saw God.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. Isaiah 6:1-4

II. Isaiah saw himself.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah 6:5-7

III. Isaiah saw the world.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

“I can tell you God’s address. He can always be found at the end of your rope.” Dallas Willard

When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.” When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’” II Kings 19:1-7

Now Sennacherib…sent messengers to Hezekiah with this word: “Say to Hezekiah king of Judah: Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, ‘Jerusalem will not be given into the hands of the king of Assyria.’ Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered? Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my predecessors deliver them—the gods of Gozan, Harran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Tel Assar? Where is the king of Hamath or the king of Arpad? Where are the kings of Lair, Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah?” II Kings 19:8-13

Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.” II Kings 19:14-19

I. We go to God first.

II. We go to God just as we are.

There is no pretense in this prayer. Hezekiah is honest before God. Vs. 16 “Read this for yourself…he’s threatening you!” He’s overrun many peoples and now he is threatening you and us!

We need to lay before God what is in us and not what we think ought to be in us. C.S. Lewis

Acronym for prayer: ACTS

Adoration Wow! Confession Sorry. Thanksgiving Thanks. Supplication Help!

Who or what we worship is the most important choice we make in life.

God invites us to enjoy all his gifts but to worship him only.

There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel. 1 Kings 21:25-26

“As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. I Kings 18:21

“Shout louder” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:27-29

Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” 1 Kings 18:30-31

“LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37

Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” 1 Kings 18:38-39

God invites us to enjoy all his gifts but to worship him only.

“Your father Solomon put a heavy yoke, burden on us, now if you lighten our load, lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, we will follow you forever” 1 Kings 12:4 (Paraphrase)

If You Lighten Their Load

“It’s Not About You”

It’s All About You

Train up a child in accordance to their own way and when they are old they will not depart. Proverbs 22:6

Jesus' First Miracle- Water to Wine

Do What Ever He Tells You To Do

His Yoke Is Easy His Burden Is Light

Jesus Will Lighten Your Load

Broken crayons still color

Now all has been heard;  here is the conclusion of the matter:  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13

The Early Years

The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. 1 Kings 3:4-15 | The Story, Pg. 176

Biblical Wisdom: The skill to consistently apply common sense with a discerning spirit learned from experience or trusted mentors filtered through the Word and Will of God, leading to optimal success in life.

We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it’s not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don’t find it lying around on the surface. It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 MSG

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 | The Story, Pg. 180

Midlife

He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. I Kings 11:3-4

End of life

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.  “Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:2

Now all has been heard;  here is the conclusion of the matter:  Fear God and keep his commandments,  for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1

After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. 2 Samuel 11:27

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:1-4

The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

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. 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. 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. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 2 Samuel 12:1-13a

Be willing to confess and repent of the sin quickly.

Matthew 28:1-10

I. He Descended

a. Temptation

He was tempted in every way that we were and yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

b. Pain

c. Rejection

d. God-forsakenness

He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf. II Corinthians 5:21

e. Cursedness

Cursed is he that hangs on a tree. Galatians 3:13

II. He Ascended

Therefore he is able to save completely (to the uttermost) those who come to God through him. Hebrews 7:25

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raise imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:51-57

God will do things in your life that, in the moment, will resonate with you. You will feel it and know it to be God. God has made contact with you BUT it could take years for the fulfillment of the implication of that contact. The lesson: Be patient. Wait on the Lord. Promotion comes from the Lord.

Saul

Loyalty to the people of God. Loyalty to the God of the people.

Goliath

The person who simply does what is right, with an innocent heart, will look manipulative, scheming and self-centered to those who are cynical.

When somebody hates you unreasonably (jealous, envious, hateful), the better you act the more they will hate you.

Michal

Women…you will never become a wife unless you stop becoming a daughter. You will never become a queen if you cannot stop being a princess.

Jonathan

Jonathan is a good and loyal friend who is not confused by divided loyalties or selfish ambition.

1 Samuel 1-3

1 Samuel 1:25-27

The Lord can be trusted with whatever he has entrusted to you.

1 Samuel 2:1-2

We must resist the urge to receive and secure. Instead, we must be a people of receive and release.

Our young people need our help in realizing the voice and activity of God in their lives.

1 Samuel 3:1-10,19

How to Position our Lives and Families to Encounter Jesus:

People: Relationships that are hungry for Jesus and point you to loving Jesus more.

Make a list of these people in your life.

Places: Rooms or experiences where the Holy Spirit rests.

Make a list of these places in your life.

Things: Activities that point us to Jesus and his movement in the Earth.

Make a list of these things (activities) in your life.

Setting the Stage: Ruth 1:1-5 Elimelek: Patriarch from Bethlehem Naomi: Wife of Elimelek Mahlon: Son of Elimelek and marries Orpah a Moabite Kilion: Son of Elimelek and marries Ruth a Moabite

God’s Provision: Ruth 2:10-16

God’s hand of provision and care never grow tired. There is no limit or restraint to his goodness. He is always working.

Family Guardian-Kinsman Redeemer: Ruth 3-4

To be a Kinsman Redeemer: 1. Had to share bloodline. Philippians 2:6-8 2. Must have the resources and power to redeem. Romans 8:1-4 3. Must be willing to take on the full burden of those they redeem. Romans 8:9-17

Jesus is our Kingsman Redeemer.

Jesus’ Redemptive Genealogy: Matthew 1 Tamar: Dressed as prostitute and tricked father-in-law Judah, to sleep with her. Rahab: Canaanite living in Jericho who helped hide Israelites. Mother of Boaz. Ruth: Moabite Widow-Redeemed by Boaz, Great-grandmother to King David Bathsheba: Uriah’s wife who King David committed adulty with. Mary: Virgin mother of Jesus

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. Judges 2:10, The Story Pg. 103

Disobedience LEADS TO punishment, FOLLOWED BY repentance, which LEADS TO Deliverance!

Deborah was a woman of influence.

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. Judges 4:1-5 NIV, The Story Pg. 105

Deborah had a close walk with the Lord.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

Gideon was a man of courage.

The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. Judges 6:11, The Story Pg. 108

In the midst of The Story, God is going to move Gideon from fear to trust.

Where do you need God to move you from fear to trust?

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12, The Story Pg. 108

The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites.” Judges 6:16

The LORD answered, “I will be with you…" Judges 6:16

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:1-6

I. Courage

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 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9

Definition of Courage 1: Courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward in spite of fear.

Definition of Courage 2: Courage is fear that has said it’s prayers.

So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away… So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Joshua 3:14-16

The reason most Christians and most churches never see a Bible-sized miracle is because they never exercise enough faith or take a big enough risk to need one!

Definition of Courage 3: Courage is not the absence of fear; but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

II. Conviction

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

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: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. II Timothy 4:1-5

So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days journey with the ark of the covenant of the Lord going before them three days journey, to seek out a resting place for them, the cloud of the Lord being over them by day when they set out from camp. Numbers 10:33-34 (NRSV)

Now when the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, the Lord heard it and his anger was kindled. Numbers 11: 1 (NRSV)

Bondage to Freedom Anxiety to Rest Cravings to Nourishment Scarcity to Abundance

Free But Not Formed Free But Not Informed Free But Not Grateful Free But Not Trusting

Union Chapel is honored to have welcomed Nick Vujicic, founder of Life Without Limbs, who came and shared an inspiring message about finding hope in Jesus Christ despite impossible odds and challenging circumstances.

I. Guidelines for life together.

Exodus 19:1-8

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 NIV

II. A place for God to dwell.

III. Sin must be atoned for.

Hebrews 10:1-4 NIV

IV. The presence of God with us.

Exodus 33:14-16 NIV | Pg. 67

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,  neither are your ways my ways,”  declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth,  so are my ways higher than your ways  and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

“I will make you into a great nation,  and I will bless you; I will make your name great,  and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 (To Abraham)

Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. Genesis 26:3 (To Isaac)

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:1-15 (Jacob in Bethel)

“As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. Then ‘a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.’ He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die. “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child.[b] For three months he was cared for by his family. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’ But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’ This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness. Acts 7:17-36

Deliverance begins with God.
God partners with people to accomplish His purpose.
God calls people who don’t feel up to the job.

So Moses said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every first-born 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. There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again. Exodus 11:4-6

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

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. I Corinthians 5:7

Clue: Where your deep passion, the core desire of your best self, where it connects with the pain and need of the world – there you will find your destiny.

Truth: You have been born with a destiny. God has called you with a purpose, plan, will, destiny and a life of service in mind.

I. Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers: Genesis 37

II. Joseph is put into prison while in Egypt. Genesis 39-41

III. Joseph is promoted to Deputy Pharaoh in Egypt. Genesis 41

The power of a dream.

Destiny is mostly about who you are and not what you do.

God never elevates a person above their character.

God is in the dreams and with the dreamer.

Adversity is part of the will of God for your lives.

IV. Joseph is reunited with and forgives his brothers. Genesis 42-50

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse. And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. Page 13 | Genesis 12:1-4

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Page 14 | Hebrews 11:8

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Page 15 | Romans 4:18-21

“I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.” But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, How can I know… that I will gain possession of it?” Genesis 15:7-8

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.” 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. Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. Genesis 15:9-11

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. 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. Genesis 15:17-18

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The Story, pg. 1 | Genesis 1:1 NIV

His vision is to come down and be with us in a beautiful garden.

The first two people reject God’s vision and are escorted from the garden.

Their decision introduces sin into the human race and keeps us from community with God.

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. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. The Story, pg. 8 | Genesis 6:5-6 NIV

At this moment God gives a promise and launches a plan to get us back.

