C3 Network: Recent Episodes
Dan Holland
We are creating a network of micro churches that are finding, teaching and equipping people to be on mission.
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Genesis 45 opens on an emotionally charged note. Joseph realizes that he loves his brothers. After all his angry posturing towards them, he breaks down. Joseph is weeping, and his brothers are, understandably, terrified. Here’s my question. What made the difference for Joseph? I think Judah’s love and kindness touched Joseph so profoundly. Kindness is a language everybody understands.
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
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At this point, Joseph was 28 years old and had been in prison for about 8 years. He interpreted the dreams for two of the prisoners – the cupbearer and baker. He told the cupbearer that he’d be restored to his position and the baker that he would be put to death. The baker was put to death, and the cupbearer was restored to his position in service to Pharaoh. And really Jospeh had only one request…which was to put in a good word on his behalf. He said, “Mention me to Pharoah and get me out of this prison.” (40:14). Chapter 40 ends on a sad note, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” (Genesis 40:23). We learn from Joseph that God is with us wherever we go, and he expects obedience, not perfection. We shouldn’t measure success by what others think of us or our station in life, but by what God thinks of us. Joseph truly believed the Lord was with him and working through him. (Genesis 40-41)
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
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Joseph’s brothers didn’t even fake it with Joseph…they hated him and were jealous of him. Worse of all, they were indifferent to him as a human. They thought seriously about killing him. Then, they decided to make some money from him by selling him to the Ishmaelites.
In this passage, Joseph comes across as a spoiled, arrogant know-it-all. He had two dreams, both of which indicated that he would be the patriarch and head of the family one day. Out of ten boys, he declares himself to be the one they all would look up to. But while Joseph may have come across as conceited, let’s not give the brothers a free pass. Their plan of revenge was even more despicable than was his conceit. Now, yes, in a roundabout way, and through his brothers, Joseph got what God had coming to him.
Genesis 37
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Before we close out this section about the life of Jacob…before we turn our attention to his boys, we need to take a brief look at chapters 35–36. This chapter begins with God reiterating his promises to Jacob.
Why did He bother to do that? To remind us that Jacob was still the child of God's promise despite all the dirty water that had gone under the bridge. Despite lying to his father. Despite how he treated his brother. Despite his lies. It was a new day…and he was a new man in many ways. When God called him, he knew what he was getting. He knew that Jacob’s calling would take some time to be formed.
God would do what he said he would do! That’s what I want us to remember. God will do what He says he will do. He did for Jacob and will for you too! (Genesis 35-36)
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danhollandC3@gmail.com.
If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
danhollandC3@gmail.com.
The first half of his life could be summed up in one word, “con man.” Sure, he was a family man and businessman, and his name will be changed to Israel later in life, but what stands out most during that time of his life is that he was a hustler. He was calculating, sneaky, and shrewd at every turn! He manipulated people and situations to get what he wanted. All he needed to succeed was opportunity and rationale, and he was off to the races. Point is…Jacob was driven to use whatever means necessary to gain power and get what he wanted. But…he was about to meet his match. The tables are about to turn on him. (Genesis 29-30)
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Jacob was a wicked, deceitful, dishonest, and promiscuous man. Yet, despite his terrible behavior, he always came out on top. Jacob’s story is one long litany of self-centeredness, deceit, and success. As we read it, we need to ask the question: “Why?” Why was such a rotten character blessed so profusely? Through this process, we might gain insight into ourselves and our beliefs about God. Genesis 27-28
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Abraham had two sons. According to the text, Ishmael did not resemble his father, spiritually, at least. He did not receive God's covenant promises or possess his father's generous nature. Instead, his family “lived in hostility toward all their brothers” (25:18).
Isaac, on the other hand, was a carbon copy of his father - which was both good and bad. Like father, like son, for better or worse. Let’s notice the family resemblance between Isaac and his father, Abraham, learning some lessons along the way. Genesis 25-26
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Let's explore the behind-the-scenes story that reveals something different and refreshing about God. This story teaches us how to ACT and guides us on how to THINK about God. The story showcases the faith and character of Abraham, Eliezer, and Rebekah. But God was the one working behind the scenes to bring these two young people and their families together. Genesis 23-24
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The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the most significant event in human history, changing the game for all of us. It serves as a critical link between the book of Revelation and the book of Genesis, forming the foundation and cornerstone of Christianity. This event is the central focus of history, and without it, time itself would be different. The impact of the resurrection is not limited to the mere occurrence of the event but extends to how it influences our lives. The most extensive treatment of the resurrection in all of Scripture can be found in 1 Corinthians 15.
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Are you finding it difficult to take God at his word? Then you need to hear the opening lines of Genesis 21:1–2: “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.” Isn't that good to hear?
Although it took 25 years, God didn't forget his promise to Sarah (17:19). Unlike us, God never forgets, overlooks or ignores his word. He is always willing and able to fulfill his commitments without any limitations of time, health, or strength. Be it giving a baby to a 90-year-old woman or raising his Son from the dead, nothing is impossible for the Lord. Rest assured, the Lord always does what he says he'll do. Genesis 21-22
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In Genesis 18, we find Abraham pleading that God might spare the city of Sodom. Yes, he pled, primarily on behalf of the righteous, but his plea was that God spare the entire city! He asked if the Lord would judge the righteous and the wicked the same way.
Sadly, the next chapter informs us that there were not even ten righteous people in the whole place. A look around the city reveals that many of these unrighteous people looked a lot like those we interact with daily. In fact, they looked a lot like us! They were just doing life… “Living their best life!” “Living the dream!”…as we like to say. But here we find Abraham praying for their salvation!
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In the book of Genesis, we can find answers to some of life's questions. One of the big questions is, “What is faith?” What does it mean to believe God? We’ve seen that Abraham was sometimes as unpredictable as the wind. But, despite his foolishness at times, we can learn a great deal from him regarding faith. What it is. What it is not. Specifically, in chapters 15-18, we can see how Abram was a man of faith, not because he was perfect, but because God is perfect. Throughout the story, God is the one constant presence.
