Church of the Nazarene

http://bible.com/events/48767064 James and the Trials of Life God is with us on this journey. We believe, for such a time as this, He has called us. ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:15-16‬‬ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” The following passage is really an introduction to the entire book of James. He will revisit the topic of trials, testing, perseverance and maturity throughout. We will see these ideas again on our journey through James. ‭‭James‬ ‭1:1-4‬‬ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 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. Happiness is causal Joy is cultivated ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:6-7‬‬ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:1-2‬‬ Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. We are tried To prove our faith true We are refined To truly reflect Him ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬‬ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Other resources for further study: 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 Psalm 24:3-5 Romans 12:12 Faith upholds a Christian under all trials, by assuring him that every painful dispensation is under the direction of his Lord; that chastisements are a token of His love; that the season, measure, and continuance of his sufferings, are appointed by Infinite Wisdom, and designed to work for his everlasting good; and that grace and strength shall be afforded him, according to his need. —John Newton James in 8 Minutes This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

http://bible.com/events/48761539 James: The Man and the Book God is with us on this journey. We believe, for such a time as this, He has called us. Today we start something that's unprecedented for us. Today we begin a study in the book of James that will carry us through the end of 2021 and beyond. Why James? Relationship - James was Jesus' half-brother. He was a literal witness, not just of Jesus' public ministry, but of his life. Influence - After Jesus' death and resurrection, James' life was transformed. He became the leader of the church is Jerusalem, the first Christian community ever. Timing - The book of James is believed to be the first written book of the New Testament canon. It is the first existing Christian writing of any kind that we know about. Purpose - The book is practical, not especially focused on the theological roots of why we believe, but rather an emphasis on action and obedience in response to what we believe. There is a clear connection between the book of James and the words of Jesus. Consider just a few examples from James and the Sermon on the Mount:-“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2) & "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)-"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:4) & "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)- "…you have not because you ask not." (James 4:2) & “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) Why this approach? It will challenge us. It will force us to slow down. It will cause us to dig deeper. What is essential for each one of us as we prepare for this journey? Faith that is willing to persevere. James 1:22NIV 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Throughout this journey, we are going to come face to face with God's truth. And each and every time, we will be faced with an important decision: Am I going to do what it says? If, according to James, we should be “doers of the word” rather than just hearers, what does my doing look like? Am I even doing anything? Other resources for further study: James in 8 Minutes This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY Echoes of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of James https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/echoes-of-the-sermon-on-the-mount-in-the-book-of-james/

http://bible.com/events/48757066 It’s All in Your Mind: Thinking Straight If your mind believes anything you tell it….what are you telling it? Missed week 2 of the series? Check out last week's message as Pastor Adrian shares the truth of how we 'take every thought captive' in the battle of the mind.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9nVXaE330I Maybe you find yourself praying, "Lord, change my circumstances". Maybe you find yourself praying, "Lord, change my actions". Maybe you find yourself praying, "Lord, change my heart". But over these last few weeks, we are learning that the most important prayer we can pray is this:" Lord, change my mind". Last week we focused on what NOT to think. This week we will lean into this question: So what SHOULD we think about? Philippians 4:4-9NIV 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. As we choose to rejoice and as we choose not to be anxious, we experience the peace of God. It's not our version of peace, but rather it will be His peace.-In the battle of the mind, Paul commands the church to dwell on these specific things.-Paul moves from thought ('think on such things') to action ('put it into practice'), and then to experience ('God of peace will be with you'). "Your mind always believes everything you tell it." Anonymous So, what are you telling it? Isaiah 26:3NIV 3 You will keep in perfect peacethose whose minds are steadfast,because they trust in you. A declaration to dwell upon: I am a child of God, created and saved by Him. Jesus did for me what no one else could do – providing my forever life in Heaven by faith through His death and resurrection. It doesn’t matter what I see in my circumstances, I will trust Him. I will hope, because I am His. Worry is not my master. Fear will not rule me. My enemy wants to bury me under a mountain of lies. He will not. God’s Word is truth .I will fix my mind on Him, the one most lovely, noble and beautiful. I will not focus on myself but on loving every one around me daily. I need Him so desperately and He will be faithful. I believe.