So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. The Story, pg. 8 | Genesis 6:7-8 NIV

The rest of the Bible is God’s story of how he kept that promise and made it possible for us to enter a loving relationship with Him.

Exodus 35:4-5, 20-29; 36:1-7

I. Everything given was from a willing heart.

II. People made a clear connection between the tabernacle and the God of the tabernacle.

III. There is a clear connection between giving and worship.

As long as your hand is open, God will bless. The moment your hand goes shut, God will close the miraculous flow to your life.

A. The gift of giving

B. Disciplined / structured giving (tithe)

C. Open heaven giving

Open Heaven Prayer: “There is nothing you can ask of me that I won’t give. There is nothing that belongs to me. Everything in my life is yours. Whatever, wherever, whenever, my answer is ‘YES.’”

I Timothy 6:17-19

I. Trust God

God is our refuge and strength. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2

With the Lord on my side, I do not fear. Psalm 118:6

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

II. Offer Gratitude

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

III. Live a life of service and generosity to others

Financial Planning Principles

Pay your tithe and offering first. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Create a budget and track your expenses. Proverbs 27:23-24
Simplify your lifestyle (live below your means). Matthew 6:19-33
Establish an emergency fund. Proverbs 21:20
Pay off your credit cards, use cash/debit cards for purchases, and use credit wisely. Proverbs 22:7
Practice long-term savings and investing habits. I Timothy 6:9-12; Luke 14:28

II Corinthians 8: 1-7; 9: 6-7

I. When Christians give, good gets done.

"...to bring also to completion this act of grace..." 2 Corinthians 8:6

II. When Christians give, God gets glory.

III. When Christians give, they get free.

John 1:43-51

See how special you are to Jesus.

"and the next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43

Your highest calling in life is to help others experience Jesus.
Stop underestimating the power of your invitation.

What do I say to someone when they ask a difficult question? Answer: I don’t know. Come and see.

Come and see what Jesus will do through you. You are ready.
Come and see what it is like to know Jesus personally.

Mark 5:21-43

I. Reach Out to Jesus

II. Adjust Your Pace (Three Miles an Hour)

It is amazing to realize that Jesus accomplished the redemption of the entire world at three miles per hour.

III. Don’t Be Afraid: Just Believe

A man who could claim both status and name Saw Jesus’ power to touch and heal. A woman unknown who suffered alone Dared touch and found that same power was real.

Matthew 2:9-12

They followed the star but it didn’t lead them to the palace but to the stable.
They looked for God in the stable.
They offered their best worship/best gifts in the stable.

Isaiah 61:1-7

I. SANTA CLAUS JESUS

II. EXPECT A MIRACLE… Through Your Life!

III. PAYING THE PRICE

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection… and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.” Philippians 3:10

Genesis 3:8-15; John 1:1-14

I. A promise given

The seed of the woman will come and bruise the serpents head. Genesis 3:15

II. A Son is born

III. Jesus, the incarnate Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us… John 1:1,14

The great miracle of Christmas is the incarnation of Jesus Christ!

It is in the humanity of Jesus that we, covered in our own humanity, best identify with Him.

What Satan, not the angels, not humanity itself, not even the woman in the Garden of Eden could understand was the prophecy, “The seed of the woman will come and bruise the serpent’s head.”

When the sinless died for the sinful… when the perfect died for the imperfect our redemption price was paid. This is the seed of the woman. This is the miracle of Christmas.

Hosea 3:1-5

I. OUR INFIDELITY

II. TRUSTING THE PROMISE

III. PRACTICING SCANDALOUS LOVE

Do you really believe that God loves you madly, passionately, unconditionally?

God promises to bring good out of bad, to raise up the lowly, and to comfort the afflicted. How would you view your life if you trusted completely in those promises?

What would it mean for us to love others “scandalously?” How would that be different from the safe, cautious ways we often show Christ’s love in the world?

Ephesians 5:15-21 -- "Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Make the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 2:10 -- “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Understand the Lord’s will.

Romans 8:29 – “…to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.”

I Thessalonians 4:3 – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified…”

I Thessalonians 5:18 – “…give thanks in all things for this is God’s will for you…”

Ephesians 5:17 – “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what God wants you to do.”

Be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

Give thanks always.

Ephesians 5:20 -- …” always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 15:17-20

Plant Churches:
Teach the Bible:
Evangelize:

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

Matthew 28:16-20

And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice. Genesis 22:18

Vs. 17 - When they saw Him they worshipped Him.

Vs. 18 - All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 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. I Corinthians 15:14,16-17

All religions can be taught but only Christianity can be proclaimed! G.K. Chesterton

Vs. 19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…

Vs. 20 - and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…

Vs. 20 - behold I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Acts 2:40-47

I. Church is a place to experience a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

II. Church is a place where believers follow Jesus in baptism.

III. Church is a place devoted to the apostolic faith.

IV. Church is a place to connect (fellowship) with other people.

You open your hearts to one another.
You open your hands to one another.
You open your homes to one another.

V. Church is people fulfilling their calling through mission and service.

Acts 12: 1-24

I. God calls us to prayer

II. God hears our prayers

There are some things God will not do unless limited human beings pray. John Wesley

III. God answers our prayers

Don’t wait till you feel faith before you pray. Sometimes praying is its own reward… it wins the day… it brings the breakthrough.

Jeremiah 8:18-22

You will be blessed as your heart breaks over something that breaks the heart of God.

What if God's greatest blessings come from God's greatest breakings?

It's better to hurt with a purpose than it is to exist without one.

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Romans 9:1-4a

I Samuel 3:1-21

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel! ”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” I Samuel 3:10

That is an incredibly dangerous prayer! In this case, what God told Samuel was extremely difficult to hear!

Don’t ask God to speak—If you don’t want to hear what he says!

BE STILL.

“Be still, and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10

• God speaks through his Word.

• God speaks through people.

• God speaks through circumstances.

• God speaks through his Spirit.

BE WILLING

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6

BE READY

Acts 4:1-22

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” Acts 5:18-20

Boldness almost always triggers spiritual opposition.

If you're not ready to face opposition for your obedience to God, you're not ready to be used by God.

Boldness often releases God’s miracles.

When you walk in obedience to God,  you won’t be surprised by the miracles of God.

Boldness always requires faith.

Nehemiah 8:3-8

I. Receptivity reflects generosity.

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use. It will be measured to you; and to you who hear more will be given.” Mark 4:23-24

Receptivity: Quickness to receive. Desire to be stimulated. Easily trained. Ready to respond.

II. Receptivity charges the atmosphere of your life.

III. Receptivity will open doors in your life.

“I know your works, see. I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8

If you live receptive, then your desires will be greater than the obstacles.

Prayer: “Be Lord of what’s left of my life!”

IV. Receptivity triggers action in your life.

Colossians 4:2-6

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

From where do we find our moral framework?
From where do I find ultimate meaning in life?

a. A sense of Wonder b. The awareness of Truth. c. The experience of Love. d. The knowledge of Security.

What about hope?
The supremacy of the practice of love.

The answers to life’s most important questions are not hard to find. Nor are they hard to agree to. But they can be very difficult to accept because it requires each one of us to change something about ourselves.

If you look for truth you will find comfort. But if you look for comfort you will get neither truth nor comfort only soft soap to begin with and in the end despair. C.S. Lewis

Matthew 25:31-46

“There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God…Your wickedness makes you, as it were, heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink, and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf, and all of your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you, and keep you out of hell, than a spider’s web would have to stop a falling rock. If God should only withdraw His hand from the floodgate, it would immediately fly open, and the fiery floods of the fierceness and wrath of God, would rush forth with inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotent power; and if your strength were ten thousand times greater than it is, yea ten thousand times greater than the strength of the stoutest, sturdiest, devil in hell, it would be nothing to withstand or endure it. The bow of God’s wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice directs the bow to your heart, and strains at the bow; and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood.” Jonathan Edwards, 18th Century Christian leader

The vast majority of direct references to the place called Hell comes from Jesus Himself.

I. Righteousness/Holiness

II. Justice

III. Love/Wrath

Hell is reserved, not for those souls who seek God yet struggle, but for those who defy God and rebel. The Ultimate Choice of where we will spend eternity belongs to each one of us.

Nothing impure will ever enter heaven, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27

“I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside.” C.S. Lewis

Revelation 21:1-8

It will be a lot like the new me.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. II Peter 3:9-13

It will be a lot like the first earth. (John 14:1-6)
It will be infinitely better because of new things.

a. You will have a new kind of relationship with God.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 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. Revelation 21:1-3

b. You will have a new kind of relationship with your past.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:4-5

c. You will have a new kind of satisfaction.

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:6-8

d. There will be a new city and people to enjoy.

e. There will be a new earth with new nations.

The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of the lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 21:24 – 22:5

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 29-31

God wants to renew your strength.

Waiting on God is moving in the right direction.

Wait with an attitude of hope.

While you’re waiting on God, God is working on you.

Power comes from waiting and patience.

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

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4

God is patiently waiting on you.

As you do what you can do, God will do what He can do.

He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

Matthew 20:20-28

I. Greatness is not a position.

Find something you can do and do it!

II. Greatness is not about power.

How to know you are abusing authority: a. Keep reminding people of your position. b. Expect or demand privilege. c. Comfortable with personal praise. d. Resenting or reacting to challenges to your authority. e. Unmoved by an individual’s pain.

III. Greatness is about serving.

I can’t change the world but I can change my own destiny. I’m going to be a servant.

God is calling you to greatness and greatness comes through serving.