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Abraham’s story reminds me of reality TV b/c there is lots of drama. One minute, we’re hugely impressed by Abraham’s faith, and the next, we’re disgusted by his lack of faith. What is up with that? We have to remember that Moses is writing the story of real people living out real faith in the real world. And it’s messy! In one episode, we say to ourselves, “Abraham believed God!” But in the following episode, we’re saying to ourselves, “Abraham believed God?” b/c we see him fathering an illegitimate child, squabbling with his wife, and in a whole heap of trouble. Genesis 15-17:8
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At the end of chapter 12, Abram's choices feel like they will undermine all of God’s promises. There have been times when I have felt like maybe I messed up God’s plans. Have you ever felt like that too? We are reading through Genesis. Today, our focus is on chapters 13 and 14. We’re coming from chapter 12, where God called Abram to follow him, and one minute, we’re hugely impressed by Abram’s faith, and the next, we’re disgusted by his lack of faith. What is up with that? We have to remember that Moses is writing the story of real people living out real faith in the real world. And it’s messy! When life was messy for Abram, he remembered something that we sometimes forget…that God is not only the God of PROMISE but also the God of PROVISION!
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Chapter 12 signals a new beginning because it represents a turning point in the history of God’s relationship with humanity. In Genesis, we are looking at the beginning of everything. Today, our focus is on the beginning of getting humans back to believing God. The question is whether humans will believe God or try to outsmart God. In this chapter, we read about God’s calling of Abram. And the calling of Abram…who is the beginning of the nation of Israel…is a story of tremendous significance.
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We are in Genesis 10 and 11. After Noah and his sons exited the ark, God gave a command. He told them to replenish the earth. But God's command to replenish the earth is ignored. Today, we’ll see how that worked for them.
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Genesis chapters 8 and 9 are literally filled with rainbows and sunshine! It’s where we learn about the Covenant God made with Noah and all humans, promising no more global destruction despite humanity's inclination to evil. It’s where God commands, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." It’s also where we learn about the origin of rainbows and BBQ, and shortened life spans for humans. Let’s talk about the flood…it’s meaning and impact.
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Last time, we talked about the first humans on earth. This week, Moses fast-forwards his inspired story 1500 years, from Adam and Eve to Noah. Moses starts this section by fast-forwarding through ten successive generations. In chapter 5, the ten patriarchs' lives are painted in broad strokes – they were born, grew to manhood, married wives, had children, and then died – but two stand out: Enoch, distinguished in holiness, and Noah, born in a time of moral decline. During that time, God attempted to save mankind by being merciful and lenient rather than by punishment, but that’s about to end. Genesis 5-6
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
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Where did Genesis come from, and why should we bother to read and understand it? That’s a good question! Here’s some back story…Moses wrote Genesis, most likely during the 40 years of Israel’s wandering in the desert (1446-1440 BC). But while Moses carried the Ten Commandments down from Mt. Sinai, the story didn’t start there.
Moses knew that THE COMMANDS OF GOD FLOWED FROM THE HEART OF GOD. But the people didn’t know that. They didn’t know why the rules were changing. Maybe they wondered: “Why does God get to tell us how to live?” Moses wanted the people of God to fully embrace the commands of God. But for that to happen, it’s necessary to understand the heart of God. And to understand God’s heart, he had to take them back to the beginning of everything. Moses needed to tell them the story of how it all began. So HE WROTE GENESIS TO EXPLAIN THE ORIGINS OF THE WORLD AND HUMANITY AND TO GUIDE THE ISRAELITES IN UNDERSTANDING GOD'S PLAN AND THEIR ROLE IN IT.
For Moses, history is HIS-STORY.
Genesis 1-2
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
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We might not be able to pinpoint the exact date of Jesus’s birth, but we do know this: God could not have chosen a better time. This was the exact right time for Jesus to be born. The most interesting thing to me is that God always knew exactly WHEN Jesus would be born. In Jesus' birth, God fulfilled not just one but more than 300 prophecies.
The WHEN of the Christmas story reminds us that God's timing is always perfect. Though it might not always feel that way, we can trust that God is working all things together for good. Even untimely or challenging situations can lead to blessings if we cooperate with God. God’s timing is always perfect. He is never too early, and He’s never late. It doesn’t always feel that way, but it’s true.
Galatians 4:4-5 / Luke 2:1-4
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Our investigative journey continues into the 'Where' takes us to the pages of Luke's Gospel. This passage paints a vivid picture of the place where the greatest story ever told began: Bethlehem. As I think about Bethlehem’s history I am reminded that much of God’s greatest work is done in unexpected ways, by unexpected people, in unexpected places. It is often the places that we don’t expect to find God that we do.
Luke 2:1-7
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Today, our focus is on "WHAT: A Christmas Miracle." WHAT had to happen for this story to unfold. For King Jesus to be born, he first had to be conceived. That is what had to happen, but how did it happen? When a chaste teenager shows up pregnant there is no other explanation other than it was a miracle.
Many have a hard time buying this story because it is scientifically impossible for a women to get pregnant without the seed of a man. So, they write this story off as a fairy tale or a lie told by a group of people trying to protect the mystique of their fallen leader, but to think it is true is laughable. However, for anyone with eyes to see, it was evident Jesus was no ordinary man. So, what the religious leaders could not deny they tried to destroy, but even that move backfired on them when He rose from the dead, proving beyond doubt his divinity.
Luke 1:26-35
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Welcome to the start of our Investigating Christmas series! The Christmas season is now in full swing. Is there a better time of year than this? There is so much that makes this time of year special and magical, isn't there? But what is it that we are celebrating?
Today, we are launching an investigation into that question. Over the next several weeks, we will scrutinize Christmas by examining the five W’s that every first-year journalism student is taught to examine when researching a potential story. Who, What, Why, Where, and When. Let's start with the first W, which is "Who". Who is the focus of Christmas? This is the question we are going to investigate today.
Matthew 2:1-11
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
danhollandC3@gmail.com.
If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
danhollandC3@gmail.com.
Chapter 17 opens like this: “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed…” (17:1) He had just finished a hard conversation, one that I imagine as exhausting, and the first thing he does is pray. Jesus first spent some time teaching and encouraging his disciples, preparing them for his inevitable departure. And then he prepared himself. He went from talking to his friends to talking to his Father.
