Psalm 139:13 NIV “You created me my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;“

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations...”

1 John 2:15-17 NKJV

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

John 15:16C-19 NLT

"I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name. This is My command: Love each other. If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you."

Matthew 22:37C-39 NIV84

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Acts 2:47C NIV

The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Proverbs 16:9 ESV

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Mark 16:15 ESV

"Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation."

John 8:12 NIV84

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. "

In Matthew 22:36C-39 NKJV

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Luke Chapter 22:52 NKJV

"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. "

John 3:16 NIV84

"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."

Romans Chapter 5:8 NIV84

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

1 John 3:16A NIV84

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.

Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT

And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

John 13:34 NIV84

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

John 14:15 NIV

"If you love me, keep my commands."

1 Corinthians 13:1-8A NIV84

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not 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 have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Matthew 25:34-45 NIV

Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. They also will answer, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.

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1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

People have a problem loving God because they are buried alive by the love of the world.

Genesis 3:1-7 (NLT)

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord has made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, “You must not eat or even touch it; if you do, you will die.” “You won't die!” The serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it, then she gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate it to. At that moment they felt shame at their nakedness.”

Lust of the eyes (she saw) lust of flesh (beautiful/delicious) and pride of life (what it would do for her).

Ephesians 2:1–2 NKJK

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience”

1 John 5:19 NLT

“The world around us is under control of the evil one”.

John 12:31 NLT

“The time for judging this world has come, when satan, the ruler of this world will be cast out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

You can’t enjoy the love of God when your enduring the love of the world.

Romans 10:13

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved!”

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Malachi 3:10 NIV84

"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 you will not have room enough for it."

Psalm 24:1 NIV

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

Deuteronomy 8:17 NIV

"You may say to yourself, my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth."

Luke 16:11 NIV

"So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"

The Penny Pincher.

The Shopaholic.

The Big Spender.

The High Roller.

Proverbs 22:26-27 NIV

"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you."

Proverbs Chapter 22:7 NLT

"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender."

Ecclesiastes 6:9B GN

"It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else."

Proverbs 21:20B GN

"Stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it."

Proverbs 21:5 NIV84

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

Matthew 6:19-21 ESV

"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."

Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV84

"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income."

Luke Chapter 12:15 NIV84

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Matthew 6:24 ESV

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV84

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."

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Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Jeremiah 29:11

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

John 16:33B NIV84

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV84

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 Samuel Chapter 17:8 NIV84

Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us. Then the Philistine said, this day I defy the ranks of Israel!

Give me a man and let us fight each other.

Verse 11

When Saul and his troops heard the Philistine's challenge, they were terrified and lost all hope.

Romans Chapter 8:15 NIV84

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Verse 16

For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.

Verse 20

Early in the morning David left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.

Verse 32

David said to Saul, let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him. Saul replied, you are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.

Verse 37

The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, go, and the LORD be with you.

Verse 45

David said to the Philistine, you come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Verse 48-51

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.

1 Corinthians 11:23

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, this is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

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Genesis 2:7 NLT

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.

Genesis 2:18 NLT

Then the Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.

Genesis 2:22B-25 NLT

At last the man exclaimed. This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called woman because she was taken from man. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Now the man and his wife were both naked but they felt no shame.

Genesis 3:6 NIV84

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Genesis 3:7 NIV84

At that moment their eyes were opened, they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Genesis 3:8-10 NIV84

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, where are you? He replied, I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.

Genesis 3:11-12

Who told you that you were naked? the Lord God asked. Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?

Hebrews 4:13 NIV84

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable.

Jeremiah 23:24 NLT

Can anyone hide from Me in a secret place?Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth? says the Lord.

Genesis 3:9

But the LORD God called to the man, where are you?

Proverbs 28:13 NIV84

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Psalms 32:1-4 NLT

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Psalms 32:5-7NLT

Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the Lord. And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Therefore, let all the godly pray to You while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

Psalm 119:112 NKJV

I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end.

Romans 3:23 NKJV

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 NKJV

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

Romans 10:9

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 John 1:9 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

John 7:38 ESV

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

Romans 8:9B NIV84

If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV84

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV84

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Radical Faith is believing even when I cannot see it.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV84

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Ephesians 3:20 NIV84

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Radical Faith is obeying God even when I don’t understand it.

Hebrews 11:7 NIV84

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. 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.

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Radical faith requires deep roots to live out God'sdestiny for your life.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Daniel 1:8

But Danielresolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

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Jeremiah 17:5-10, NIV

This is what the Lord says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who draws strength from mere flesh

and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;

they will not see prosperity when it comes.

They will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

The heart is deceitful above all things

and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

“I the Lord search the heart

and examine the mind,

to reward each person according to their conduct,

according to what their deeds deserve.”

We are all on a journey!

Ephesians 1:4-5, MSG

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)

Ephesians 4:11-16, NLT

12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ...that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

What is my Next Step?

Sticks: Factor In Jesus

Mark 10:52, NLT

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

John 6:66-69, NLT

“At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ”Where would we go?”

Stones: Remember when Jesus made the difference

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Revleation 12:10

"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;

Be the first to forgive.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

“We all need a grave yard in the back of our minds where we can bury the faults of others, 6 ft deep in the soil of love with the shovel of forgiveness.”

Encourageone another.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

“It’s not about giftedness, it's about thoughtfulness.”

Be thoughtful, and everyday, seek out others to encourage.

Share with them

Jeremiah 29:12 NIV

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

If we were as quick to lend our ear as we are about lending our opinions, we might see more hurting hearts getting healed.

Trade up

Romans 12:21

“Do not be over come by evil but over come evil with Good.”

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Luke 7:11-17 NLT

"Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up." Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, "A mighty prophet has risen among us," and "God has visited his people today." And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside."

Do you overflow with compassion for others?

Greek word for compassion: splagchnizomai

Proverbs 11:25 NLT

"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."

Will you look for opportunities to meet the needs of others?

Galatians 2:20 NLT

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

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Joshua 4:4-7 NIV

4So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

Point 1: Remember what God's done!

Point 2: Remember He called you!

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Psalm 33:6 NLT

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.

He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

13You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Colossians 3:16-17 NLT

16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Point 3: Remember you can’t stop!

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Genesis 3:6-7 NLT

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Romans8:20-21 NLT

Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV

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.

Genesis 6:8-9 NLT

Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.

Exodus 33:11 NLT

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp to lead the people.

Acts 13:22 NLT

God testified concerning David son of Jesse, I have found him to be a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.

Numbers 6:26 NLT

May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:26 AMP

The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].

God’s favor is provision found in His presence for His purpose.

Psalms 105:19

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

2 Timothy 3:12 NLT

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (Harassed and mistreated)

Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT

Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NLT

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Establish your faith Connect with God’s Word Connect with other Christians Connect with your church

Exercise your faith

Be thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus .

Be joyful

Be courageous

James 1:2-4 NIV

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.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

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Genesis 1:1 ESV

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:26A NIV84

Then God said, let us make man in our image, in our likeness.

Genesis 2:7 NIV84

The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of

life, and the man became a living being.

Galatians 3:13A ESV

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

Acts 4:13 NIV84

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they wereunschooled, ordinary men,

they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

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John 3:16 NIV84

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.