Whatever your hand finds you to do, do it with all your might. For it is the Lord Christ that you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

John 13:34–35; 1 Corinthians 13:5

Question 1 -  The INTEGRITY Question:  Am I being honest with myself... really?

Question 2 -  The LEGACY Question: What story do I want to tell?

Question 3 -  The CONSCIENCE Question:  Is there a tension that deserves my attention?

Question 4 -  The MATURITY Question: What is the wise thing to do?

Question 5 -  The RELATIONSHIP Question: What does love require of me?

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. John 13:35

Jesus followers would demonstrate their devotion to God by putting the person next to them in front of them.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-control Galatians 5:22-23

Ephesians 5:15–16

Question 1 - The INTEGRITY Question:  Am I being honest with myself... really? 

Question 2 -  The LEGACY Question:  What story do I want to tell?

Question 3 -  The CONSCIENCE Question:  Is there a tension that deserves my attention?

Question 4 -  The MATURITY Question: What is the wise thing to do?

The prudent see danger and take refuge...but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27:12 

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

Verse 16 - Making the most of every opportunity...because the days are evil.

In light of my past experience, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?

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

The prudent see danger and take refuge but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27:12 

Question 1 - The INTEGRITY Question: Am I being honest with myself... really?

Question 2 -  The LEGACY Question: What story do I want to tell?

Question 3 -  The CONSCIENCE Question: Is there a tension that deserves my attention? 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

“The prudent see danger and take refuge but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12

Week 1 - The Integrity Question: “Am I being honest with myself? Really?"

Week 2 – The Legacy Question: “What story do I want to tell?”

Every decision and the outcome of that decision becomes part of your story, which means decision-by-decision you are writing the story of your life.

Whenever we’re in an emotionally charged decision-making environment we usually think in terms of our options – not our stories. This is a time to press pause, not play.

“With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” Genesis 39:8-9

So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:38-40

Ask God to help you write a life story that you’ll be proud to tell.

The prudent see danger and take refuge but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27:12

The easiest person to deceive is the person in the mirror.

Question One: Am I being honest with myself…really?

“The human understanding when it has once adopted an opinion... draws all things else to support and agree with it. And though there be a greater number and weight of instances to be found on the other side, yet these it either neglects or despises, or else by some distinction sets aside and rejects.” —Francis Bacon (Seventeenth-century English philosopher)

He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet. 2 Chronicles 36:12

The heart is deceitful above all things... Jeremiah 17:9 

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure…” Jeremiah 17:9

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19 (English Standard Version)

And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21 (English Standard Version)

Your heart follows your investment.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Our God has created us to pour not store!

“… I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.” Luke 12:18

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

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” Luke 9:12 NIV

He [Jesus] replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish …” Luke 9:13 NIV

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Luke 9:16-17 NIV

What you keep is all you have, but what you give, God multiplies.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10 NIV

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

We’re exponentially better together.
I belong (no matter what I feel).
I matter (regardless of how I feel).
I must see the potential of the part I play.

Luke 7:36-50 (NIV)

Jesus invites the people others reject.
Jesus invites me into a love relationship with Him.
Where you see rejection, Jesus sees potential.
Accept Jesus' invitation with determination.

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

John 4:4, 7-20; 25-26

What did the women see?

We see ourselves through Bad Decisions.
We see ourselves through Trauma
We see ourselves through Bad Friends.
We see ourselves through Hard Circumstances.
We see ourselves through Social Media.
We see ourselves through Shame.
We see ourselves through Fear.

What did Jesus see?

The Creator determines something's values, not the created order.

Jesus, what do you see?

Psalms 139

Psalms 78:1-7

I. The undeniable impact of a father.

A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3

II. What children need from us.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline (instruction) will drive it far away. Proverbs 22:15

The Big Idea: “Yes, I love you” and “No, you can’t have your own way.”

III. High impact ideas.

a. Keep your marriage strong.

b. Train and instruct (disciple).

c. Give them time.

d. Pray for them.

e. Encourage them with words.

Words for your sons: “I love you. I am proud of you. You have the right stuff.”

Words for your daughters: “I love you. I am proud of you. You are precious to me.”

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. Proverbs 23:24

2 Corinthians 10:1-5

I. We posture in humility and gentleness.

II. We rely on the Spirit’s power.

III. We remain obedient to Christ.

II Kings 4:1-7

I. Rely on the Holy Spirit.

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

II. Raise your expectations.

If you had unlimited resources and knew you couldn’t fail, what would you attempt for God?

III. Live your life with honor.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? I Corinthians 3:16

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; I Corinthians 6:19

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. Acts 9:15

Remember your spiritual heroes (Hebrews 12:1-3)

• Who are your biblical heroes? • Who are your personal heroes?

A thief said to Jesus, “Remember me” (Luke 23:39-43)
Jesus says to us, “Remember Me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

• Communion is an invitation to actively remember Jesus

Isaiah 56:1-2

I. Sabbath and giving are two sides of the same coin.

II. Sabbath and hospitality.

III. Sabbath and the Local Church.

One reason is that most children do exactly what they are taught and they see their parents worshiping many lesser gods.

Children learn more from what their parents do than from what we say.

Sabbath is a time to transition from human doings to human beings. Eugene Peterson

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am. Be still and know that I. Be still and know that. Be still and know. Be still and. Be still. Be.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Philippians 1:3-11

Psalm 90

I. Teach us to number our days.

The three R’s of Sabbath: Rest, Renewal, Reverence.

II. Rest as spiritual food.

Sabbath is what balances the active parts of life with the holy parts, the spiritual parts, the most valuable parts.

Mark 3:1-6

The intent of the commandment – rest – is what is important.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

I. Rest from being hurt.

Rest gives our souls the time they need to heal.

II. Rest from heavy labors.

If we are to treat our bodies as temples, we must allow time for physical, mental, and spiritual recovery from the labors of the week.

III. Rest from the pace of the world.

Fast-paced lives leave less time for activities that build family and friendships.

IV. Rest from the speed of change.

V. Rest from the job.

Resting is even more necessary in uncertain times. It helps us remember that God is in control and that our identity is not dependent on the work we do.

VI. Rest from information.

We need rest from the deluge of information in order to discern what information is important and how we should respond.

Exodus 20:1-17

I. The Sabbath is missing.

Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:15

II. The Sabbath has meaning.

As we keep or break the Sabbath day, we nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope by which man rises. Abraham Lincoln

A Sabbath Poem by John David Walt

Breathe

rest in Rest, holy Leisure--- airtight Time:

Sabbath.

hearing Ears, Creation slowing--- open Eyes:

Sabbath.

guiltless Feasting, sacred Rhythms--- Heaven hugging:

Sabbath.

Nothing-doing Nowhere-going--- Work unknowing:

Sabbath.

1 Peter 2:9-10 – 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

You are acceptable – 1 Peter 2:9, “a chosen people”

Titus 3:7 (Contemporary English Version) “Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.”

You are valuable – 1 Peter 2:9, “God’s special possession”

1 Corinthians 7:23 – “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.”

You are capable – 1 Peter 2:9, “a royal priesthood”

1 Peter 2:9-10 (The Message Translation) But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.

You are forgivable – 1 Peter 2:9, “a holy nation”

Romans 8:1 (New Living Translation) “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus”

God doesn’t rehearse your sin, he releases it.

You are lovable – 1 Peter 2:10, “you have received mercy”

Isaiah 54:10 (Good News Translation) The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace.” So says the Lord who loves you.

The world tells us to “do, strive, and achieve” but Jesus says “surrender, believe and receive!”

Luke 19:35-38 Psalm 24:7-10 Revelation 19:11-16

I. Jesus comes to Jerusalem as King.

II. Jesus arrives in heaven as the King of Glory.

III. Jesus returns to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Psalm 92:12-14

Tell Archippus: See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord. Colossians 4:17

I. Stay focused till you’re finished.

II. Stay resilient about retirement

III. Stay connected to your calling

The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

IV. Stay vigilant after your victories

V. Stay ready for redeployment

Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed. Joshua 13:1

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. Psalm 92:12-14

Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

Matthew 6:19-21

“The real measure of our wealth is how much we would be worth if we lost all our money.” Anonymous

I. Invest in God’s Word

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35

A. Study His Word

B. Spread His Word

II. Invest in God’s Work

A. Develop a Personal Ministry

B. Devote Yourself to a Local Church

III. Invest in God’s Wealth

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. William James

Joshua 14:6-9

God will never choose safety for us at the risk of service and significance.

I. Risk-Takers Stay Exuberant About Their Lives

“Exuberance carries us places we would not otherwise go – across the savannah, to the moon, into the imagination…By its pleasures, exuberance lures us from our common places and quieter moods; and – after the victory, the harvest, the discovery of a new idea or an unfamiliar place – it gives ascendant reason to venture forth all over again.” Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison

II. Risk-Takers Stay Excited About Their Futures

The most important thing about us is our future.