As you read this chapter, realize that you are listening to an intimate conversation of a Son to His Father. It’s powerful. It’s emotional. It’s sacred. A significant part of living “on mission” is prayer…pray for yourself, for fellow workers in the mission, and for all believers.
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As we live life “on mission,” we often find ourselves navigating through a maze of uncertainty and doubt. Life's trials and tribulations can leave us questioning the state of our hearts, sometimes troubled, sometimes at peace, and often somewhere in between. That’s where we find the disciples in chapters 14 through 16. These guys have lots of questions!
Can you imagine spending three years with Jesus, and now he tells you he’s leaving you? This is a passage about finding peace and purpose in troubled times. Doesn’t that sound good? In fact, the last thing he told his disciples was…verse 33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (16:33)
John 14-16
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Picture this scene: a room filled with Jesus and His disciples. The group feels a strong connection with one another…a real unity brought together by the experience of sharing a meal. They’ve been through a lot together. However, in this tight-knit group, there was an undercurrent of tension simmering. Aware of His followers' hearts and intentions, Jesus prepared to unveil a revelation that would test their loyalty and faith. To say that it shocked everybody would be an understatement.
Jesus knew that he’d be betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter, and still, he washed their feet. Why did he do that? What motivated him? The same thing that motivates you to do good for your children even when they’ve hurt you. You serve them because you love them and not because they deserve it.
John 13:18-38
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In this story, there is a pivotal moment. Some Greeks come to Philip with a simple yet profound request, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." (John 12:21) That’s a powerful statement b/c the desire to see Jesus is the deep desire inside everybody who seeks Jesus. It’s really a deep yearning for more than just a glimpse…it’s a deep and sincere desire to be transformed. They didn’t want to meet Jesus or hang out with him…they wanted to be changed by Him. John 12:20-50
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After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, a banquet was given in his honor. It seems appropriate to honor him in this way. The banquet was held in Bethany, where Lazarus had been raised from the dead. But there was a lot of drama in the room. Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, was there (remember he had been dead a full four days!), and there were people who traveled to Bethany who really just wanted to see Lazarus for themselves. And then there was Mary publicly expressing her love for Jesus, and at the same time, Judas, privately expressing his judgment about what Mary had done. John 12:1-19
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Have you ever faced a situation where you felt like God's timing was different from what you expected? That’s what we’re talking about today. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? Mary and Martha fully expected Jesus to heal their brother, but he didn’t come until after he died and was buried in a tomb. In fact, Lazarus had been dead for four days!
You will see in John’s description that Martha was frustrated with Jesus, and Mary was hurt. We’ve all earnestly prayed for something when our hearts ache for a resolution, and yet, it seems as if our prayers are met with silence. We may have even had times when we felt frustrated or hurt by God’s delay in answer to prayer.
John 11:1-57
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Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." In other words, If you know me, then you know me. And He added, "I and the Father are one." The relationship between Jesus and the Almighty Creator is this, “We are One and the same.” With that one statement, he set off a truth bomb. That’s when truth is spoken, and everybody has to deal with it. “I and the Father are one.” It’s powerful. It’s true. And it impacts everything. John 10:22-42
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In this passage Jesus was speaking to His disciples to help them understand a profound reality: He is the only door through which people can find salvation and have access to God. Not everybody believes that to be true. Not then, when he spoke those words, and not now. Even some who see Jesus as a good teacher and miracle worker stop short of saying that He is the Only Way. Even some Christ-followers can find it awkward to stand on this truth. Jesus is both INCLUSIVE and EXCLUSIVE. He loves everybody… died for the sins of everybody AND he is the Only way for anybody to have access to God. That’s what the Bible teaches. The tension is real. In other words, to gain access to God, he has to enter through Jesus. To be saved, a person must believe in Jesus. John 10:1-21
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Today, we'll be exploring chapter 9 of John's gospel. As Jesus walked by, he saw a man who was born blind. Curious and eager to learn, his disciples asked their beloved Rabbi, "Did this man sin or did his parents sin that he was born blind?" They were trying to understand the common belief that sin caused suffering and were looking for answers. (John 9:1-41)
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources
or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
danhollandC3@gmail.com.
In this part of the story, Jesus walked confidently through the busy streets of Galilee, avoiding Judea, where the Jewish authorities were trying to kill Him. The upcoming Feast of Booths was a highly anticipated celebration among the Jews, attracting visitors from all over to Jerusalem for a time of community gathering and spiritual nourishment. Despite the excitement around Him, Jesus remained steadfast and determined in His actions. He was focused on His mission. The leaders attempted to stop people from believing in Jesus by sending officers to arrest him. However, the officers came back without him and were amazed by the powerful words he spoke.
John 7:1-52
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources
or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
danhollandC3@gmail.com.
If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources
or request access to our message videos, please get in touch with me at
danhollandC3@gmail.com.
Jesus is gaining popularity is growing rapidly among the people. As the Jewish Passover Feast approached, Jesus and His disciples were looking to escape the crowds for some quiet time on a mountainside. John tells us that Jesus and His disciples go to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, where a large group of people follow Him b/c of the miraculous healings He had performed. When Jesus saw the large number of people approaching Him, He turned to Philip and asked where they could buy bread to feed everyone. Jesus didn't ask this question because He didn't have a solution but b/c he wanted to test Philip's faith and reveal His divine plan. John 6:1-15
If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources
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If you are interested in starting a micro church or hosting a small group in your home with like-minded individuals, we've got you covered. Our library of resources includes video messages and study questions for both group leaders and participants. To gain access to these resources
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After his conversation with the Samaritan woman and after many in her village believed he was the Messiah, Jesus left Samaria and headed back to Galilee. In fact, He returned to Cana in Galilee, where He had previously demonstrated His divine power by turning water into wine. When he first arrived, he was greeted warmly by the Galileans, who had seen the remarkable signs and wonders he performed during the Passover Feast in Jerusalem. Jesus' reputation for performing miracles had spread, and the people were excited about his arrival in their town. While there, a royal official approached Him with great distress b/c His son was gravely ill in Capernaum, and he begged Him to come and heal his dying child. Capernaum was about 23 miles from Cana, which would take nearly 7 hours, an entire day, to walk to. What would Jesus do? How would he respond?