Psalm 51:5 NIV84

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Proverbs 22:15 NIV84

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 13:24

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Romans 5:12 NLT

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:2

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Genesis 1:3

And God said, let there be light, and there was light.

John 1:1-3 NIV84

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.

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God is the Source.

Colossians 1:15-17

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Genesis 1:26 NIV84

Then God said, let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.

Genesis 2:7 NIV84

The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

We are His creation.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Genesis 2:8 NLT

Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.

Genesis 2:9

The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 2:15-17

The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, you may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.

Genesis 2:18-19 NLT

Then the Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him. So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one.

Genesis 2:21-22

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.

Genesis 2:23-25

At last! the man exclaimed. This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called woman because she was taken from man. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.

Genesis 3:1 NIV

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, did God really say, you must not eat from any tree in the garden?

Genesis 3:2-3

The woman said to the serpent, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, you must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.

Genesis 3:4-6

You will not surely die, the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Genesis 3:7 NLT

At that moment their eyes were opened, they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Genesis 3:8-10

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, where are you? He replied, I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.

Genesis 3:11-12

Who told you that you were naked? the Lord God asked. Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat? The man replied, it was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.

Genesis 3:13

Then the Lord God asked the woman, what have you done? The serpent deceived me, she replied. That’s why I ate it.

Genesis 3:14-17 ESV

The Lord God said to the serpent, because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. To the woman he said, I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you. And to Adam he said, because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, you shall not eat of it, cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life.

Revelation 1:18 NIV

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Galatians 3:13 ESV

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV 84

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

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1 John 4:14 NIV 84

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

Matthew 28:1-7 NIV84

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.The angel said to the women, do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him!

John 20:24-25 NIV84

Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the twelve; was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord!!

John 20:25 NIV84

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 it.

John 20:26-27 NIV84

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, peace be with you. Then he said to Thomas, put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.

John 1:1 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:10-12 NLT

John 20:28-31 NIV84

My Lord and my God! Then Jesus told him, because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Titus 2:11 NLT

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Revelation 3:20 NIV84

I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

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.

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1 John 4:14 NIV 84

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

Matthew 28:1-7 NIV84

John 20:24-25 NIV84

Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the twelve; was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord!!

John 20:25 NIV84

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 it.

John 20:26-27 NIV84

John 1:1 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:10-12 NLT

John 20:28-31 NIV84

Titus 2:11 NLT

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Revelation 3:20 NIV84

I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

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1 John 4:14 NIV 84

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

Matthew 28:1-7 NIV84

John 20:24-25 NIV84

Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the twelve; was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord!!

John 20:25 NIV84

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 it.

John 20:26-27 NIV84

John 1:1 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:10-12 NLT

John 20:28-31 NIV84

Titus 2:11 NLT

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Revelation 3:20 NIV84

I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

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Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 NLT

God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

1 Peter 1:17 NLT

And remember that the Heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as "temporary residents".

Matthew 16:27 NLT

For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of His father and will judge all people according to their deeds.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Luke 6:38 NLT

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Luke 19:26 NLT

"To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."

1 Corinthians 15:10 NLT

Whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me, and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV

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

1 Corinthians 3:10-13 NLT

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.

1 John 2:28 NLT

Continue in Him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at his coming.

Revelation 20:11-12 NLT

Then I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. I saw the dead standing before the throne and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; and the dead were judged according to what they had done as written in the books, that is everything done while on earth.

Psalm 90:12 NIV

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

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Romans 4:1-5 NKJV

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

James 2:11 NLT

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.

What is righteousness?
Did Abraham earn it?

Romans 4: 2-4

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Romans 1:20 NLT

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Isaiah 64:6B

All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.

John 3:16 NIV84

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

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84

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

Abraham Believed.

John 1:1 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:10-14 NLT

He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn–not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 14:6 NIV84

Jesus said I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

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Romans 6:14

For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Romans 10:4

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result all who believe in Him are made right with God.

Hebrews 10:1-4

The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer.

CIVIL LAW

CEREMONIAL LAW

MORAL LAW

YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME.
YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FOR YOURSELF AN IDOL.
YOU SHALL NOT MISUSE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD.
REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY BY KEEPING IT HOLY.
HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.
YOU SHALL NOT MURDER.
YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
YOU SHALL NOT STEAL
YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR.
YOU SHALL NOT COVET

Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

LAW MAKER

Romans 14:10-13

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,And every tongue shall confess to God.”12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Romans 14:23

That whatever does not proceed from faith is sin for that person.

Law Breaker

Matthew 5:17

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. -NLT

Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Law Faker

Matthew 11:28-30

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

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1 John 4:14 NIV 84

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

Matthew 28:1-7 NIV84

John 20:24-25 NIV84

Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the twelve; was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord!!

John 20:25 NIV84

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 it.

John 20:26-27 NIV84

John 1:1 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:10-12 NLT

John 20:28-31 NIV84

Titus 2:11 NLT

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Revelation 3:20 NIV84

I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

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Ezekiel 22:30 NIV84

I looked for a MAN among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.

No matter what happens, I will always love you.

Ephesians 5:25 NIV84

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

I Corinthians 7:4-5 NIV84

The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

No matter what it takes, I will do it.

Ephesians 5:25 NIV84

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:21 NIV84

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

No matter what happens, I will fight for us.

1 John 2:16 NKJV

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8A NIV84

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Rejects passivity.

Expects the greater reward.

Accepts responsibility.

Leads courageously.

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Romans 1:26 MSG

Refusing to know God, they soon didn't know how to be human either - women didn't know how to be women, men didn't know how to be men.

Ephesians 5:31-32 NLT

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

Genesis 1:27 NLT

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

Genesis 2:18 NLT

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

1 Peter 3:1-6 ESV

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Hebrews 12:2 NLT

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.

1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT

It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ.

Matthew 18:15-17 NLT

If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church.

1 Peter 3:7 NLT

Husbands, give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

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James 1:22

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

Proverbs 29:18 NKJV

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.

Proverbs 14:12 NIV84

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. But happy is he who keeps the law.

The battle of criticism.
The battle of contempt.
The battle of constraint.
The battle to concede.

Genesis 2:24 NIV84

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Philippians 2:1-2 NIV84

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

A. Encouragement.

Proverbs 18:21 NIV84

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

B. Comfort.

C. Fellowship.

D. Tenderness and Compassion.

Philippians 2:2 NIV84

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Philippians 2:3-5 NIV84

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

James 5:16

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

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Genesis 12:1 NIV84

The Lord had said to Abram, leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.

Exodus 4:12 NKJV

Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.

Isaiah 6:8-9A NIV84

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! He said, Go and tell this people:

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Mark 16:15 ESV

Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.

James 2:17

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

James 2:17 NLT

Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

James 1:2-4 NLT

When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be mature and complete, needing nothing.

Romans 8:5-6 NLT

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Engage our culture with the irresistible love of Christ, for the purpose of helping people take their first step toward Him.

To be a church that equips and mobilizes disciples who will transform our city and our world for Jesus Christ.

To help people Experience Jesus through our weekly services.

Expand the Kingdom.