III. Risk-Takers Stay Enthusiastic About Their Mission

IV. Risk-Takers Stay Energized About Their God

Philippians 3:12-14

“Luciano, if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. For life, you must choose one chair.” Father of Luciano Pavarotti

“I was blessed with a good voice by God. I think it pleased Him that I decided to devote myself to it. And now I think whether it’s laying bricks, driving a straight nail, writing a book, whatever we choose we should give ourselves to it. Commitment, that’s the key. Choose one chair.” Luciano Pavarotti

Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors… Acts 13:36

I. Focus on God’s Purpose.

Vs. 12: I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Romans 8:29

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

II. Focus on God’s Perspective

Vs. 13: Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind…

“Every cat knows some things need to be buried.” Ruth Bell Graham

III. Focus on God’s Plan

Vs. 13: …reaching forward to those things which are ahead…

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book! Psalm 139:16 (TLB)

IV. Focus on God’s Prize

Vs. 13: …I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

Again, to our text…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14

“It is a mistake to be always turning back to recover the past. The law for Christian living is not backward, but forward; not for experiences that lie behind, but for doing the will of God, which is always ahead and beckoning us to follow.” F. B. Meyer

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Hellen Keller

Where there is not vision, the people perish. Proverbs 19:18

I. Root your dream in history.

II. Reproduce your dream in a picture.

See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains. 2 Samuel 7:2

III. Reinforce your dream with determination.

You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood. 1 Chronicles 28:3

IV. Reconcile your dream with its cost.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it…Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Luke 14:28-31

V. Release your dream to your legacy.

Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service for the temple of the Lord is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20

Lord, if ever I can do anything for You, just let me know and I’ll do it. Lillian Trasher

Acts 13:36

Your purpose is for God
You don’t find your purpose, you serve God’s purpose
You serve God’s purpose by serving people

We have opportunities for you! You can click the link above that says "Sign Up To Serve"

Luke 22:31-34

Sometimes God’s preparation comes packaged as pain

Verse 31: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you …

See your pain through the perspective of purpose

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

Jesus is with you in your pain

The greater the pain, the bigger the potential

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2

God Gave Two Greatest Gifts. Jesus and The Holy Spirit.
Life In the Spirit provides a life of Gettas.
Life has a few Gottas.
The apostle Paul felt that he had to go back to Jerusalem.
The Greatest Gotta became the Biggest Getta for us.
We can face our biggest Gotta because of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 6:19-21

I. Sorting our fears.

II. When time expires.

Jesus said, “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” John 12:25

What is given away cannot be taken away. Whatever you sacrifice to gain for God’s Kingdom you can never lose.

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

III. For the joy of it!

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

I. The law of the harvest “…whoever sows generously will also reap generously…”

II. Alignment with God’s agenda "…He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever…”

III. Strengthen your faith through giving “…You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…”

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Hebrews 11:1-6

In order for faith to work it must be practiced.

Faith without works is useless. James 2:14

Faith is entrusting your life to God... not that He can do it but entrusting Him to do it.

Don't let circumstances deter you.
Don't let doubt deter you.
Don't let people deter you.
Don't let fear deter you.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

I. The principle of faith

"Now faith is being sure (assurance) of what we hope for and certain of (conviction) what we do not see."

Principle: The tangible means of reaching into the unseen and bringing it into the seen.

II. The power of faith

The power of Faith is not your ability to have faith but in the power of God to move mountains!
When we don't have enough faith, it is always because we don't have a big enough God!

The Power of faith is the greatness of God!

III. The priority of faith

God is saying, "If I can't trust you to steward the time, talents and treasure I place in your hands, then don't expect me to bless you with the things that are really valuable...true riches."
Priority: If you give to God what is rightfully His and use the rest properly, then He is free to trust you with more.

II Timothy 4:1-8

I. Endure hardship gladly.

II. Prepare well.

III. Keep your eye on the goal.

IV. Finish well.

Deuteronomy 16:9-17

I. Remembrance

PARRIS’ TOP TEN CHRISTMAS SUGGESTIONS

Attend a Christmas Eve Candlelight service
Invest some time caring for/serving others.
Drive around and look at the light displays.
Feast with gratitude and eat too much without guilt.
Take a small gift to your neighbor (and introduce yourself).
Do not turn down fudge or Christmas cookies this year.
Sing Christmas carols loudly (on key is optional).
Watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” at least once.
Greet people with “Merry Christmas!”
Give yourself afresh to the Christ of Christmas.

II. Rejoicing

III. Feasting

TOP TEN THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR AT CHRISTMAS DINNER

I’m just using up cranberry sauce I had left over from last Christmas.
So, I figured if I’m dieting, everybody’s dieting.
Just brush the frost off the turkey before you carve it.
Who wants bologna?
Thought I’d save a little time and just leave the feathers on.
I’m trying out a brand new stuffing recipe. Hope you like licorice.
Before we eat I thought we could just go around the table and take turns telling our favorite Christmas memory.
Wait! We didn’t get a picture. Everybody put your food back.
Put on that cute record about grandma and the reindeer while we eat.
Here’s the fruitcake!

IV. Giving

Luke 1:26-37

I. When God changes your plans He’s trying to get your attention.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

II. When God changes your plans it also means God has a better plan.

I know what I am planning for you, says the Lord. I have good plans for you. Not plans to hurt you. And I will give you hope and a good future. Jeremiah 29:11

We know God’s plan is bigger than your plan. We know God’s plan is more rewarding. We know God’s plan is at times harder.

III. God wants you to trust Him.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6

Three warning signs of lack of trust: fatigue, frustration, fear.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life for his faithful love endures forever. Psalm 138:8

John 3:16-21

I. A Spirit of giving.

At the very heart of a liberated, joyful, Spirit-filled Christianity is the nature and character of giving.

II. Giving in relationships.

III. The giving nature of God.

Ephesians 1 Vs. 3 “…God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing…” Vs. 4 “ He chose us to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Vs. 5 “In love he predestined us/chose us to be adopted as his sons and daughters.” Vs. 7 “In him we have redemption through his blood.” Vs. 9 “He made known to us the mystery of his will.” Vs. 11-14 “you were chosen and included in Christ and marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”

God says, “I want to spend eternity with you!”

The great announcement of Christianity is not that you have accepted God. The great announcement of Christianity is that God has accepted you!”

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

“Rising from the debris of our lost values is the new value on the individual. The ‘me’ generation has given way to a ‘me’ world. The question is, how will the church, the ultimate ‘WE’ organization, adjust?” – Church Consultant, Lyle Schaller in The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee

A life without connection brings isolation.

Loneliness is a warning light on the dash board of your life that confirms that you are running low on the primary fuel you need: connection.

A life without connection brings exhaustion.

A life without connection brings frustration.

Godly and meaningful connection brings production.

Godly and meaningful connection brings provision.

Godly and meaningful connection brings protection.

Matthew 9:35-38

We must engage in rigorous biblical instruction.
Evangelism must be at the heart of the church’s life.

Acts 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes…

We should plant churches.

Matthew 24:1-14

I. Take heed to yourself. (Do not be deceived.) Vs. 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed (watch out) that no one deceives you.’

II. See that you are not troubled. Vs. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

III. Guard your love for God. Vs. 12 And because lawlessness (iniquity) will abound, the love of many will grow (wax) cold.

Guard your heart with all diligence for from it flow the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Above all guard the door of your mind with diligence, for out of it re the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 A Faithful Version

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 New Living Translation

IV. Endure. Vs. 13 but the one who stands firm (endures) to the end will be saved.

V. Preach the gospel! Vs. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Like what you're hearing? Keep the conversation going. Find a few people to talk with about the things you've been learning. Here are a few questions that you can use to kickstart some conversation.

• Who sleeps with your phone? Who checks email on vacation? Who looks at social media first thing every morning? Last thing of the day? While you’re driving? Posts from the bathroom? • Describe your love/hate relationship with technology in a few phrases. • On a scale of 1 to 10, how addicted are you to technology and why? • Which app, game, or form of media is the biggest problem for you? What about it makes you admit it’s a problem? • What are some signs that technology is your master? • How has the amount of time you spend staring at your phone or computer affected your relationships with the people around you in real life? • How much time do you think is healthy for you to spend on your phone daily? • How would you feel if you skipped all online media for a day? A week? A year? • What are some signs that you aren’t experiencing the kind of rest God wants you to? • Is “stillness” even something you want? What would you give up to get it? Why might you avoid being still? • What is a good defensive plan for you and those you love to overcome or prevent an addiction to technology? • What is a good offensive plan to seek God first in your life?

Choose a closing question to help each person identify their next steps.

• What actions will you take to seek true rest from Christ? • What change will you make this week to get rest for your soul? • What steps will you take to “do your best to enter into His rest”?

Like what you're hearing? Keep the conversation going. Find a few people to talk with about the things you've been learning. Here are a few questions that you can use to kickstart some conversation.

• What’s the most awkward overshare you’ve seen on social media? Take a few minutes to laugh about it! • It’s time #TBH (to be honest). Everyone think of something you feel bad about not feeling bad about. Then, take turns finishing the sentence, “I couldn’t care less about _____.” • In your own life or in the lives of others, how have you noticed that people don’t care as much? • If someone followed you around, what evidence might they see that you’re obsessed with yourself? (Bonus for admitting you’d love it if someone watched your every move.) • Share an example of something you would say you care about that you don’t do anything about. Try to identify what’s keeping you from turning those feelings into action. • How has serving and caring for others impacted your life? • Share a time when you showed compassion and it ended up changing you more than the person you were caring for. • In real life, compassion interrupts our lives and has high costs. How can getting closer to Christ help you overcome those obstacles? • Pastor Gregg said, “The closer I get to Jesus, the less I care about me, and the more I care about people.” How have you found this to be true for you?

End with a challenge to take action.

• What can we do to put action to our compassion this week? How can our group love people better? • Who is someone you love who could really use some actual care this week? What will you do to reach out to them? • How and where is God calling you to care? What action will you take this week?

Like what you're hearing? Keep the conversation going. Find a few people to talk with about the things you've been learning. Here are a few questions that you can use to kickstart some conversation.