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Once Jesus and his disciples arrived at the well near Sychar, Jesus was tired, but the disciples were hungry, so they went to find something to eat. While they were gone, Jesus had a conversation with a woman. When the disciples return to Jesus, they see that he is talking to a Samaritan woman, which surprises them. However, they don't interrupt their conversation or ask any questions. The woman is impressed by what Jesus says and leaves her water jar behind to run back to her town to tell everyone about Jesus. She told them, "Come and see a man who told me everything I've ever done. Could he be the Christ?" Her testimony inspired the townspeople to come and see Jesus for themselves.
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Today we’re in chapter 4:1-26. So far in the story, the ministries of Jesus and John intertwine and then separate. News of Jesus quickly spread throughout the land, and even the Pharisees heard about Him. One thing they learned was that Jesus had more disciples and was baptizing more people than John the Baptist, which bothered them, even though His disciples and not Jesus himself were actually doing the baptisms. The point John makes is that Jesus was gaining influence fast!
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Today we’re continuing in John 3:22-36. After Jesus met with Nicodemus, He and His disciples went to the peaceful Judean countryside, where they spent quality time together and started baptizing people. At the same time, John the Baptist was also baptizing people at Aenon near Salim. A lot of people came to the area to be baptized. What a great scene. I imagine something like what happened at Pirates Cove in California as thousands show up to be baptized in Christ.
You would think that religious people would appreciate people repenting and being baptized. However, a disagreement surfaced between some of John the Baptist’s disciples and a certain Jew regarding the importance of ceremonial washing, which disrupted the harmonious atmosphere. What is even more surprising is John’s attitude.
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We’re in John 3. This is a fascinating exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus by night to ask him questions. Driven by curiosity and a recognition of Jesus' divine presence, he addressed Him as Rabbi and acknowledged that no one could perform the miraculous signs Jesus did without God's presence. Little did Nicodemus know that this encounter would lead to a profound discourse on the nature of the kingdom of God, who Jesus really was, what it means to be born again, and the path to eternal life.
Last week we talked about how Jesus did the first miracle of His ministry in Cana of Galilee by turning water into wine. In today’s passage (John 2:12-25), he makes the first trip of his ministry to Jerusalem. The story in John moves at breakneck speed! We go from eternity to starting his ministry, from his first miracle to his first trip to Jerusalem, as part of his ministry.
Our focus today is John 2:1-11. It takes place in the quaint village of Cana in Galilee. A wedding celebration was underway. Among the guests were Jesus, His disciples, and His mother, Mary. Little did they know that this joyous occasion would serve as the backdrop for a remarkable display of divine power and a profound revelation of Jesus' glory.
This is an introduction to John 1:35-51. Here it describes the beginning of Jesus' ministry and the calling of his first disciples. After John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God, two of John's disciples begin following Jesus. Notice the first words Jesus speaks to these men. When they first meet, he asks them, “What do you want?” (1:38) I think that question is worth pondering. What is it that you truly want?
This is an introduction to John 1:19-34. This passage is a testimony from John the Baptist, who was sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
This is an introduction to John 1:1-18. Through this powerful and inspiring passage in these verses, we are invited to contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh and to embrace the truth of his message for our own lives.
The start of the new year is especially exciting, isn’t it. It’s a clean slate. A new beginning. A refreshing time. A time filled with hope. And that is exactly what our message is about today—hope. This is the last message in our Christmas Carols series where we have explored Common Attitudes Revealing Our Lord. We’ve been taking the theme verse from Philippians 2:5 which states: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We’ve covered a lot of attitudes that Christ had which we are to also have including kindness, thankfulness, joyfulness, holiness, faithfulness, and today hope. Our hope is rooted in Jesus Christ. If you're taking notes write this down: Hope is helpful when life is hard.
So far we’ve looked at kindness, thankfulness, joyfulness and holiness. But today’s attitude is—faithfulness. Today’s Christmas Carol is “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”. When we rely on God or follow him by faith, we are imitating the attitude of Christ. What does it look like to have faith in God? When we are faithful, we are imitating Christ because like him we rely on God. Jesus was full of faith to God’s will for his life so much so that he is called “Faithful and True” in Revelation. And so, we must be faithful. In fact, in some translations, the word meaning “to imitate” is translated “followers.” To imitate is to follow. And, To follow is to imitate.
The Christmas carol O Holy Night has been sung for generations, and the story behind this song has an equally powerful message. Today’s attitude is—Holiness. Jesus was holy. You are called to be holy. Sometimes don’t you want to skip this, toss it out completely or excuse this calling away. We think, “I’m a sinner. Always was and always will be.” It’s true that sin will not be completely and fully eradicated in your life until you experience glory with Christ in heaven. But this doesn’t mean we stop striving toward holiness. As followers of Christ this is who you are (you are holy) this is what we are called to (holiness). Peter relays this calling of holiness very powerfully when he states in 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” That’s the goal.
We are continuing our message series Christmas Carols using the acronym “CAROL” to help us remember the point of this series…Common Attitudes Revealing Our Lord. In the Bible we have a directive; we are given a command. This is cool. This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible. Great passage if you are looking to start memorizing scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Be joyful always.” This Christmas are you ready to bring joy to the world? You will bring more lasting joy to people this Christmas but not through any gift or present. No, it will be by your attitude of joy. Draw near to God. Rejoice always! It’s possible. It’s commanded. And it’s contagious!
Today our attitude is thankfulness. I could talk about this for days! Here’s the deal: there is always something for which you can be thankful. Period. I have often been reminded that success in life has everything to do with an attitude of gratitude. When a person has a good attitude and a grateful heart, it seems to open doors of opportunity for them that would never be opened otherwise. Not many people who are bitter and ungrateful have prospered very much in their life.
As followers of Christ, we strive towards becoming more and more like Christ. This is why Paul, a church planter and missionary in the early church wrote these words to Christ followers. Philippians 2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”. Some versions read: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Christ displayed over and over again attitudes that we also can adopt and exhibit. For the next 6 weeks we are going to have some fun with these Christmas Carols as we dig into God’s Word on attitude. I’ve made the word “CAROL” into an acronym to help us remember the point of this series…Common Attitudes Revealing Our Lord. Let's start today with the attitude of kindness.