Luke 9:23

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Encourage new believers to be baptized.

Equip people to be Disciples who makes Disciples.

Matthew 28:19-20

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

Endure life together.

Acts 2:42 NIV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing

We have to sacrifice our comfort.

Mark 10:45 NIV

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

We have to make a commitment.

Psalms 102:18 NLT

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.

Psalms 2:8 ESV

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

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2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Acts 20:24 NLT

My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

John 15:12-13 NIV84

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV84

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

Acts 2:42 NLT

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer.

Matthew 16:25 NIV84

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Luke 19:10 NIV84

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Mark 8:22-25 NIV84

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, do you see anything? He looked up and said, I see people; they look like trees walking around. Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Mark 7:31-32 NIV84

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.

Mark 2:1-9 NIV84

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, son, your sins are forgiven. Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone? Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, your sins are forgiven, or to say, get up, take your mat and walk?

Mark 2:11-12 NIV84

I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home. He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, we have never seen anything like this!

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Matthew 20:-16 ESV 1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16So the last will be first, and the first last.”

God Keeps His Word (v. 13) "Did we not agree?"
God Is In Charge (v. 15) "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?"
God Is Generous (v. 15) "Do you begrudge my generosity?”

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Psalms 37:3-5 NLT

Trust in the lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Hebrews 11:1-19 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

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Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!

Matthew 7:19 NKJV

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

2 Peter 3:9 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.

Revelation 16:1-21 ESV

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God. So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink.It is what they deserve! And I heard the altar saying,

Yes, Lord God the Almighty,true and just are your judgments! The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.The Seventh Bowl the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, it is done!

And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.

And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Revelation 20:1-10 NKJV

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Isaiah 55:8 NIV84

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Romans 11:33 NLT

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!

Revelation 20:10 NKJV

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 20:11 NKJV

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

John Chapter 5:22

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.

Revelation 20:12 NKJV

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?

John 3:1-6 NKJV

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him. Jesus answered and said to him, most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born? Jesus answered, most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

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Luke 19:10 NKJV

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Proverbs 14:34 NKJV

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

2 Chronicles 7:14c | NKJV

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Revelation 13:1 NKJV

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?

1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV84

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV84

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

Colossians 3:5 NIV

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Revelation 14:9-11 NKJV

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, if anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.

Romans 6:23 ESV

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

Psalms 89:48

No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

Romans 10:9-10

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

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Matthew 13:40-43 ESV

Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

2 Peter 3:9 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.

Revelation 19:11 ESV

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

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.

Romans 1:18-20 NLT

But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Revelation 6:1 NKJV

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, Come and see.

John 5:22-23

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.

Revelation 7:1-3 NKJV

After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.

Revelation 7:9-14 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen. Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, these are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Romans 10:13-15 ESV

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!

Psalms 90:12 NKJV

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

John 3:3 NKJV

Jesus answered and said to him, most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

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1 Peter 3:15 ESV

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

2 Peter 3:9 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.

Romans 1:16A NKJV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.

Ephesians 6:19 NLT

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV

For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV84

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 raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:53-57 NIV84

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.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 NIV84

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Revelation 3:10 NIV84

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

Revelation 1:1 ESV

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

Revelation 1:17-18 ESV

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.

But he laid his right hand on me, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Matthew 24:36 ESV

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

Revelation 1:4A ESV

John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Revelation 1:11A ESV

Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches,

Revelation 1:20 ESV

As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 2:1A ESV

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write,

Revelation 2:7A ESV

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 2:8A ESV

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write

Revelation 4:1-2 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.

Revelation 11:7-14 NIV84

Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial.

The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth. But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, Come up here. And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.

Revelation 13:16-18 NIV84

He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.

1 John 3:2-3 NLT

Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as He is pure.

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Origin

Meaning

Morality

Eternity

How did I get here?

Why am I here?

How do I define good and evil?

What happens after I die?

Psalms 14:1A ESV

The fool says in his heart, there is no God.

Genesis 1:27 NIV84

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Psalm 51:5 ESV

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Psalms 139:13 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalms 139:14B ESV

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Colossians 1:16 ESV

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Psalms 89:48 NLT

No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

Revelation 19:11-14 NLT

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him that no one understood except Himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses.

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Luke 15:1-2 NKJV

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, this Man receives sinners and eats with them. So He spoke this parable to them, saying: what man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

John 10:11 NKJV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

You are loved.

John 1:1 NIV84

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14A NIV84

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Luke 19:10 NIV84

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

John 3:16 NIV84

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.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

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

Luke 15:8 NKJV

Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost! Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

You are valuable.

Luke 12:24 NIV84

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

You are unique.

Luke 15:11-13 NKJV

Then He said: A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Luke 15:14-17 NKJV

But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, how many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Luke 15:18-20

I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

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Joshua 4:10-11 NLT

The priests who were carrying the Ark stood in the middle of the river until all of the Lord’s commands that Moses had given to Joshua were carried out. Meanwhile, the people hurried across the riverbed. And when everyone was safely on the other side, the priests crossed over with the Ark of the Lord as the people watched.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV84

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

Romans 12:2 NIV84

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 2:20 ESV

For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:32

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 4:35-38 NIV84

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, let us go over to the other side. Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 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?

Mark 4:39-41 NIV84

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?

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Romans 8:28 NKJV And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Philippians 1:12-14 ESV I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:2,3 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Real joy sees the bigger picture.
Real joy spreads to others.
Real joy gives strength to others.

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Joshua 2:10

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things that he had done for Israel.

Psalm 102:18 NLT

Let this be recorded of future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.

Psalms 78:4-6 NLT

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children.”

rightnowmedia.org

Joel 1:3 NLT

“Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.”

Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Chap Clark

What adjustments do you need to make so that you can make it a priority to pass faith on to your kids?

Psalms 145:4 NKJV

“One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.”

1 Corinthians 12:18 NLT

...God has put each part (in the body) just where he wants it.

Psalms 71:18 NLT

“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, and especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

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Acts 20:24 NLT

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Matthew 26:36-39 NKJV

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, sit here while I go and pray over there. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, my soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84

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

Romans 5:8 NIV

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

Mark 2:1-5 NLT

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that He was back home. Soon the house where He was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While He was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above His head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, my child, your sins are forgiven.

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Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

John 1:1 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:10-14 NLT

Mark 16:6-7 NIV84

Don’t be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.

John 14:6 NIV84

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Luke 23:33-34A ESV

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Romans 3:23 ESV

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 ESV

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

Psalms 89:48 NLT

No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

Romans 10:9-10 NLT

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Mark 10:21 NIV 21

Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Matthew 7:1 ESV

Judge not, that you be not judged.

Matthew 7:2 ESV

For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:3-6 ESV

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Or how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

Matthew 22:29 ESV

But Jesus answered them, You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Luke 19:10 ESV

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

John 3:17 NLT

God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.

Matthew 7:5-6 ESV

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Luke 17:3-4 NIV84

If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, I repent, forgive him.

Proverbs 27:5-6

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Matthew 18:15-16 NLT

Galatians 6:1 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Luke 18:9-14 NLT

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: Two men went to the Temple to pray.

One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: I thank You, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery.