• Share something silly that was a struggle for you this week that isn’t really a big deal compared to deeper #struggles. • Share a time when you worked to create a social media moment instead of just engaging in the situation. • Scroll through the things you’ve posted online. Share the real story that was going on that might not show in the carefully crafted photo or post. • How many close friends do you have?. How far off is this number from what you think would be God’s best for you? • Do you see any area of your life where you are starting to fear or avoid unfiltered communication? • What’s something about you that you’d never reveal to your wider group of “friends” on your social media page? • What veil are you wearing? What are some situations where you find yourself showing “the me I want you to see”? • Who are the people who get to see the real you? • What efforts do you take to pre-plan conversations? How do these filtered communications affect your ability to have authentic friendships in other settings? • What does Christ need to do in you to help you to live a filter-free life?

End with a challenge to take action.

• What can our group do to be open, real, and authentic with each other? What would it take for us to really remove all filters between us? • What step can you take to challenge yourself to be authentic this week? If all of your ideas are within social media and not in real life, what will you do to challenge yourself to open up in person? • How can we help each other with our #struggles this week?

Like what you're hearing? Keep the conversation going. Find a few people to talk with about the things you've been learning. Here are a few questions that you can use to kickstart some conversation.

• Talk about any anxiety or compulsions you experience being untethered to your device. • What’s the dumbest thing you’re into online? • From Pinterest to World of Warcraft, what’s your biggest technology distraction? • What does the word “friend” mean to you? What are the different ways you use that term? • In what ways might technology change how you connect in your relationships? • Share a time when you got a text or saw a post that was exactly what you needed at that moment. How can you do a better job of using technology to engage with others? • How have you used technology to connect to someone in a positive, meaningful way? • What are some signs that you may be addicted to immediate affirmation? • Would your online friends know you’re a disciple of Christ like John 13:35 describes? How can you show who Christ is to you besides just giving Jesus a shout-out in your profile? • How can your church community be a better expression of Hebrews 10:24-25? What can we do to make that true of our relationships?

End with a challenge to take action. Choose a closing question to help each person identify their next steps.

• What will you do this week to practice the power of presence? • Who do you need to “really love” this week? How will you live out what Romans 12:9-13 and John 13:34 describe? • How can we help each other with our #struggles this week?

Like what you're hearing? Keep the conversation going. Find a few people to talk with about the things you've been learning. Here are a few questions that you can use to kickstart some conversation.

• Share the most ridiculous selfie you’ve seen recently. • If you could switch lives with someone, real or fictional, who would it be and why? • Between the weekend message and now, which areas of discontentment has God exposed in you? • On a scale of 1-10 (1=not at all, 10=completely) how satisfied are you with your life? Why did you choose that number? What would it take to move that number up? • What are some differences between comparing yourself to God’s standard and comparing yourself to the world’s standard? • In what area do you feel most content? Why is that? • In what area do you feel least content? Why do you think that is? What can you do about that to change it? • What are some specific sources of envy you need to block from your life? • Paul shares his secret to contentment in Philippians 4:12-13. Talk about what living through Christ’s strength looks like in daily life. • What are some blessings of others that we can celebrate together? What changes could you notice about how you feel after taking time to do this?

End with a challenge to take action.

• How will you cultivate gratitude through Christ’s strength this week? Specifically what do you commit to do? • What steps would you need to take to make Christ all you need? How can you increase that this week?

I Thessalonians 5:12-28

I Grace is greater than your circumstances.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. II Corinthians 11:24-27

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances… I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

What God has done for you is greater than what that person has done to you.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15

Matthew 18:21-35

…where sin did abound, grace did much more abound… Romans 5:20

Every heart knows its own bitterness… Proverbs 14:10

“If the biggest sinner you know isn’t you, then you don’t know yourself very well.” John Laroe

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

I. Grace is greater than repayment.

II. Grace is greater than revenge.

III. Grace is greater than resentment.

“When you forgive the prisoner that it really frees is you.” Matthew West (songwriter)

The key to giving grace — hard, messy grace — is to stop thinking about what’s been done to you and to start thinking about what Jesus has done for you.

II Corinthians 12:1-10

See to it that no one misses the grace of God… Hebrews 12:15

When we’re weak, that weakness gives space for God’s grace to show up. That weakness is the place where God’s power can be most visibly demonstrated.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:9-10

I. Grace is greater than my infirmities.

II. Grace is greater than my inabilities.

When they [the religious leaders of the day] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

III. Grace is greater than my insecurities.

Romans 5:12-17

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God.” Hebrews 12:15

The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Romans 5:12

I. Grace is greater than your sin.

For the sin of one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15

The result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God.” Romans 5:16

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it. Romans 5:17

II. Grace is greater than your secret.

III. Grace is greater than your shame.

John 20:19-29

I. Asking Questions 1. Jesus will go to great lengths to answer your questions 2. Know the emotional context for your questions 3. Don’t let your feelings deceive you

II. Finding Answers 1. Take your questions to people you trust 2. Take your questions to Jesus 3. Stop questioning yourself in unhealthy ways 4. The ultimate answer to your questions is the Holy Spirit!

Luke 7:18-23

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I. Be honest about your doubt.

II. Let doubt move you toward Jesus.

III. When in doubt practice stubborn faith.

Mark 2: 1-12

I. THE STORY

II. THE APPLICATION

The power of friendship. Who wouldn’t want to have four friends like these? Friends who would do anything to help you.
The power of desperation.
The power of faith.
The power of spiritual healing.

The most important place in life is to know our sins are forgiven and our life made right with God.

John 9:1-12

I. The encounter

II. The question

Vs. 2 Why do bad things happen?...(this is not an exhaustive list)

Result of negative spiritual forces
Result of human sin
Result of a broken world
So the work of God might be displayed

III. The priority

IV. The miracle

V. The witness

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

John 3: 1-17

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin….For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:20,23

I. Jesus knew what Nicodemus needed.

It is so hard for people from legalistic religious backgrounds to know, receive and trust the love of God because they do not trust the God of love.

A Core Value at UC: The people of God are inclined to honor and obey God.

II. Jesus knew Nicodemus needed a new start.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the way of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions; it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:1-5

III. Jesus knew the relationship was necessary.

John 4:1-20; 25-26; 29; 39-42

I. God is a seeking God.

a. General

b. Purposeful

c. Particular

II. God views us through our potential.

III. The way of hope.

a. Recognize your failures.

b. Turn to Jesus.

I Peter 2:9-12

I. Children

II. Youth

Short term gratification will bring long term happiness.
It’s hard to be a Christian.
You have to be rebellious.
Nobody understands.

III. Young Adults

Core honesty
Core concern for others

IV. Seniors

“But the Godly shall flourish like the palm trees and grow tall as the Cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden and are under His personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green. This honors the Lord and exhibits His faithful care.” Psalm 92:12-15

Genesis 1:26-27

I. Communication

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

II. Sexuality

The spouse test.

The sibling test.

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” I Timothy 5:1-2

The platform test.

III. Servanthood

Galatians 3:26-29

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

I. What is it? It is negative passion towards groups of people. Prejudice or prejudging people is arriving at conclusions without sufficient information about everybody. It’s imputing to an entire group of people the negative characteristics of a few.

II. What causes it?

Parents, families, teachers Economic Pressures Pressures of Conformity Human Corruption (sin)

III. What’s the cure?

Heart (Attitudes and respect)

“If a man claims to love God but hates his brother, he is a liar…” I John 4:20

Hands (Friendship and genuine connections)

Galatians 5:22-26

Life without limits always hinders creativity and productivity.

I. Meekness and Self-Control and the character of God

A. You cannot manifest the fruit of meekness until you are in a position of power.

II. The fruit of Meekness and Self-Control

A. A quiet trust in God.

B. We overcome the root of bitterness

C. We grow in our ability to reason, appeal, and teach

D. We grow in rest

E. Others grow in grace

F. It heals

G. It allows God to act because I am out of the way

III. Increase in Meekness and Self-Control

A. Submit to Christ.

B. Submit to natural authority in the name of Christ.

C. I refuse to use whatever power is mine to hurt, strike back, or execute vengeance.

D. Be slow to defend yourself

E. If meekness is the fruit of Jesus, then the way to be filled with meekness is to be filled with the Spirit of Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1-2, 6, 32-40

Faithfulness is a lifestyle or state of being. It implies diligence, dependability, steadiness, and unchanging devotion.

I. Faithfulness and the character of God

II. Results of faithfulness

a. If I grow in faithfulness, I grow in stability.

There is no short-run substitute for long-run faithfulness!

b. God will trust the faithful person with more.

c. My/our faithfulness causes others to become stable.

d. In relationships, it causes people to be free from fear.

e. In the spirit, it breaks the power of satanic attack against my life.

III. Increase your faithfulness

a. I increase my faithfulness by constant dependence on grace (blood of the Lamb).

b. We grow in faithfulness through constant commitment (the word of their testimony).

c. Willing to pay the price for discipleship (loved not their lives even unto death).

Ten things I learned from my dad:

Community Matters 
Loyalty Matters
Be bold in your faith
The value of hard work
The value of sacrifice
Be gracious with people
Be an encourager
Pick and stick with the right woman
The value of a sense of humor
Family is everything

Bonus: Place your ultimate hope in Christ

Galatians 5:22-26

Goodness: Goodness is an inner disposition causing an outward reality. Goodness is a state of being from which action emanates.

I. Goodness and the character of God.

It is not the goodness of God that separates me from Him, but rather my sin.

The fruit of the Spirit of goodness is that which springs from the vine, God Himself.

II. The counterfeit of goodness.

Self-righteousness or works oriented goodness.
The counterfeit goodness of the world

III. Detecting a lack of goodness.

A clear sign of the breakdown of goodness is when you find authentic goodness mocked. II Timothy 3:1-5
The inability to be genuine in compassion and sacrificial in help.
Contradictory gaps in my life.
Teaches falseness and hypocrisy.