A day before the church didn’t even exist yet, and then Peter preaches the first sermon and BAM a Megachurch! 3,000 people repented and were baptized and said we’re all in! “We’re all about the New that God has for us and ready for God to work in and through us.” So the church was born and they were on fire. But just like we know…to experience the new God had for them, they had to do new. And the following verses show us the new things that they started to do. We’re going to look at the habits and new behaviors of the very first Christ followers that put them in the position for God to do new and amazing things through them. And as we look at these habits, I don’t think they’ve changed today. If we make these habits and behaviors part of our lifestyle, we give God the room to do New things in us and through us as well.
In the first chapter of Acts Jesus tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem because something special was going to happen. The Holy Spirit was going to come and they would receive power to go into all the world and be His witnesses. They didn’t exactly know what that meant or what that looked like, but they listened. And that’s where we find them today. A small group of followers waiting patiently for God to show up. And show up He did! He got their attention! And that's what we're talking about today.
We’re kicking off a new series through the Book of Acts called Upside Down. Turn on the news, spend a few minutes on Facebook or other social media platforms, or pay attention to what’s happening in the world around us. And it’s clear that this world is upside down. Wrong is right, truth is nonexistent, darkness is celebrated, and everyone has an opinion and isn’t afraid to tell you about it!
Spirituality is celebrated but not when your spirituality challenges the beliefs of someone else. Then…well…it’s intolerance. More and more everyday it’s becoming countercultural to be a follower of Jesus. But guess what? This isn’t new territory. And over the coming weeks we’re going to see how the early church in the Book of Acts was born in a time and a culture not too different then we live in now. And yet in the midst of a world and culture resistant to their message, they moved forward with boldness, courage, love, selflessness, and turned the world Upside Down. The question for us is, are we ready to do the same?
Today we finish out our series called Live the Life. We move from teaching on relationships to war! The transition feels abrupt! Paul reminds us that If you want to Live the Life...then live it! But, It is going to take a fight! Because we are at war! The message of Ephesians is that through Christ, people are being saved…changing sides, and now are being retrained to fight FOR a new Lord and Master and against the old master Satan. But you need to know...The battle has more to do with what’s going on inside of you than what’s going on around you. This passage tells us how to prepare for a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:10-20
Here’s the context...Paul addresses a group of people stuck in a sorry work situation. Far worse than what you might be stuck in. These followers of Jesus Christ were slaves. God has put laws and responsibilities into place to make relationships operate at their optimum level. And part of living the life, God says, is learning respect for authority. Last week we looked at authority in the home and this week we’ll look at relationships in the workplace. Ephesians 6:5-9
Today, as we continue our Live the Life series, we’re in Ephesians 6 and talking about parenting. Whether you have kids, have had kids, will have kids, or are somebody’s kid (that’s everybody)…God has some important words for us today. God has put laws and responsibilities into place to make the family operate at its optimum level. In today’s passage, we are reminded that God expects his people to learn respect for authority. Where do we learn respect for authority? In the home. God tells us this in Ephesians 6:1-3.
As we look at Ephesians 5 let me just say that - Marriage affects everybody. Not everybody here is or will be married. But marriage affects everybody – it’s the foundation of civilization. It’s the core of the family unit – how other humans are brought into the world and trained up. And ultimately - It’s a mirror of Christ and the church. So, in a very real way…As goes marriage, so goes the world. So while you may not immediately assume this affects you, let God speak to us – b/c this one is big. Ephesians 5:21-33
Ephesians 5:20, “…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ever read something and felt like, WHAT? Really? Is Paul crazy? ALWAYS? EVERYTHING? “ALWAYS giving thanks…for EVERYTHING?” That feels impossible. Maybe a nice idea to shoot for…, but...That is NOT possible…is it? Think about this…Get your mind around this big idea: God created you with the capacity to be thankful ALWAYS, no matter what.
In this passage, Paul encourages us to take responsibility for our lives. He gives us some great advice: because of who you are in the Lord, you need to look at things in life and ask the question, ‘What’s stupid about this?’ Those aren’t the words he uses, but that’s the point when he says to find out what pleases the Lord and what doesn’t (that would be what’s stupid). Do what pleases the Lord and avoid the stupid stuff. Again, Paul is a little less in your face, but he is just as clear. Ephesians 5:8-20
I like how the passage starts. He says – Be imitators of God…mimic Him. Basically, what Paul tells us to do is impersonate God. Have you ever impersonated someone else? The answer is yes, you have if you’ve ever dressed up for Halloween. Ephesians 5:1-7
Today we’re going to wrap up Ephesians chapter 4. We’ve been studying the book of Ephesians verse by verse. And in CH4, the letter takes a big turn. Paul, the author, turns his focus from theological to practical. He turns from “know” to “go.” And he sums up this shift in 4:1 by saying, “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” In light of what you know, go live it! Live the life God has for you. With that one statement, Paul transitions to the quality-of-life Christ followers are called to live. We are not trying to attain a certain standing with God; we’re trying to live according to the calling we already received. So, let’s talk about what your life looks like. You are in Christ, so what should that look like? Ephesians 4:17-19
Jesus gives gifts to each of us and each gift is an expression of his grace to us. Every believer has a spiritual gift. We aren’t asked to run like anyone else…we are asked to run the race that’s been laid out for each of us. To use our gift to serve others. Now…the list that's given next isn’t all the gifts, as I’ve said…just some of them. But he mentions five of the gifts that are basic to building the church. Let’s be blunt…Sometimes we don’t like the hand we’ve been dealt. We’d rather have a different gift or be in different circumstances. A huge part of “LIVING THE LIFE” is using our gifts to the best of your ability. Ephesians 4:7-16
God has a lot to say about living the Christian life and putting your faith into action. The second half of Ephesians turns to what we DO with what we’ve been given. We have a high calling. We’re children of God, kids of the king. His chosen people. His work of art. The status is there – the calling is there – It’s not about earning grace or being better than anybody else…just living up to God’s gift. Unfortunately, many of us stop short. We find a level of sorts in our Christian journey, and then we plateau. We stop developing. We stop growing. We stop striving. And Paul wants to remind us today…wants to urge us. We have a calling. And this calling…is a high calling…, and this calling should compel us forward. It should cause us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. What does this life look like? Ephesians 4:1-6
We’re in a section that I think will really resonate with us as a network of micro churches. As we go through books of the Bible and study letters to churches in the NT, what we see is – it’s always helpful and relevant, but sometimes it’s like it’s written just for us. This is one of those passages that could be written just for us. And Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians would really be my prayer for us. Let’s check it out. Read Ephesians 3:14-21