I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give You a tenth of my income. But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner. I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

You are bothered by someone else’s sin than you are embarrassed by your own.
You refuse to forgive others.
You “cut off” those who disagree with you.
You gossip.
You write someone of as hopeless.

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John 5:1-5 NIV84

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and it is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?

John 5:6 NIV

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, do you want to get well?

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

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

John 5:7 NIV

Sir, the invalid replied, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.

John 5:4 NKJV

For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.

John 5:8 NIV84

Then Jesus said to him, get up! Pick up your mat and walk. At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

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Matthew 6:2 NLT

When you give

Matthew 6:5 NLT

When you pray

Matthew 6:16 NLT

Verse 16 And when you fast

Isaiah 58:6 NKJV

Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

Matthew 17:21 NKJV

However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 7:7 NKJV

Ask, and it will be given unto you.

Matthew 21: 22 NKJV

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

John 15:7 ESV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Matthew 6:7-9 NLT

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy.

Matthew 18:3B NKJV

Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:5-6 NLT

When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Romans 12:12 ESV

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

Psalms 34:8 NIV

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalms 46:1 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Revelation 3:20 ESV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV84

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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1 John 2:6 NLT Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

James 4:6 NLT God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Galatians 2:20 NLT My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 3:8-9a NLT Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.

Matthew 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Don’t blame each other. Instead, look for ways to support each other.
Only listen to counseling from people who will point you to God and His word.

James 1:5-6 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Proverbs 24:6 NLT So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.

Choose to forgive instead of keeping score or holding grudges.

James 5:16 NLT Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Remove all exit strategies.

John 13:34 NLT Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

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ohn 8:31-32

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 14:6

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

James 1:23-25 NLT

For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Mark 10:17-22

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Mark 10:21

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Mark 10:22

At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

What's the one thing that if Jesus asked you to give it up right now you wouldn't be able to let it go?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP

He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]

Mark 10:39

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

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James 1:22 NLT

Don't just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Be Honest.

Ephesians 4:25

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Be Constructive.

Ephesians 4:28

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Be Kind.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Be Obedient to Gods word.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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John 13:34A NIV84

A new command I give you:

John 13:34B NIV84

Love one another.

John 13:34C NIV84

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Romans 5:8 NLT

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

Ephesians 5:21 NIV84

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 John 4:19 NKJV We love Him because He first loved us.

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

James 1:22-24 NLT

Don't just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

Matthew 7:25 NIV The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Philippians 1:29 NLT For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.

Matthew 7:26 NIV But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

Matthew 7:27 NIV The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

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John 1:1-5 NIV 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. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Connection.

Matthew 2:1-2 NIV84

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.

Psalms 33:6 NLT The Lord merely spoke and the heavens were created. He breathed the word and all the stars were born.

Job 26:7 NLT God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.

Jeremiah 33:22A NKJV The host of the heaven cannot be numbered.

Challenge.

Matthew 2:3-6 NIV84 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, for this is what the prophet has written: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.

Change.

Matthew 2:7-9 NIV84 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:10-12 NIV84 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

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“Why I Praise: Because I am a trophy of grace”

2 Cor.4:7-10 KJV

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

I. A REMINDER TO SATAN

Rev.12:12 KJV

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

II. A Reflection To Sinners

Acts 9:15 KJV

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

III. A Reinforcement To Saints

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Ephesians 1:3-5 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

1 John 3:1 NIV See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Galatians 4:5 MSG Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

James 1:27 ESV Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Psalm 82:3 NKJV Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Isaiah 1:17 NIV Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Deuteronomy 10:18 NIV He defends the cause of the fatherless and widow.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV “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.

The reality that we were all spiritual orphans before being adopted into God's family.
There is a biblical mandate for us to take action.
We all have a roll to play.

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Psalm 92:12-13 ESV The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.

Ephesians 4:16 NLT He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Mark 10:45 NLT “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 2:1-11 NLT The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

John 2:9 NLT When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.

John 2:10 NLT He called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!"

Serving is not something we want from you, it's something we want for you!

As you serve, God's doing a work in you, preparing you for what he wants to do through you.

Your ordinary gifts, talents, and abilities become extraordinary when you use them to serve and bless others.

When ordinary people witness God working through them to produce extraordinary results, it increases their faith.

You have to look beyond what you do to see that what you're a part of is bigger than the part you play.

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John 8:36 ESV So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Recognize you have a stronghold.

Luke 15:17A NKJV But when he came to himself,

Repent to God and to others.

Luke 15: 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

Proverbs 28:13 NLT People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

1 John 1:9 ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 5:16 NLT Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Renounce the lies of Satan.

Luke 15:25-29 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf. But he was angry and would not go in.

Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.

Luke 15:31 And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.

Receive the fathers forgiveness.

Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

Luke 10:19 ESV Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

John 3:16-17 NIV84

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV84 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Romans 10:9-10 NIV 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.

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Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Luke 4:18 NKJV

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

Ezekiel 36:26 NLT

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

As we heal, God doesn't remove the evidence that we're broken he leaves the scars as an opportunity for us to tell our story.

You can't experience grace until you give up. You can't experience grace as long as you try to fix yourself, keep it together, and be strong enough or simply forget.

Acknowledging what happened to you is the beginning of the healing process. The healing process will continue for all of us until it is finally complete in heaven. I don't want to communicate today that there is some magic prayer that will instantly make sense of everything in your life or eliminate the painful memories. But what I am telling you is that you are not alone, God is with you.

Psalms 34:18 NLT

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Philippians 3:13-14

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-24 ESV

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

John 8:31-32 ESV

So Jesus said, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 14:6

He said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.

Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

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1 John 2:16 NKJV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Genesis 3:6 NKJV

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

Galatians 5:17-21 NLT

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 6:16 ESV

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.

Lust comes from natural desires.

Luke 22:15 NKJV

Then He said to them, with fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

Galatians 5:16–17 NKJV

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Romans 8:5–7 ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

Romans 13:14 NKJV

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Lust always lies.

Lie # 1 I won't suffer any consequences for indulging in lust.

Hebrews 12:6 ESV

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and chastises every son whom he receives.

Lie #2 God doesn't mind if I compromise just a little.

Ephesians 5:3 NIV84

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.

Lie #3 I'm just fantasizing what's the big deal.

Galatians 6:7-8 ESV

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Lie #4 God is keeping me from experiencing pleasure.

Psalm 84:10-11

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Lust leads to death.

James 1:14–15 ESV

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Romans 8:13 NKJV

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV84

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

James 4:7 NKJV

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Battle Plan

A. Identify your stronghold. What is it?

B. Develop a strategy to conquer and defeat your stronghold.

C. Remove all supply lines to the stronghold in your life.

D. Establish a team of friends for accountability

E. Wage War against your stronghold by walking in the Spirit of God.

Spend time in prayer.

Psalm 119:61-62 NIV84

Evil people try to drag me into sin,but I am firmly anchored to Your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank You for Your just regulations.

Spend time reading God's word.

Psalm 119:15 ESV

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Spend time reflecting on God's word.

Psalm 119:52 NLT

I meditate on Your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me.

Spend time remembering God's word.

Psalm 119:11

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You

Spend time responding to God's word.