IV. The fruit of goodness.

You will find usefulness.
Goodness will make me happy.
It helps others to be virtuous.

Galatians 5:22-26

Patience: To dwell richly, fully alive, in abundance, in the moment, regardless of circumstances. Isaiah 40:31; Luke 21:19

I. Patience and the character of God.

II. The counterfeit of patience. It is fatalism, indolence, laziness, a resignation to events and circumstances.

A patient person can hear the word NO and comprehend it.

III. The fruit of patience and gentleness.

Impatience with the sins of others is a betrayal of the reality that we are not confident of our own grace.

IV. Increase your patience

A. Remember the goodness of God in difficult circumstances.

B. Claim the perfect timing of God. (This is tough!)

C. Accept the imperfections of others and the imperfections of the world.

D. Affirm that God is working on my imperfections.

Galatians 5:22-26 John 14:26-27

Definition: Peace is a state of being. Peace is a state of heart. It is an inner reality which is ministered to me. Peace is that which God ministers to me.

I. The peace of God

Passes understanding.
Keeps your heart and mind
Through Jesus Christ.

II. The counterfeit of peace

Self-confidence
Induced, extra-personal peace

You cannot induce peace into your life from the outside, this is a fruit only of the Spirit.

III. How do I increase my peace?

Grow in righteousness.
End the doublemindedness.
The peace of God is eternal.
Establish Christ's Lordship in your life.
Receive the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-26 Nehemiah 8:10

I. Joy and the character of God.

The object of God's joy is us!

II. The counterfeit of joy.

III. Joy applied to life.

Joy is connected to grace not judgment.
A lack of joy is indicated by a lack of a sense of humor. *A sense of humor is the ability to laugh at yourself.

IV. The fruit of joy.

I will grow in strength.
It liberates others.

V. Increase your joy.

It is the will of God for you.
Repent of situational happiness.
Train your spirit to rejoice.
Depend on Him in everything and your joy cannot be stolen because no one can steal Him from you.

The secret to real joy is absolute dependence on God! The joy of the Lord really is my strength!

Galatians 5:16-26

Love Defined:

Love is not a special way of feeling. Love is volitional good will. It is a matter of my will, my choice. If it is good will, then it is to will good things for someone else. Love is anchored in principle and conviction.

A. Our inability to make sacrificial choices.

B. Self-absorption, self-pity, self-centered, self-aggrandizing, constantly the center of everything.

C. A coldness to God, the things of God, and the people of God.

A. The ability to make decisions of importance.

B. Become grace motivated and not judgmental.

C. Grow in wisdom and discernment.

D. Others are affirmed and set free in my presence.

E. Love drives faith. Love is the power by which faith works. Galatians 5:6

F. Love is the key to success in life. Loving God is the key to overcoming.

G. Love glorifies God in the world.

1 Samuel 1:1-11, 20, 20-24

Hannah’s Problem
Hannah’s Prayer

1 Samuel 1:10 – “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.”

Has the problem in your life fueled your faith or has it fed your fear?

Psalm 18:6 – In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

1 Samuel 1:11 – And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

Hannah’s Promise

Hannah surrenders to God before she knows the outcome of her prayer.

1 Samuel 1:11 – And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

1 Samuel 1:23 – "After the boy is weaned I will take him and present him before the LORD and he will live there always."

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.”

God’s Provision

1 Samuel 1:20 – “So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

1 Samuel 2:21 – “And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.”

As you face the problems in your life, look to Jesus today, and allow hope to be conceived in your soul!

I Kings 19:1-9

The wilderness is different from the valley, because time in the wilderness usually lasts a lot longer.

I. Your deepest need becomes a gift, when it drives you to depend on God.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. I Kings 19:5b-6

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest in the presence of God. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just take a breather, and let God restore your soul.

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 1 Kings 19:10

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

The devil shouts his lies, but God whispers his truth. God doesn't shout to get your attention, he whispers to draw you close.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

Psalm 84:5-7

We may enjoy God on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7

I. Seek His strength.

If you don't know God intimately, then what you have is all you have. God gives us a strength that goes beyond just what we have.

II. Fix your mind.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things below." Colossians 3:2

"If anything is excellent or praise worthy, or admirable, or lovely, think about such things." Philippians 4:8

III. Dig a well.

Most often, the way is through the valley, not out of the valley.

Acts 27:20-26

Never allow the presence of a storm to cause you to doubt the presence of God.

I. Keep your courage.

he said, "…Everybody else deserted me. No one stood by me… But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength." II Timothy 4:16-17,

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Real peace is not found in the absence of a storm. Peace is found in the presence of Jesus.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world." John 16:33

II. God is not finished.

III. Have faith in God.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3

Matthew 28:1-20

“The evidence for Jesus's life, death and resurrection has been shown to be satisfactory (according to the standards of any historian). It (holds up) according to the common rules for distinguishing good evidence from bad. Tens of thousands of persons have gone through it piece by piece as carefully as any judge reviewing the most important case. I have myself done this many times over, not to persuade others but to satisfy myself. Throughout my life I have made a career of studying the histories of times and events, examining and weighing the evidence for what was written about each of them, and I know of no other one fact in history which is proved by better and fuller evidence than this one: Jesus Christ died and rose again from the dead.” Dr. Thomas Arnold

I. The women, who respond with fear and great joy.

"If Jesus resurrected, none of these things that cause you grief—guilt and injustice and addictions and pain and death and the loss of loved ones—have the final word. I could do others: The empty tomb is the final word.” Dr. Billy Graham

II. The chief priests, who closed their eyes to the evidence.

III. The soldiers, who respond with fear without joy.

IV. The disciples, who worship in spite of their doubts.

Faith is when the unexplainable meets the undeniable.  

V. Us, who receive the Great Commission.

Matthew 27:27-56

I. The suffering criminals, who rage against God.

“The God of the gospel is the only God that doesn’t simply offer platitudes and perspective about pain, or say merely, ‘Here is an explanation for your pain.’ He’s a God that came down and shared in the forsakenness that we feel in a universe gone wrong. He’s the only God that did that.” Michael Green

II. Creation itself, quaking under the weight of glory displayed.

III. The outsiders, who recognize He is doing this for them.

IV. Simon of Cyrene, who helps carry the cross. 

“It wouldn’t matter if Jesus died 1000 times if no one ever heard about it!” Martin Luther

Matthew 26:57-67; 27:1-26

I. The threatened.

II. The distracted.

Trifle not with Christ, whose hands and feet were nailed to the accursed tree for sinners such as you. Trifle not with his precious blood, for that is your only hope of redemption. Trifle not with the Holy Spirit, for if he should leave you to perish, your case would be hopeless. Trifle not with the gospel; what would the lost in hell not give to hear another proclamation of mercy! The devil does not trifle; he is very earnestly seeking your destruction. God and Christ and the Holy Spirit are not trifling with you, and (I am) not trifling with you either. Charles Spurgeon

It was not unbelief that sent Pilate to hell; it was indifference.

III. The guilty.

IV. The despairing (or unbelieving).

Matthew 26:30–56

I. We are confronted by what Jesus did.

In Gethsemane, Jesus looked full into the cup of God’s wrath, and it overwhelmed him so badly that it almost killed him.

I stand amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene. And I wonder how he could love me—a sinner condemned unclean! For me it was in the Garden, he prayed not my will but thine. He had no tears for his own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine! He took my sin and my sorrow, and made them his very own—he bore my burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone!

II. We are invited to respond.

The church—the true church—is built not through the power of the sword but the power of the cross.

True salvation is not something we can achieve, but something we must receive.

Matthew 26: 6-16

I. What’s your price?

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

We’re not saved because of how committed we were to Jesus, but because of how committed he was to us.

II. Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Daniel 4:1-3

What motivates you? For Nebuchadnezzar his motivation was to impress others.

What is your standard for success? For Nebuchadnezzar it was personal gain.

What’s your source of power? For Nebuchadnezzar it was self-empowerment.

What’s the purpose of your life? For King Nebuchadnezzar it was personal happiness.

“’Therefore, I bring charges against you again,’ declares the Lord…’My people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,’ declares the Lord. ‘My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.’” Jeremiah 2:9, 11-13

What motivates you? Instead of “impressing others” that answer becomes “pleasing God.”

What is your standard for success? Instead of “personal gain” the answer becomes “faithfulness to God.”

What’s your source of power? Instead of “self-empowerment” your answer becomes “dependence on God.”

What is the purpose of your life? Instead of answering “personal happiness” your answer becomes “God’s Glory.”

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.” John 4:13-14

Luke 18:18-30

I. Success vs. blessed.

There are not enough deeds or donations in the world to buy an ounce of the purity we need.

II. You have to choose.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24

How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Mark 10:23

III. Jesus my purpose.

Luke 12:13-21

“Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, and over these ideals they dispute and cannot unite – but they all worship money.” Mark Twain

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:14-15

“Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands.” Ecclesiastes 5:15

I. Source of security.

II. Source of satisfaction.

If you love money, you will never be satisfied; if you long to be rich, you will never get all you want. Ecclesiastes 5:10

III. Source of significance.

Genesis 29

"EVERY ONE OF US IS, EVEN FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB, A MASTER CRAFTSMAN OF IDOLS." John Calvin

I. Looking for love.

When you make a relationship with someone else your god, it will eventually be marked with disappointment and bitterness.

II. A new love

1 Kings 18:18-24

Don’t expect God to bless his competition.

“As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:20-21

What is the cost of chasing your god of pleasure?