We’re continuing our series called Live the Life...a study in the book of Ephesians...in Ephesians 3 today. Paul begins to give further insight into what he is specifically praying for the Christ-followers living in Asia Minor. However, instead of sticking to the thought, he begins in verse one and then decides to take a side road for the next twelve verses. He eventually gets back to his original thought, but not until verse 14. Ephesians 3:1-13
We’re pushing forward in our Ephesians study called live the life. And today we’re in Ephesians 2 again. In the first 3 chapters, Paul reminded them of their blessings “in Christ.” And he reminds them of God’s BIG plan. That Jesus didn’t just come to bring peace between man and God – but he came to bring peace between man and man. To take people who hate each other and to make ONE humanity out of the two. That’s crazy and wonderful. Out of many, to make one. One people. His people. That’s it. No division. No hostility. No hate. And isn’t this a message that’s desperately needed today? The point today is that now that you have been saved there is a corresponding change in your relationship with both God and man. Because of Christ, we are family. It’s why Jesus came to earth…to tear down the dividing wall of hostility. Ephesians 2:11-22
The turning point of our passage today is chapter 2 verse 4: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy…” Just how great is God’s love for us and how rich is his mercy? Paul answers this question by looking back and looking forward. He looks at the cold hard facts of where we came from and then nails down just where we are right now. Ephesians 2:1-10
Easter Intro - Last week we kicked off a brand-new sermon series exploring Ephesians. Paul opens the letter with enthusiastic praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paul listed our spiritual blessings. It’s actually a prayer. After pouring out praise to God Paul then shifts his attention to praying specifically and very intentionally for those who would receive his letter.
The church in Ephesus was started by Paul when he was on his missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts. One of the things I like about the letter to the Ephesians is that it’s one of the few letters in the NT that doesn’t really address a big problem. Most of the early churches had big problems. But what Paul is really doing in this letter is to the Ephesians is encouraging them and us to understand who we are and what we have in Christ – and how that changes the way we live. He wants us to live “on mission” so he starts explaining the mission. And it starts like this. Ephesians 1:1-14
In this series, we’ve explored many of the “one another” passages in the Bible. God’s call is clear. He cares how we treat one another. And living “on mission” means learning how to practically love one another. We call it Love Out Loud. As the family of God grows, it’s made up of people who are not like us, who have learned different behaviors, and who see the world through very different colored glasses. The church is not merely a place we go, it is designed to be a place we call home and people we call family. We are a “family of believers”. Today we learn that we are called to carry each other’s burdens AND to carry our own load. Galatians 5:26-6:10
Today, we are focusing on the “one another” emphasized by Paul in Ephesians 6:18, “…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.” Praying for one another was something the early church leaders took very seriously. When Christ-followers love each other well, it has a huge impact.
In James 5:16 we read these words, “confess your sins to each other.” What’s your initial response? Me too. My initial response is, “Thanks, but no thanks, James.” That sounds like an awful and terrifying idea to me. Sure, I am fine confessing that I ate too much junk food or that I laughed at an inappropriate joke a comedian told, but the thought of you finding out about some of the stuff that is rolling around in my head, decisions I have made, things that I have said and done makes me break out in a cold sweat. Do any of you feel the same way? There is only one problem - The Holy Spirit, who inspired James to pen those words, is not good with that.
Most likely sooner rather than later someone is going to let you down, offend you, or hurt your feelings. I wish this was not the case, but I promise you the honeymoon will end. That is the bad news. However, there is some good news. The good news is the relationship does not have to end when the honeymoon does. In fact, our relationship with one another has the potential to become much better, stronger, and deeper after the honeymoon ends IF, (and this if a big IF), we learn to live out a very important “one another.” This one is mentioned by Paul in his letter to the family of God in Ephesus and Colossae. In Ephesians 4:32 we read these words, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” In Colossians 3:13 Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
In Romans 15:14 and Colossians 3:16 Paul mentions another practical way for us to express love for one another. Paul instructs us to “coach one another up.” Ok, he doesn’t say it exactly like that, but that is the gist of what he is getting at when he tells us to “admonish one another.” The word in the original language that is translated admonish implies to instruct or correct. That is what great coaches do, right? They correct the bad habits of their players by teaching them how to do things the right way. This is exactly what we should be doing for one another.
The one another we are going to focus on today is mentioned by Paul in Romans 15:7. Paul writes, “Accept one another…” In a world filled with rejection, the body of Christ, corporately and individually as Christ followers receives a defining and all-important call that is found in Romans 15:7 “Accept one another…”. This call is huge. Pain comes in a lot of different varieties, but of all the hurts one can experience rejection has to be one of the most unpleasant.
The “one another” we are going to focus on today is mentioned in Romans 12:5. In this text Paul tells us that when we were added to the church we became members of one another.
Listen to the words of Paul in Romans 12:5, “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Our connection to one another, whether we feel it or not, is comparable to the way different parts of the body are connected to one another. Don’t just brush this off as a cute metaphor. Paul is speaking in a literal sense - we are literally members of the same body. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body.
The “one another” we are going to focus on today is “encourage one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Even the most resilient people need encouragement because life can be messy and downright hard. Some days are filled with disappointment, heartache, and frustration. And just because you’re a follower of Jesus does not exempt you from any of the pain.
Jesus, himself, was upfront with the reality that life is not always going to go our way. John 16:33, “…In this world you will have trouble.” A little bit of trouble is often manageable, but even the most optimistic, faithful person can only withstand so much trouble before discouragement sets in. Discouragement quickly leads to questions like, “What’s the point?” and even the questioning of one’s own self-worth.
Over fifty-nine times we read in the Owner’s Manual to either treat OR avoid treating one another in a very specific way. These passages are commonly referred to as the “one another” passages.
For the next several weeks we’re going to spend time exploring the one another's in scripture. While all of the “one another” practices are important there is one that stands above the rest. In fact, it is so important that Jesus, John, Peter, and Paul command us to treat one another in this way. We find Jesus emphasizing this expectation to his disciples (family) in the hours prior to his arrest.