Psalm 119:34 NLT

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.

James 1:22 ESV

Don't just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

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John 8:36 ESV

Therefore if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Psalm 28:7A NKJV

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

Romans 8:31B NKJV

If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 John 2:16 NKJV

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Greed

Genesis 3:1-6 NKJV

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden. And the woman said to the serpent, we may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die. Then the serpent said to the woman, You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

James 1:1:3 ESV

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Philippians 2:6-8 NLT

Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV84

Hebrews 12:6 NLT

For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.

Genesis 2:8-9 ESV

And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Malachi 3:10 NIV84

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 you will not have room enough for it.

Deuteronomy 10:14 NKJV

Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it.

1 Chronicles 29:11B-12A NIV84

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

Job 41:11 NIV84

Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.

Haggai 2:8 NIV84

The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty.

Psalms 24:1 NIV84

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

I Corinthians 6:19C-20A NIV 84

You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Matthew 16:26NIV84

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Malachi 3:8 NIV84

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, how do we rob you? In tithes and offerings.

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV84

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:24 NIV84

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Colossians 3:5 NIV

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Unbelief.
Fear.

Proverbs 3:9–10 NKJV

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

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1 John 4:4 He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Matthew 12:29 NLT For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

Ephesians 4:27 Do not give the devil an opportunity...

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

Matthew 12:43-45 ESV When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

James 4:6-7 NLT And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ

Colossians 3:16 AMP Let the word of Christ have its home in your hearts and minds and dwell in you in all its richness,

Psalm 119:11 NLT I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Philippians 4:8 NLT And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Acts 16:18 NIV She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

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

Psalm 107:13-14 NIV Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.

Any area in our lives that we have left unprotected is the very place that Satan will gain access.

Why does God want to renew our minds and renovate our lives? So that we can fulfill the purpose for which he created us!

Freedom is a process that leads to fully living out your purpose.

Any thought that does not line up with God's Word is an open door to the enemy!

Admit that our thoughts and actions have not honored God.
Identify the areas where we've allowed the enemy access.
Replace any negative thoughts with the truth of God's Word. Memorize it Meditate on it

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Pride is trusting in your own strength.

Luke22:31-32 NKJV

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.

Mark 14:27-31 NKJV

Then Jesus said to them, all of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee. Peter said to Him, even if all are made to stumble, yet I willnot be. Jesus said to him, assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times. But he spoke more vehemently, if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!

Matthew 16:21-23 NKJV

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you. But he turned and said to Peter, get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.

1 Corinthians 10:12ESV

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Pride is trusting in your own self righteousness.

Job 1:6-12 NLT

One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. Where have you come from? The Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on. Then the Lord asked Satan, have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. Satan replied to the Lord, Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face! All right, you may test him, the Lord said to Satan. Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically. So Satan left the Lord’s presence.

Job 32:1-2 NKJV

So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. The son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God.

Job 33:8-9 NKJV

Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the sound of your words, saying, I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me.

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Ephesians 6:11-12 NLT Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Acts 13:40-41 NIV Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.

Habakkuk 1:5-6 ESV Look among the nations, and see;wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.

Habakkuk 1:6 ESV For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation,who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own.

They Are Thieves.

Roman 11:33 NLT Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways.

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV84 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

They Are Crafty.

Psalms 83:1-3 NIV84 O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Matthew 12:43-45 ESV When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, I will return to my house from which I came. And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

They Are Liars.

John 8:44 NIV84 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.

2 Corinthians 11:14 NKJV For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV84 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV84

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

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John 8:36 ESV

Therefore if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Mark 5:1-9 NKJV

Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains.

And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, what have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me. For He said to him, come out of the man, unclean spirit!

Then He asked him, what is your name? And he answered, saying, my name is Legion; for we are many.

Mark 5:10-20 NKJV

Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. So all the demons begged Him, saying, send us to the swine, that we may enter them. And at once Jesus gave them permission.

Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine there were about two thousand and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country.

And they went out to see what it was that had happened. Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you. And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Luke 4:31-37 ESV

And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, be silent and come out of him! And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, what is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out! And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

The Devil and his demons are real.

John 8:44 NIV84

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.

1 Peter 5:8 NIV84

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The Devil is not Equal to God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

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

The Devil is not our only enemy.

A. Satan and his demons are attacking us.

John 10:1 NKJV

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Genesis 2:7 NLT

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.

John 3:6 NKJV

That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

B. The World System is attacking us.

1 John 2:15 NKJV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?

C. The Flesh is attacking us.

Galatians 5:16-17 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Romans 8:11-14 NIV84

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation–but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

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Psalms 102:18 NLT Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.

Psalms 78:7 NLT So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.

Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Jesus came and told His disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Revelation 3:17 ESV For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Luke 9:23 ESV And he said to all, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Ephesians 5:18 ESV And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

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“Samson: The high cost of low living” (Judges 15:15)

In Samson’s life we see 3 things to avoid:

Unrestraint (Judges 14:1-20)

The lesson from Samson’s life: Strong people discipline their desires.

Unkindness (Judges 15:1-17)

The lesson from Samson’s life: Strong people restrain their reactions.

Unguarded (Judges 16:4)

The lesson from Samson’s life: Strong people keep their commitments.

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Luke 10:25 NIV 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Luke 10:26-27 NIV 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:35-40 NIV 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Luke 10:28 NIV 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Luke 10:29 NIV 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Luke 10:30 NIV 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

Luke 10:31-32 NIV 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Luke 10:33-35 NIV 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Ephesians 4:32 NIV 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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

Luke 10:36-37 NIV 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

4 questions we need to answer to take action:

What is my current reality?

Luke 16:10 NLT 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

What do I view as obstacles and opportunities?

Luke 6:27-31 NLT 27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Where do I go?
How do I do?

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Daniel 6:2-11 NLT The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, “Long live King Darius! We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” So King Darius signed the law. But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.

Daniel 6:16-17 NLT So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel.

Daniel 6:19-20 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel 6:21-22NLT Daniel answered, "Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

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Joshua 6:1-5 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.

I. DISCERNIBLE: WE HAVE TO MAKE THE WORD OF GOD RELEVANT AS WELL AS TRUE

Joshua 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

II. DIRECTIONS: HAVING BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIFIC GOALS

III. DELAYS: YOU’LL HAVE TO HAVE A RENEWED DEDICATION TO BIBLE

Joshua 6:15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.

IV. DISTRACTIONS: DON'T EXPECT FULL HEARTED SUPPORT

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

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1st Samuel 17:4-7 NLT Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.

1st Samuel 17:8 NLT Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. Why are you all coming out to fight? He called. I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me! When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken. 1st Samuel 17:11 NLT When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.

Galatians 5:1 NIV It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 1st Samuel 17:32-33 NLT Don’t worry about this Philistine, David told Saul. I’ll go fight him! Don’t be ridiculous! Saul replied. There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.

1st Samuel 17:43 NLT Am I a dog, he roared at David, that you come at me with a stick? And he cursed David by the names of his gods.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1st Samuel 17:26 NLT David asked the soldiers standing nearby, what will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?

1st Samuel 17:37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, Go, and the Lord be with you.