18: 25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.

29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.

God wants your heart.

30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” 32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs[a] of seed. 33 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” 34 “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” 40 Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.

God must be your greatest pleasure!

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Joshua 24:14-15

Every sin you are struggling with, most of the discouragement you are dealing with—even the lack of purpose you’re living with is because of idolatry?

Understand that all of us are worshipers.

Worship: the built in human reflex to put your hope in someone or something and chase after it.

Prepare yourself for war.

Over the course of your life, you will face more spiritual warfare over your connection with Jesus than anything else.

God is jealous ___ .

Ex 34:14: “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

God is jealous for ___.

Deut 4:24 - …for the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God”

God is jealous for me.
Make a worship choice today.

You must make the choice to worship God every day.

You must make the choice yourself (choose for yourselves this day …)

23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.”

What are my idols?

What have you picked up from your family/friends? What are you most disappointed with? What do you sacrifice your time and money for?

God wants our hearts to burn with zeal for Him!

Luke 19:29-40

I. Jesus is Lord.

II. A humble and thankful heart.

III. An act of faith.

Giving is an expression of our love and gratitude for what God has already done in our lives and an expression of faith that God can take care of me no matter what.

Matthew 6:21; Deuteronomy 28:1-6

I. God’s will is for you to experience an abundant life.

II. God owns all the wealth in the world.

III. Our choices reflect our heart.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4 (NLT)

IV. God wants you to invest in yourself.

II Corinthians 9:6-11

Godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV)

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

I. Get on a budget.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? Luke 14:28

II. Act your wage.

In the house of the wise there are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. Proverbs 21:20

III. Save money

In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil… Proverbs 21:20

IV. Get out of debt

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

V. Give generously.

For God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7

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 upon. Matthew 5:13

HP + CP + CC = MI

High potency + Close proximity + Clear Communication = Maximum Impact

Luke 2:1-14

Thought for the day: Although you can’t change your past, God can change your future.

You are unforgivable. You are unlovable. You are unusable.

Close the door to your past.
God’s grace is bigger than your sin.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Your standing with God is determined by relationship not rules.

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Romans 5:20

Therefore, if anyone be in Christ they are a new creation. The old things have passed away. And behold, all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17

Step into your future.  
God saves you from your past so you can step into your future.

I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14

Your story is not a story about your failure, but about God’s victory.

Luke 1:26-32, 34-35, 38

And Mary said, “Behold the servant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38 ESV

You don’t always have the power to control, but you always have the power to surrender.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:39

What are you trying to control that you need to surrender?

1 Timothy 6:17-19

“Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6

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

THROW OUT.
BUY LESS.

“Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom, and not to the wealth of this world. Help me turn my eyes away from illusions, so that I may pursue only that which is true. Psalm 119: 36-37

GIVE MORE.

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:19

MAKE THE MOMENTS MATTER.

Nehemiah 1:1-11

I. Take it to God in prayer.

II. Start small.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin… Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:17-18

You don’t have to have the faith to finish. You just have to have the faith to start.

III. Take the next step.

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding…” Nehemiah 2:19-20

"Start doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible.” Saint Francis of Assisi

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

Acts 20:22-24

I. The Holy Spirit’s prompting.

"And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem." Acts 20:22

II. Certain uncertainty.

"Compelled by the Spirit, I'm going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts 20:22b

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

III. Predictable Resistance.

"All I know is I'm being prompted. I don't know what's going to happen there. I only know that in every city, the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." Acts 20:23

If you are not ready to face opposition for your obedience to God, then you are not ready to be used by God.

IV. Uncommon confidence.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

I Thessalonians 4:1-7

The decisions we make today determines the stories we tell tomorrow.

I. God cares about who before do.

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. I Thessalonians 4:3 NLT

If you are becoming the right who, then you will choose the right do.

II. God cares about why before what. (Motives matter to God.)

You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives. Proverbs 16:2 GN

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

If you're driven by the right why, God will lead you to the right what.

When you get the who right, you do more. When you get the why right, the what has power.

Habakkuk 3:1-6

Shigionoth: It means to sing with strong emotion, with impassioned exuberance. It means wild, passionate singing with rapid changes of rhythm. It means high-spirited praise with vigorous enthusiasm.

Sometimes the most passionate, authentic praise is actually the praise before the provision.

Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2

I. Remember

God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. Habakkuk 3:3

His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. 5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. 6 He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. ... Habakkuk 3:4-6

II. Embrace

I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:16-18

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. … Habakkuk 3:19

Habakkuk 2:1-4

I. Listen

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he [God] will say to me Habakkuk 2:1

II. Write

Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets ...” Habakkuk 2:2

III. Wait

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Habakkuk 2:3 TLB

If it's not God's time, you can't force it. When it is God's time, you can't stop it.

"See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—” Habakkuk 2:4

“But the Lord is in his holy temple. …” Habakkuk 2:20 NLT

Habakkuk 1:1-9

I. Why doesn’t God seem fair?

How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Habakkuk 1:2-3

Habakkuk: to embrace or to wrestle.

Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails … Habakkuk 1:3-4

Habakkuk’s problems with God:

You don’t seem to really care. You aren’t doing much when you could. What you are doing, doesn’t seem fair.

II. A committed believer can both wrestle with honest questions and embrace a genuine faith in God.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. 13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? Habakkuk1:12-13

Worship is the expression of love for God from your heart.

Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Psalm 150

I. Worship with our regenerated spirit.

II. Worship with our renewed mind.

III. Worship with our revived emotions.

IV. Worship with our rededicated body.

V. His power is displayed.

VI. The conviction of sin is experienced.

VII. His purposes are revealed.

VIII. His enemies are scattered.

Psalm 100

Worship defined: Worship in truth and spirit is experiencing/encountering God.

Serve God (with praise)

Worship is seeing what God is worth and giving him what he’s worth. Tim Keller

I’ve experienced God’s presence most powerfully in worship, often during the singing, I suppose because when we sing to him, we are looking hard in his direction. J.I. Packer

Christian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take palace in human life. Karl Barth

The world can be saved by one thing and that is worship. For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God. Archbishop William Temple

Serve people (with His sufficiency)

In His presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11

John 4:20-24

I. Worship is fundamentally relational .

II. We are to worship in spirit and truth.

III. Worship in truth and spirit is experiencing God.

Psalm 23:1-6

The Good Shepherd Provides for His Sheep
The Good Shepherd Protects His Sheep
The Good Shepherd Plans for His Sheep

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. Isaiah 53:6

I Corinthians 11:7-8

I. Lead courageously. Accept responsibility.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27

II. Practice listening.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… James 1:19

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. I John 5:14-15

III. Offer affirmation

IV. Remember you have clay feet.

Sometimes, the only way to get through to your child is by getting real, getting raw, confessing your sins, revealing your broken places, your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:20

I Samuel 17:33-39, 45-46

An addiction is anything we can’t live without.

I. Find your God.

II. Find your purpose.

III. Find your friends.

To keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:7-10

Everyone who has ever done something great for God had some sort of weakness.

I Samuel 17:45-46

I Samuel 17:28-33, 41-44

The only thing that will help us move past the giant of rejection is to immerse ourselves in the acceptance of Christ.

I. Understand the miracle of your creation.

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:14-16

II. Revel in the mystery that Jesus chose you.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6

III. Grasp how costly it was for Jesus to rescue you. In [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8

What is your real value? You are worth Jesus to God.

IV. Live from acceptance, not for it.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9

I Samuel 17:4-11

Fear comes from our conditioning.

What the wicked dread will overtake them… Proverbs 10:24

Fear comes from concealing.
Fear comes from controlling.
We remind ourselves that God is able.

Why do you worry about what you’ll eat? Why do you worry about what you’ll wear? Why do you worry about your clothes? Don’t you know that your father in heaven knows what you need? He’s clothed the lilies of the field in all their beauty. Not a bird falls from the sky without his knowledge. He gives to everything on this earth what they have. Surely he, your father, will give you what you need. For who of you by worrying can add one inch of comfort to your life? Your father will give you what you need because he is able. Matthew 6:25-34

We set the Lord always before us.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

We name what’s keeping us up at night.

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; Many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, And he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:1-5

We fill our mouths with praise.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. Psalm 16:9

I Samuel 17:1-16, 41-50

I. Identify your giant(s).

II. Not bigger than the name of Jesus.

All the changes God wants in our lives is more about trusting and less about trying.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Luke 24:13-17

I. In the Garden

II. On the road to Emmaus

Jesus comes as a stranger. We experience Christ’s presence through others.
Jesus comes when we serve others. We meet the resurrected Christ when we serve strangers in need. Jesus comes in the breaking of bread.

III. “Peace Be With You”

The resurrection of Jesus didn’t change the circumstances of those first disciples; it changed their perspective on their circumstances.

Mark 15:29-36

I. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel abandoned by God.

II. Jesus teaches us to suffer and sacrifice for others.

III. Jesus prays and worships in His time of despair.

Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; And by night, but find no rest. (verses 1-2)

All who see me mock at me. (verse 7) A company of evildoers encircles me. (verse 16) For my clothing they cast lots. (verse 18) They have pierced my hands and feet. (verse 16 NIV)

For he did not despise or abhor The affliction of the afflicted; He did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. (verse 24)

Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. Posterity will serve him; Future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn. (verses 29-32)

John 19:28-37

John 19:28

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

I. Jesus Is A SYMPATHETIC Savior.

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

II. Jesus Is A SCRIPTURAL Savior.

“They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” Psalm 69:21

“A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.” John 19:29

The strongest evidence that Jesus can do what He has promised in YOUR life, is that He fulfilled what was foretold about HIS life!