John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love another.”
These two parable are intended to be heard as calls to respond to Jesus and His mission. The moment we grasp the meaning buried in the parables of Jesus is the moment that we stop existing and start really living.
How do you find lost things? You search for them until you find them. But, we learn from this story is that PROXIMITY can’t replace relationship. We may think because we put ourselves close to the father (Church, Christian friends, avoid immoral behavior, life looks put together) that it’s enough. But we can still miss it. The goal isn’t proximity, it’s obedience. The problem isn’t often proximity, it’s priorities.
Why is God’s word sometimes ineffective. Why are there inconsistent results? This parable is particularly helpful to people living at the Radical Center of God’s will because Jesus teaches how the effect of truth in my life is determined in great part by the condition of my heart. How I RESPOND to God's word depends on how I RECEIVE it.
How do you build a life that lasts? Simply follow Jesus' instructions. The bottom line is that everybody gets to choose how they will live. Everybody will go through storms. The storms will reveal how well the house was built.
Today we’re going to jump into probably one of the most well-known parables that Jesus ever told. One that I’m willing to guess that most of us probably know but struggle to really live out. And like most of the parables that Jesus told, this one all started with a question that Jesus was asked. Let’s look at the question Luke 10:25 says, “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Every day we have choices to love our neighbor and show compassion. When faced with those choices, do we honor it or betray it.
When God shows up faith gets tested. But God isn't trying to break us, he's trying to shape us. And he shapes us through faith using everyday life. Choosing is one of the most spiritual things we do. When the ten spies spread a bad report about the land among the people the problem wasn’t as much the report as it was the focus of the people. They were focused on themselves rather than God. The people believed the report rather than believing God and this led to an “I quit” moments when Fear says: “Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” to the way things were? In those moments, faith believes: “We can move forward because The Lord is with us. We will not be afraid.”
Sometimes we, like the Israelites want out of, or away from, where we are more than we want to follow God. We GET 2 CHOOSE to be part of a micro church, to fulfill God's calling on our lives.
When God shows up faith gets tested. But God isn't trying to break us, he's trying to shape us. And he shapes us through faith using everyday life. Sometimes, whenever you least expect it…your faith gets tested...again. This test was not about what was happening TO them…it was about what WASN’T happening FOR them. I refer to these as bitter moments. When we are in Bitter moments – Fear says: “Life was better when…”, but Faith believes: "The Lord will provide what we need."
When God shows up faith gets tested. But God isn't trying to break us, he's trying to shape us. And he shapes us through faith using everyday life. Sometimes, we are terrified. Terrifying moments are those times when we are facing a seemingly insurmountable situation. Circumstances are such that we can't go back and we can't move go forward. You are powerless to save yourself and you need help – divine help. Times when we are fully aware that unless God intervenes, we will surely be destroyed. Terrifying moments test the genuineness of our faith. They test whether or not we truly trust that God is present.
When God shows up faith gets tested. But God isn't trying to break us, he's trying to shape us. And he shapes us through faith using everyday life. When we are discouraged fear shouts that life is so hard! At the same time, faith says that the Lord will redeem us! So we know it'll be ok. But when you're discouraged, it feels like the wind has been knocked out of you. One huge benefit of choosing to be part of a network of fellow missionaries is that we can receive and give encouragement to one another.
"It's Time" or "What time is it?" The local church is the hope of the world. God can do more than we can ask or imagine...and he will.
Paul’s mind was focused on what God was doing in his life. He was always comparing his circumstances, the behavior of others and the value of things with what God was doing. And he made the declaration: “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” That declaration wasn’t made in a vacuum. He wasn’t in a church service. He wasn’t sitting on a million bucks. Then what was the reason for his joy? It was all due…to his MINDSET. He was living according to his position, NOT his condition. That can be true for you too! Except there’s a robber set to steal your joy. What’s his name? Let’s find out…Chapter 4 is interesting BCS we learn that there was more to the story. It wasn’t all fun and games back at the ranch. The people in Philippi were generous and at the same time there was conflict. Philippians 4
We’re considering what God is doing through our circumstances. What was the reason for Paul’s joy? It was all due…to his MINDSET. He had a single mind – he focused on Christ. He had a submissive mind - he lived like Christ. Today we see that Paul had a spiritual mind – he valued Christ above all. God wants you to have joy too. Through these lessons we’re learning to live according to our position, NOT our condition. Philippians 3
Welcome to Week 2 - Last week we talked about being single-minded, focusing on Christ and not circumstances. This week may be one of the biggest, most difficult mindset shifts that you can make, yet the most rewarding also…this one is like the joy bomb for your life. You ready? Here it is: Moving from a mind focused on self to a mind submitted to Christ. From selfish to submitted. That’s a huge shift. The enemy doesn’t want you to have joy, doesn’t want you to submit to Christ. But God desires for you to have joy, by submitting to Christ. This is not always easy. But it is possible. Part of the original software God built into every human is the ability to choose. We get to choose what to think about. (Philippians 2)
There’s a proven Biblical strategy to finding joy in your everyday circumstances. This proven time-tested strategy is found in the book of Philippians. People who have wanted more joy, have discovered the secrets found in this book and discovered joy. Over the next four weeks we are going to learn them and how to implement them in our lives. Four simple attitudes that we can apply.
Through this letter, Paul encourages us to focus our minds on Christ and live according to our position, NOT our condition. It's paramount to know the overarching strategy found in the book of Philippians. Here it is: Focus your mind on Christ. Focusing your mind on Christ allows you to live according to your position and NOT your condition.
Today we conclude our journey at the home base of Jesus’ ministry...Capernaum. Capernaum was a small fishing village on the northern shore on the Sea of Galilee that Jesus considered his hometown during the last three years of his life...during his ministry. And like everything Jesus did, moving to Capernaum had a purpose. Sometimes when we get discontent with where we are…it’s because we’re waiting for the next place. But today we’ll see in the town of Capernaum that where we find ourselves in the present time is exactly where God wants to use us. We get to find contentment, joy and purpose right where we are.