1st Samuel 17:45-47 NLT David replied to the Philistine, you come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies–the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues His people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and He will give you to us!

You can retreat and run from your "Giant" in fear.
You can run toward your "Giant" with courage and defeat it in Jesus name.

1st Samuel 17:48-51 ESV When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

He took action.
He ignored his critics.
He placed his confidence in God and trusted him with the outcome.

2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV84 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.

John 8:36 ESV So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Psalms 27:1 ESV The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

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1 Corinthians 12:26-27 ESV If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

John 1:5 ESV The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Jonah 1:1-2 NLT The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce My judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.

Jonah 3:1-5 NLT Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you. This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed! The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.

Jonah 3: 10 NLT When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.

Jonah 4:1-2 NLT This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: Didn’t I say before I left home that You would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.

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Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 7:7-8 ESV Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

I Kings 18:20-21 NLT So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, how much long will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow him! But the people were completely silent.

Matthew 6:24 ESV No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

I Kings 18:30-35 NLT Then Elijah called to the people, come over here! They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood. After they had done this, he said, do the same thing again! And when they were finished, he said, Now do it a third time! So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench.

I Kings 18:36-39 At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself. Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, the Lord he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!

Psalms 10:1 ESV Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Romans 11:33 NLT Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!

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

2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV84 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV84 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV84 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.

Unanswered prayer happens to even the best of Christians.
When unanswered prayer happens, it is humanly impossible to explain.

John 14:1 ESV Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Sometimes God has a higher purpose in mind.

Romans 8:15-18 NLT So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, Abba, Father. For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.

Gods Grace is sufficient.

Matthew 11:28 NLT Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

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Exodus 14:8 NLT The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly.

Exodus 14:9-10 NIV The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon. As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.

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

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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

Psalm 18:2 NLT The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

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Genesis 1:1-3 ESV In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Psalm 33:6 NLT The Lord merely spoke and the heavens were created. He breathed the word and all the stars were born.

Romans 1:20 NLT For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Psalm 19:1 NIV84 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

2 Samuel 7:22 ESV Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You.

Genesis 1:27 ESV So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God is creator of all things.
You were made in His image.
You are absolutely dependent upon Him.

Genesis 2:7 ESV Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Acts 17:24-25 ESV The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

Genesis 2:8 ESV And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Genesis 2:19 ESV Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.

Genesis 2:21-25 ESV So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, this at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Genesis 3:1-7 ESV Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.He said to the woman, did God actually say, You shall not eat of any tree in the garden? And the woman said to the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. But the serpent said to the woman, You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV84 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

James 1:14 ESV But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

John 44B-45 NLT He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

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

Galatians 5:16-17 ESV But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

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The climate of your relationships determines the forecast.

Genesis 4:3-5 NLT When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.

Genesis 4:6 NLT “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?

Genesis 4:7 NLT You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

Genesis 4:8 NLT One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

Genesis 4:9 NLT Afterward the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”

What's it like to be on the other side of me?

Psalm 90:12 Teach us, O Lord to number our days, so that we might gain a heart of wisdom

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Matt 16:18 KJV 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Gen 6:8 NLT And the Lord said, "I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them."

Gen 6:8 NKJV 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Gen 6:22 NKJV 22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

Hag 2:9 NKJV 9 'The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the Lord of hosts."

Joel 2:28 KJV 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; Zech 4:6 NIV 6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.

1 We must turn from ourselves to God.

2 We must turn from inreach to outreach.

3 We must have a change of attitude from

consumers to contributors and suppliers.

4 Our time spent together must move from events

to relationships.

#5. We’ve got to get the people of God to move from a church mentality to a kingdom mentality.

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Acts 9:10 NIV In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.

Acts 9:11 NIV The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

Romans 3:23 NIV for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Acts 9:12 NIV In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

Acts 9:13 NIV “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.

Acts 9:14 NIV And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

Acts 9:15 NIV 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.

Matthew 8:4 NIV Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

John 4:16 NIV He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

John 8:11 NIV “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Mark 16:15 NIV He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

Acts 9:15 NIV 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.

Col 3:1-3 NIV Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

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Matthew 28:18 ESV And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 28:19 ESV 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 28:18-20 ESV And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Matthew 4:19 NIV84 Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.

John 20:21 NIV84 As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.

Mark 16:15 ESV And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Acts 1:8 ESV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Luke 9:23-24 ESV And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Acts 20:24 NLT But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of

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Matthew 28:18-20 NIV Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Hebrews 5:11-14 MSG I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you’ve picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one—baby’s milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God’s ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong.

Hebrews 6:1-3 MSG So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!

Matthew 4:18-20 NKJV And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 28:20 NIV ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Luke 3:21-22 NIV When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Luke 4:18-21 NIV “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

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Genesis 2:18 NIV The Lord God said, “it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helper for him.”

Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV 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-

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV 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.

Galatians 3:26-29 NIV So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Genesis 12:1-3 NIV 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.”

WHO DO WE BELONG TO? GOD

Romans 12:4-5 NIV For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

WHAT DO WE BELONG TO? THE CHURCH

Galatians 6:9-10 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

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

WHY DO WE BELONG? TO MAKE DISCIPLES

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

Mark 1:10 NIV Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

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John 4:1 NIV84 The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John,

John 4:2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. John 4:3 When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

John 4:4 Now he had to go through Samaria.

John 3:16 NIV84 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 4:5-6 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

John 4:7-9 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.

John 4:10 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 4:11 Sir, the woman said, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?

John 4:12-14 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds. Jesus answered, everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

1 John 2:16-17 NIV For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

John 4:15 The woman said to him, sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.

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

John 4:19-23 Sir, the woman said, I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. Jesus declared, Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

John 4:24-26 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us. Then Jesus declared, I who speak to you am he.

John 4:28-30 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ? They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

John 4:39-42 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, He told me everything I ever did. So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, we no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world. Expound/Call To Salvation/Prayer

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Malachi 3:1-2 “1 I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.”

Mark 5:1-5 NIV “1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.”

Mark 5:6-10 NIV “6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.”

Mark 5:11-13 NIV “11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”

Mark 5:14-17 NIV “14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.”

Mark 5:18-20 NIV “18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”

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Genesis 25:21-26 NIV84 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, why is this happening to me? So she went to inquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other,and the older will serve the younger. When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.

Genesis 25:27-33 NIV84 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished! That is why he was also called Edom. Jacob replied, first sell me your birthright. Look, I am about to die, Esau said. What good is the birthright to me? But Jacob said, swear to me first. So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

Genesis 25:34 NIV84 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 27:6-13 ESV Rebekah said to her son Jacob, Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die. Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies. Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, But my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I’m a man with smooth skin. What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing. His mother said to him, my son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.

Genesis 27:41-45A NLT From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob. But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran. Stay there with him until your brother cools off. When he calms down and forgets what you have done to him, I will send for you to come back.

Genesis 31:3 NLT Then the Lord said to Jacob, return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.

Genesis 32:3-7 NLT Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the land of Edom. He told them, give this message to my master Esau: Humble greetings from your servant Jacob. Until now I have been living with Uncle Laban, and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform my lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me. After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, we met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you—with an army of 400 men!! Jacob was terrified at the news.