III. Jesus Is A SUFFICIENT Savior.

We all experience times of deep distress in our lives, but the reason we never escape the feeling of being unsatisfied is that we seek to quench our thirst at the wrong wells.

“Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.” Revelation 7:16

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters, and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Isaiah 55:1

John 19:25-27

I. Women in Jesus’ Ministry

II. Mary as the Second Eve

III. Honor Your Father and Your Mother

IV. John as a Model for the Church

Perhaps we are to learn that family ties are transcended in the church by the ties of the Spirit.

“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” Mark 3:35

V. A Woman Who Lost a Son

Luke 23:32, 39-43

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

I. “Today”

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Matthew 17:1-3

Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:6-8

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far… Philippians 1:21-23

II. “You will be with Me”

III. “In paradise”

Luke 23:26-27; 32-34

I. Father, forgive them.

II. We need forgiveness.

III. God’s grace is a gift.

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

IV. Jesus modeled forgiveness.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Forgive us for our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Matthew 6:12

If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

Romans 8: 1-2; 38-39

Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

I. No condemnation.

There is therefore, now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

II. No separation.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

III. Defined in shape and capacity by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:1-38 In these verses the Holy Spirit is mentioned 19 times with 11 important thoughts.

If you are rightly related to God through Jesus Christ, submitted to His indwelling Spirit, then you are free, secure, destined, purposeful, hopeful and at peace!

Luke 7:1-10

Our identity gives us authority.

What can you do with authority?

John 14:12-14

You will never have authority over what you do not love.

Real authority is humble.

You can grow in authority.

Your authority grows in relation to your character.

“And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own." Romans 8:17

Royalty is Confident, Poverty is insecure. Royalty creates opportunities, Poverty waits for opportunities. Royalty takes care of problems, Poverty buries it’s problems. Royalty says “I'm a victor,” Poverty says “I’m a victim.” Royalty attacks the enemy, Poverty tries to defend against the enemy and continues to fail. Royalty hates sin, Poverty makes excuses for sin. Royalty finds an opportunity in every problem, Poverty finds a problem in every opportunity. Royalty feels empowered, Poverty feels entitled. Royalty makes history, Poverty fears the future. Royalty takes responsibility, Poverty blames others. Royalty asks “Who is worthy of my investment?” Poverty asks “What can you do for me?” Royalty surrounds itself with powerful influencers, Poverty surrounds itself with other people who continue to validate poverty. Royalty eats from the royal feast, Poverty eats from the trash.

Proverbs 13:18-25

NOW: Take care of your household first.

THEN: Look toward the future.

US: Change your family tree.

Remember… Whoever you are before you have some money gets amplified when you do have money.

Remember… God owns it all.

Remember… You need community around you.

THEM: Change the world for God’s glory.

Malachi 3:10-12

GIVING is the lifeblood of a believer.

A STEWARD is a manager.

A TITHE is 10% of your income for the local church.

God did not design giving because He needs it or because the church needs it. God designed giving because we need it!

Giving makes us more like CHRIST.

Giving is a reminder of OWNERSHIP.

Giving is a form of praise and WORSHIP.

Giving is spiritual WARFARE.

Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey)

 Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund

 Baby Step 2 – Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball

 Baby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings

 Baby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement

 Baby Step 5 – College funding for children

 Baby Step 6 – Pay off home early

 Baby Step 7 – Build wealth and give!

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverb 22:7

“We spend the first five to seven years of our marriage trying to attain the same standard of living as our parents after it took them thirty-five years to get there.” Larry Burkett

Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Proverbs 6:4-5

Get GAZELLE INTENSE.

Use the Debt SNOWBALL.

Quit BORROWING money.

Start SAVING money.

SELL something.

Find a part-time JOB.

PRAY – It really works!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire comes, it is the tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Get on a budget.

Get out of debt.

Build quality relationships.

Save and invest.

Give generously.

Matthew 1:18-23

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:1,14

I. What was His mission? To bring us life and life to the full!

II. Who did He come for? He came not for the righteous, but for sinners. Not for the healthy but the sick!

III. Why did He come? He came for lost sheep – they need a shepherd.

Matthew 1:23; Acts 27:20-26

Never allow the presence of a storm to cause you to doubt the presence of God.

I. Keep your courage.

II Timothy 4:16-17, he said, "…Everybody else deserted me. No one stood by me… But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength."

Psalm 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Real peace is not found in the absence of a storm. Peace is found in the presence of Jesus.

John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world."

II. God is not finished.

III. Have faith in God.

Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Matthew 1:23; Psalm 84:5-7

We may enjoy God on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys.

Psalm 84:5-7 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”

I. Seek His strength.

If you don't know God intimately, then what you have is all you have. God gives us a strength that goes beyond just what we have.

II. Fix your mind.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things below." Colossians 3:2

"If anything is excellent or praise worthy, or admirable, or lovely, think about such things." Philippians 4:8

III. Dig a well.

Most often, the way is through the valley, not out of the valley.

Matthew 1:23; Psalm 84:5-7

We may enjoy God on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys.

Psalm 84:5-7 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”

I. Seek His strength.

If you don't know God intimately, then what you have is all you have. God gives us a strength that goes beyond just what we have.

II. Fix your mind.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things below." Colossians 3:2

"If anything is excellent or praise worthy, or admirable, or lovely, think about such things." Philippians 4:8

III. Dig a well.

Most often, the way is through the valley, not out of the valley.

Acts 10:1-23

PRACTICE HOSPITALITY.

He replied, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." – Luke 5:31-32

The physical force of gravity pulls everything to the center of the earth. In order to break free from earth-centered life, thousands and thousands of pounds of energy have to push the space shuttle away from the center. There is also a psychological force of gravity that constantly pulls our thoughts and affections and physical actions inward toward the center of our own selves and our own homes. Therefore the most natural thing in the world is to neglect hospitality. It is the path of least resistance. All we have to do is yield to the natural gravity of our self-centered life, and the result will be a life so full of self that there is no room for hospitality. We will forget about it. And we will neglect it. So the Bible bluntly says. Stop that! Build a launching pad. Fill up your boosters. And blast out of your self-oriented routine. Stop neglecting hospitality. Practice hospitality. – John Piper

EAT WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE.

Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. Acts 10:17-18

“PASS THE FOOD!”

19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” Acts 10:19-21

MAKE MORE ROOM AROUND THE TABLE!

We are all invited and welcome to a table of GRACE! There is nothing you did to earn a seat at the table – and nothing you can do to be excused from the table! You are Welcome! Therefore, scoot over and make room for another seat, because somebody else is hungry!

How We Can “Erase the Excuses for Being Exclusive”

Practice Hospitality
Eat What’s on your Plate.
Pass the Food.
Make More Room Around the Table.

Mark 16:15-20

I. GO.

II. Preach good news.

Romans 1:16

III. Provision will follow.

Divine provision from God never precedes obedience to the great commission. It always follows.

Mark 16:20

Genesis 15:1-18

"May it be to me as to the pieces, if I am not as faithful to you as you are to me." This is what both parties say to each other in a blood covenant.

Do you have the faith to believe the God you believe in?

Faith promise is about God's faithfulness, not yours.

I NEED ONE MORE.

I Corinthians 5:9-13

The culture does not need from the Church anger and judgment nor accommodation and compromise. The Church’s best posture is to joyfully teach and model God’s original design and intent while loving, accepting and forgiving ourselves and one another when we fall short.

I. Isn’t this much ado about nothing?

II. Why is the Church so focused on these issues?

III. Can’t we agree to disagree?

IV. Why are some Christians so angry and bigoted?

The goal of our instruction is love, from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. I Timothy 1:5

Extravagant love for all people.
Inside the Church we must be clear about Christian identity.

How do we become more distinctive? We do it by quietly building good marriages, families, churches and friendships. We don’t need better words, we need better demonstrations of God’s best design!

I Corinthians 6:12-20

I. Arts and Media in Perspective.

It is time we acknowledge that all of us, in the Body of Christ, have problems with such things as pornography, body image, self-loathing, eating disorders and all the rest.

II. Called to the arts and media.

“Christ the Victor”

Christ over Rio De Janeiro.

Sand artist Joe Castillo

Paul said, Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Revelation 19:6-9; 21:1-4

I. The human body has physical and spiritual meaning.

Three Biblical truths repeated: 1. Your heart is deceitful. 2. Your mind needs renewing. 3. Your body is trustworthy.

Current phrases and practices: 1. The Heart must always be followed. 2. Your mind is always clear. 3. Your body us untrustworthy.

II. The human body and the two genders.

III. The human body will be resurrected.

Mark 12:18-27

Marriage is designed to reflect the fact that God is a covenant keeping God.

Marriage on earth, as we know it, will come to an end.

A call to singleness and celibacy is a temporal anticipation of the resurrected life.

I. Singleness is a gift of God.

II. Singleness has advantages.

III. Singleness is hard.

IV. Singleness is not permanent.

Genesis 2:21-25

All of the current questions in our culture are not about sex. They are about the human body and God’s original design and purpose.

The world sees marriage as a commodity. God sees marriage as a covenant.

I. Called to freedom (examine our nakedness)

II. Called to marriage and childbirth (echoing the Trinity)

Whatever forces us inward toward autonomy creates more guilt, fear and shame. Whatever forces us toward God and one another produces freedom.

III. Called to self-donation

Matthew 19:1-12

We have a body!
Adam before the fall.

Just because the first Adam failed and our world is broken doesn’t mean the original design and standard for sex, marriage and the body has changed.

Adam as image - bearer.