Today we’re traveling to our fourth Christmas Town as we’re unpacking the Christmas story and the birth of the Savior of the world. We’ve travelled from Hebron to Bethlehem and to Jerusalem. Today we’re continuing our journey to Nazareth, a small, unassuming, out of the way town where Jesus spent the majority of his life. Everybody grows up somewhere and we get to grow into what God has for us right where we are. We have the ability to choose…to think differently, believe deeply and live intentionally. Our past directs us, but it doesn’t define us. Our past prepared us, but it doesn’t paralyze us. We are PRODUCTS, not PRISONERS of our PAST.
Today we’re traveling to our third Christmas Town. We’ve travelled from Hebron to Bethlehem, and today we’re continuing our journey to Jerusalem. And we’re not traveling there alone. We’re going to see some others that also travelled to Jerusalem to search out something...or somebody worth traveling for.
Today we are continuing our Christmas Town series as we travel through the Christmas story through the towns and villages where it happened. As we are leaving Hebron from last week, we’re now heading to the town that may be most synonymous with Christmas. Bethlehem holds center stage in this story because it's the birthplace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Christmas story unfolds in several different places. Over the coming weeks I want you to pack your bags and travel with me as we spend some time in each of these “Christmas Towns” and explore and experience where the story of Jesus took place. And as we walk through these towns together, you’ll see people who are just like you and me as they wrestle with doubts, fears, uncertainties...yet God still was working in and through them. And who knows…you might just catch a glimpse of yourself and what God is doing in your life. The place our story begins is Hebron.
Peter starts with Faith, but ends the list of virtues with love…and he was specific. He wrote: “to brotherly love add agape” love. Unconditional love. It’s a God-like quality. God IS love. “For God so agaped the world that he gave his one and only Son…”
I think it’s brilliant that Peter makes agape love the ultimate outcome of faith. We are never more LIKE God then we love others unconditionally. Start with faith…end with love. Faith is having confidence that God exists and rewards those who diligently seek him.
Agape Love is the active pursuit of the best for someone else, even when they don’t deserve it. It’s a process. Peter is clearly telling us that building a life that lasts begins with us believing IN God and results in us becoming LIKE God. Again, it’s a process.
2 Peter 1:3-11
Today we’re talking about mutual affection. Mutual affection for who? The word in the original language that is used by Peter can also be translated as “brotherly kindness.”
There are very few things, if any, that most of us value as much as our family. What is true of us was especially true for those who lived in the ancient middle east during the time of Jesus - family was everything. Yet, no longer is family to be primarily defined by shared last name or DNA, but rather it is defined by faith in Jesus Christ.
Peter has in mind all those who have been born into the family of God through faith in Jesus. We know this intellectually, but if we do not believe it to the core of our being we are in big, big trouble. As you look around wouldn’t you agree that Satan has doubled down on his efforts to divide us as a people based on homeland, skin color, politics, economics, how to handle Covid, you name it. We cannot allow this to happen among believers because we are family. We need each other.
Godliness is our focus today. What is it? It sounds a lot like goodness. There is a commonality between the two, but also a huge distinction. You can be good, but not be godly. A godly person is going to be and do good, but not every person who is and does good is godly. So, what is it that makes a good person godly? What is godliness? The word is intended to describe “who you are.”
2 Peter 1:3-11
“I quit!” Have you ever felt desperate to speak those words? Desperate to quit a job, a relationship, a volunteer position? “I quit” to learning a new skill, finishing a project, chasing a dream? Sure you have. We all have.
Sometimes quitting is the best possible decision one can make. Do you know when it is NEVER the right time to quit? When it involves matters of faith - of trusting in and living out our faith in Jesus. We’re working through the eight qualities necessary for Building a Life That Lasts. Today we’re looking at the fifth quality which is perseverance.
2 Peter 1:3-11
We’re working through the eight qualities necessary for Building a Life That Lasts. Today we’re looking at the fourth quality which is self-control. The big news is that the seeds of each of these virtues are in you…and if they are growing…they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Too often we lose control simply because we’re being lazy in our decision making. We let things slide until it’s too late. We let things get worse and worse until we’re fully convinced that self-control is impossible or at least impractical.
2 Peter 1:3-11
We’re working through the eight qualities necessary for Building a Life That will last. Today we’re looking at the third quality which is knowledge. Faith plus goodness equals knowledge. If you truly want to have knowledge of something…live it. Don’t just talk a good game…get in the game.
When it comes to knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ you can’t afford to be ineffective and unproductive. What Peter specifically has in mind here is God’s truth. He is setting the expectation for us to continually grow in our understanding of what God reveals about His nature, the world He created, our humanity, and His desire and purpose for us.
2 Peter 1:3-11
Our focus this week is on the second quality: goodness. For those that know better, it's time to live better. One version reads, “add to your faith, moral excellence.” Another version reads: “make every effort to add integrity to your faith.” I like that. In other words, don’t stop at believing. Let your faith be more than just words. Let your faith do what it was intended to do…produce goodness, increase integrity, bring us to moral excellence.
Building a life that lasts start with faith, but it doesn’t end with faith. Faith is the foundation of everything else. Faith is the root system for all other qualities. As faith increases so should everything else. When you see goodness its ROOT system is faith. Faith feeds goodness. A life rooted in faith is a life that will last.
2 Peter 1:3-11
Where does spiritual growth and maturity begin? When Peter wanted to remind Christ followers what they’d need most to be effective and productive in their faith, out of all the qualities he could have chosen, he chose to start with FAITH. He said, “make every effort to add to your faith…” He then lists eight qualities necessary for growth and he leads with faith BCS each virtue originates in faith. The importance of faith cannot be overstated because faith happens within…inside of you.
2 Peter 1:3-11
Today we’re kicking a series called “How to Build a Life That Lasts” that is based on 2 Peter 1. Consider this a course about how to grow spiritually. These nine verses have sustained my faith my entire life and they can sustain your faith too. That’s why they were written in the first place.
Really what we have in this passage is powerful and makes the promise that focusing on these qualities will make you effective and productive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ. And when it comes to your faith who doesn’t want to be productive and effective. We all want to hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant” not “Why didn’t you get off the couch and actually do something?” 2 Peter 1:3-11
We're living in a Pivotal Moment in history. We want to live the rest of life in the radical center of commission, commandment, and connection. Starting a micro church.