Genesis 33:1-3 NLT Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives. He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him.

Genesis 33:4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

James 5:16 NIV84 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Genesis 35:1-4 NIV84 Then God said to Jacob, go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau. So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone. So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Hebrews Chapter 12:15-16 NLT Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

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Genesis 32:22-29 ESV The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, let me go, for the day has broken. But Jacob said, I will not let you go unless you bless me.And he said to him, what is your name? And he said, Jacob. Then he said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed. Then Jacob asked him, please tell me your name. But he said, why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

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

Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Colossians 3:5 ESV Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Genesis 25:21-22A NIV Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her,

Genesis 25:22 NIV The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, why is this happening to me? So she went to inquire of the Lord.

Genesis 25:23-26 NIV Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger. When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.

Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 19:30 NIV84 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Luke 9:23-25 ESV If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Ambassador: A diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as a representative from one country to another.

Matthew 16:24 ESV If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

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James 1:22 ESV But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Proverbs 28:26 ESV Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in (wisdom) will be delivered.

Philippians 2:1-4 ESV So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Proverbs 18:21 NLT The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

James 3:6 NLT And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

Close Conversations. Connected Conversations. Casual Conversations.

God wants the first part of your day.

Psalms 63:1 NKJV O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.

Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Mark 1:35 ESV And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

God wants the first part of your week.

Hebrews 10:25 NIV84 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

God wants the first part of your month.
God wants the first part of your year.

Joel 1:14 ESV Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.

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James 5:16 KJV Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Genesis 6:8 KJV But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

I WANT TO SHOW YOU HOW IGNORING. CONFESSION WILL AFFECT YOUR LIFE:

IT AFFECTED HIS FEELINGS

IT AFFECTED HIS FAITHFULNESS

IT AFFECTED HIS FAMILY

IT AFFECTS YOUR FUTURE

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO FUNCTION UNDER PRESSURE

TAKE TIME TO RENEW YOURSELF

BECOME A GENEROUS PERSON - HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE

GLORIFY GOD THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND EXCELLENCE

QUIT LIVING EVERYBODY’S ELSES LIFE

BE GOD CONSCIOUS MORE THAN PEOPLE CONSCIOUS.

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2 Peter 1:3 NLT By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him

Hebrews 4:7a, 9-11 NLT God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.

Matthew 11:28-29 NLT Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls".

Matthew 8:23-27 NLT Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Psalm 127:2 NLT It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives sleep to his loved ones.

Psalm 121:4 NLT Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

Real rest is found in trusting the one who is in control of the things you don't understand and you can't control.

When we live in fear of the "what if's" we're basically saying to God you're not enough. I can't trust you.

Habakkuk 3:17–18 Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes, even if the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle— Even then, I will be happy with the Lord. I will truly find joy in God, who saves me.

Take 15 in '15

Disconnect from everything for 15 minutes every day in 2015 Take 5 minutes to be still and focus on God

Remember God's greatness

1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.

Isaiah 46:9 NLT Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.

Realign your heart

Spend 10 minutes reading God's word

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

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Romans 11:33 NLT Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!

Matthew 11:28 NLT Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 6:19-21 ESV 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.

Mark 12:28C-31 ESV Which commandment is the most important of all? Jesus answered, the most important is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.

Mark 12:38-44 ESV And in his teaching he said, beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

God cares how we give.

Mark 12:41 ESV And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.

God cares where we give.

Mark 12:41 ESV And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.

Exodus 23:19A NLT As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the Lord your God.

Malachi 3:10 NIV84 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 you will not have room enough for it.

God wants our giving to cost us something.

Mark 12:43-45 ESV And he called his disciples to him and said to them, Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NLT Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia. Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

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Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV84 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

Luke 12:15 NIV84 Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Matthew 6:24 ESV No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV84 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Spiritual Problem.
Financial Problem.
Biblical Problem.

2 Samuel 7:1-2 ESV Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, see now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.

2 Samuel 7:3 ESV And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.

2 Samuel 7:4-7 ESV But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, go and tell my servant David, thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, why have you not built me a house of cedar?

2 Samuel 7:8-11 ESV Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.

2 Samuel 7:18-21 ESV Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Colossians 3:5 NIV Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Matthew 16:27 ESV For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

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Romans 11:33 NLT Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!

Genesis 37:4-8 ESV But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf. His brothers said to him, are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us? So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.

Genesis 37:18-20 ESV They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. They said to one another, Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams. Genesis 37:24-28 ESV And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, what profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh. And his brothers listened to him. Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.

Genesis 37:31-34 ESV Then they took Joseph’s robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, this we have found; please identify whether it is your son’s robe or not. And he identified it and said, it is my son’s robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces. Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days.

Genesis 39:8-9 ESV But he refused and said to his master’s wife, Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?

Psalms 105:18 NLT They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.

Psalms 105:19 NLT Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

Isaiah 48:10 NLT  I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.

Genesis 41:41-44 ESV And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, bow the knee! Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad–for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.

Matthew 11:28 NLT Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

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

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

1 John 3:11 NIV For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:14 NIV We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.

Mark 12:30-31 NIV 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.

1 John 3:16-18 NIV This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Romans 5:5 NIV And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

1 John 3:19 NIV This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence

1 John 3:20 NIV If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

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Ezekiel 37:1-10 NIV84 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, Son of man, can these bones live? I said, O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.Then he said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet–a vast army.

Ezekiel 37:1 NIV84 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Matthew 16:18 ESV And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV84 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not 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 have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Ezekiel 37:2 NIV84 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.

Ezekiel 37:3 NIV84 He asked me, Son of man, can these bones live? I said, O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.

Ezekiel 37:4-10 NIV84 Then he said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet–a vast army.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV84 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Ephesians 5:16 NLT Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Hebrews 11:1 NLT Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

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Psalms 51:5 NLT For I was born a sinner–yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

Romans 5:12 NLT When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

Luke 19:10 ESV For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Matthew 26:47-50 ESV While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, the one I will kiss is the man; seize him. And he came up to Jesus at once and said, greetings, Rabbi, and he kissed him. Jesus said to him, friend, do what you came to do. Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

God’s Sovereign will.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Judas loved money not Jesus.

Matthew 6:24 ESV No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

John 12:1-6 NLT Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus–the man He had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with Him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray Him, said, that perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Not that he cared for the poor–he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV84 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

Luke 22:3-4 NLT Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.

James 1:14-15 ESV But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Matthew 27:3-5 ESV Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. They said, what is that to us? See to it yourself. And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

The words of Jesus.

Mark 14:21 NLT For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays Him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born.

Matthew 7:13-14 NLT You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Romans 5:8 NIV84 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Matthew 16:24-25 NIV84 Jesus said to his disciples, if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

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Revelation 3:1-3A NIV84 To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.

Comfort.

Matthew 16:24 NIV84 If anyone

Matthew 16:24 NIV84 If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Psalms 51:5 NLT For I was born a sinner–yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

Romans 5:12 NLT When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

Ephesians 2:1-5 ESV And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved.

Revelation 3:2A NIV84 Wake up!

Complacency.

Revelation 3:2B NIV84 Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.

Joshua 1:9 ESV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:5-6 ESV No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.

Joshua 1:7-8 ESV Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Spectator.

Revelation 3:3 NIV84 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.

James 1:22 NLT But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.   Galatians 3:13 NIV84 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV84 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 men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

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2 John 1:4 NIV "4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.”

2 John 1:6 NIV "6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

Matthew 14:28-29 NIV "28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

Matthew 14:30 NIV "30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Proverbs 9:10 NIV “10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Psalms 111:10 NIV “10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”

Proverbs 1:7 NIV “7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Romans 8:15-16 NIV “15 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.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Matthew 14:31-33 NIV "31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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Matthew 2:9 NLT After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.

The star represents that God provides a guide for people who seek Him.

Psalms 33:6-9 NLT The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of Him. For when He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command.

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Matthew 2:10 NLT When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.

The stable represents that Jesus came to live in the real world.

Philippians 2:6-11 NLT Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The manger represents God wanting to take your ordinary life and make it extraordinary.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Matthew 1:21 NKJV And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins

John 3:3 NLT I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.

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John 3:16 NIV84 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 12:1-3 NIV84 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Tithing.

Matthew 16:24-25 NIV84 Then Jesus said to his disciples, if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Offering.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT Remember this–a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Sacrificial Giving.

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John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV84 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Hebrews 11:35B-40 ESV Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy— wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV84 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 16:18 NLT Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV84 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Hebrews 10:25 NIV84 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 11:1 ESV Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 13:15-16 ESV Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

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Job 31:16-23 NIV84 If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless–but from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my birth I guided the widow–if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep, if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court, then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.

Exodus 22:22 -24 NIV84 Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

Isaiah 1:16-17 NIV84 Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless.

James 1:27 NLT Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.

Matthew 25:35-40 NLT For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me. Then these righteous ones will reply, Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? When did we ever see You sick or in prison and visit You? And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!

Open your eyes, heart, mind, and home to Orphans.

Psalms 10:14C NLT The helpless put their trust in You. You defend the orphans.

Psalms 10:17-18 NLT Lord, You know the hopes of the helpless. Surely You will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Recognize your responsibility and defend the fatherless.

Psalms 82:3 NLT Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.

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Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 12:1 ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Hebrews 11:32-40 ESV And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Heaven is watching you.

Hebrews 4:13 NIV84 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Get rid of what's slowing you down.

Hebrews 12:1B ESV Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.

John 18:37B NLT I was born and come into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.

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

Psalms 86:11 NLT Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!

James 4:17 NIV Anyone then that knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Don't give up until you cross the finish line.

Hebrews 12:1C ESV And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV84 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Keep you eyes on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2A ESV Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Galatians 6:9 NIV84 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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Hebrews 10:25 NIV84 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Acts 2:46 NIV84 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Acts 2:47 NIV84 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Romans 6:1-2 NLT Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

Galatians 2:11-14 NIV84 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

All of us need accountability.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Hebrews 10:23 NIV84 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:24 NIV84 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:25 NIV84 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Perfection is not a Prerequisite.

Romans 7:18-19 NLT And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

Proverbs 12:1 NIV84 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Talk to people rather than talk about them.

James 5:19-20 NLT My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

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Hebrews 9:1-14 NLT That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth. There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place. Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Ark’s cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now. When these things were all in place, the priests regularly entered the first room as they performed their religious duties. But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for His own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use. This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them. For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies–physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established. So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With His own blood–not the blood of goats and calves–He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Psalms 38:4 NIV My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

Psalms 51:16-17a NLT You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV84 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Romans 8:1-2 NIV84 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:3-4 NIV84 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, red, yellow, black, white or any combination of the above. We extend a special welcome to those who are short, tall, skinny-as-a-rail or could afford to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you can sing like Sinatra or like our pastor who can’t carry a tune in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re “just browsing,” just woke up, or just got out of jail. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer moms, NASCAR dads, Gators, Bulldogs, Seminoles, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, and junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems, feeling down, or if you don’t like “organized religion,” we’ve been there too... We offer a special welcome to those who work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or you’re here because grandma is in town and she wanted to go to church. We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid, or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers and doubters, bleeding hearts and you!

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV84 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

2 Timothy 1:9a NIV He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

1 John 3:18 NIV84 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 1:9 NIV84 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

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Hebrews 8:3-4 NIV Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.

Hebrews 8:5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven...

Hebrews 8:7-8 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

Hebrews 8:9-10 NIV It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Hebrews 8:11-13 NIV No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord, because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Ephesians 1:5-7 NIV 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. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

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A relationship with Jesus, not religion, will sustain you when life gets hard.

Hebrews 10:1 NLT The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship.

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Matthew 13:18-19 NLT Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.

Matthew 13:20-21 NLT The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.

Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.

Matthew 13:23 NLT The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Hebrews 6:7-8 NLT When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.

John 15:5 NLT Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

Hebrews 6:9-12 NLT Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.

Hebrews 6:15 NLT Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

Romans 4:19-21 NLT And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

Hebrews 6:18-20a NLT So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us.

Revelation 21:3-4 NLT I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

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John 6:37-39 NKJV All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

John 10:27-28 NKJV My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

Romans 8:38-39 NLT And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below–indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:1 NLT Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Hebrews 5:11-14 ESV About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 6:1-2 ESV Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

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

Hebrews 6:3 ESV And this we will do if God permits.

John 6:37 NKJV All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

1 John 1:9 NKJV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Hebrews 6:7-8 ESV For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Mark 8:36 NIV84 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

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Hebrews 3:12-14 NLT Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still today, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Hebrews 12:1 NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Matthew 16:18 NLT Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Ephesians 5:16 NLT Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Proverbs 29:18 KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Matthew 6:19 NIV84 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

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

Hebrews 2:1-5 NIV84 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.Jesus Made Like His Brothers. It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.

Hebrews 2:6-10 But there is a place where someone has testified: What is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet. In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Hebrews 2:11-18 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again he says, Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil– and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jesus is > because He is a King who got involved.

Hebrews 2:9 NIV84 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

John 3:3 NLT I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is > because He is a champion who saves.

Hebrews 2:10 NIV84 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV84 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil– and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Psalms 89:48 NLT No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

Luke 13:22-29 NIV84 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”He said to them, make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, Sir, open the door for us. But he will answer, I don’t know you or where you come from. Then you will say, we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets. But he will reply, I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Jesus is > because He is the Priest who saves you from your sin.

Hebrews 2:17 NIV84 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Romans 10:10 NIV84 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

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John 3:17 NIV84 For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Romans 5:8 NIV84 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV84 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

2 Corinthians 1:9 NIV84 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV84 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 1:1 NIV84 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.

Hebrews 1:2 NIV84 But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

John 1:1 NIV84 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 NIV84 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 1:2 NIV84 But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

Psalms 33:6-9 NLT The Lord merely spoke and the heavens were created. He breathed the word and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

2 Peter 1:21 NIV84 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 1:3 NIV84 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

John 3:3 NLT I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.

Romans 10:9-10 NIV84 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

The Journey Church Podcast: Recent Episodes

The Journey Church

1 We must turn from ourselves to God.

2 We must turn from inreach to outreach.

3 We must have a change of attitude from

4 Our time spent together must move from events