It's All in Your Mind Part 3 It's All In Your Mind: Thinking straight Welcome back to series- It's all in your mind "Most of life's battles are won or lost in our minds" ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4-5‬‬ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. With everything happening in the world right now, it could be hard to find something to rejoice about. But, this isn’t saying “rejoice in the world” rather “rejoice in the Lord.” ALWAYS. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬‬ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. As followers of Jesus, we don’t find victory in the battle of our minds within ourselves, we find it within the person and presence of Jesus. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬‬ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This is the peace that Jesus spoke of when he said. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬‬ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. If last week we looked specifically at what NOT to think about, the Apostle Paul is telling us what TO think about. How would your life be different if you focused and dwelt on these things? ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬‬ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Paul's final exhortation is to put into practice what they have seen and what they have learned from him. We have the same commission today!

It’s All in Your Mind: Captivated "You cannot change what you do not confront." -Craig Groeschel • Share Event • Locations and TimesReview - Week 1-We are focusing this series on the battle in our minds. We believe God gives us victory in this battle. We will not waste another day losing a battle we can win.-There are a lot of ways God's Word could challenge us to be transformed, but it clearly states we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).-Most of life’s battles are won or lost in the mind.-This transformation isn’t optional – only for some people – but for anyone who wants to mature in the faith. It's for anyone who wants to experience victory.-Without a renewed mind we are adrift, not able to know the Will of God.-When we are in Christ, we have access to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).-A transformed mind isn’t just your mind cleaned up a little – it’s HIS MIND IN YOU.-Our declaration of truth: Change your mind, change your life.Add your private notes...• • •The question for us today: What does it look like to have our minds transformed?If we are to be transformed by our mind’s renewal, then what does that look like on a day by day and moment by moment basis?Add your private notes...• • •2 Corinthians 10:3-5NIV 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 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. The word used here for war literally means….war. The word used here for weapons literally means…weapons. Paul’s readers would have been thinking of actual war.-While the opening sounds like an instruction on waging an earthly war, it might surprise you when, in verse 5, Paul writes that we are not fighting people, but “arguments and every pretension”-The word for “take captive” is also a military term, indicating that you have overcome an enemy and that enemy is now under your control.-It appears there are two options presented in the text: you control your thoughts or your thoughts will control you. The good news:-Just because a thought is in your head does not mean it’s your thought .It does not mean you put it there. It does not mean that it’s true.-Just because a thought pops into your head doesn’t mean you have to accept and believe it.-You actually have the power to CHOOSE what you believe and what you allow into your mind. How we 'take thoughts captive':1. First we must ask 'what is the lie'?2. Next we must ask 'what does God's Word say'?3. We must proclaim truth over our lives. Taking every thought captive means that we take control of what we think. We think intentionally, not accidentally Stronghold: God doesn’t exist. The Truth:-The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1-The heavens declare the glory of God the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2-Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" John 14:9-You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13Add your private notes...• • •Stronghold: I'll never know God's will. He has abandoned me. The Truth:-Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6-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. Isaiah 41:10-The Lord has said “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:5-6 Stronghold: God ignores my prayers completely. The Truth:-This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14-The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16-And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 (NLT) Stronghold: I'm a failure and always will be. The Truth:-For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13-I don’t want self-confidence anyway – my confidence is and always will be in Him. (But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7)-Jesus said "He must greater and I must less." (He must increase, I must decrease) John 3:30 Stronghold: God won't meet my needs. The Truth:-Jesus said "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? " Matthew 6

Church of the Nazarene- East Rock It's All in Your Mind Part 2 It's All In Your Mind: Captivated Welcome back to series- It's all in your mind "Most of life's battles are won or lost in our minds" ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3‬‬ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ‭‭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. From the very beginning, to follow Jesus means to live differently, to engage the battle differently than the world around us. ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:4‬‬ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. "Not" here is in the strongest tense in the original language. "The weapons we fight with are absolutely not the weapons of the world..." "Victory in the battle of the mind, begins with surrender" ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:24-25‬‬ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. "Our commitment to Jesus must rule over our desire to realize our own fulfillment" ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬‬ 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. What does this look like in our everyday lives? 1. First, we must ask "What's the lie?" 2. Next, we must ask "What's God's Word say?" 3. Finally, we must proclaim truth over our lives. (Counter attack!)

It's All In Your Mind: Part 1: Transformation Welcome to our new series- It's all in your mind "Our mind is the control center of our attitudes, our thoughts, our perceptions, our feelings, our affections, and our actions." What we think about matters! -We are focusing this series on the battle in our minds. We believe God gives us victory in this battle. We will not waste another day losing a battle we can win.-There are a lot of ways God's Word could challenge us to be transformed, but it clearly states we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).-Most of life’s battles are won or lost in the mind.-This transformation isn’t optional – only for some people – but for anyone who wants to mature in the faith. It's for anyone who wants to experience victory.-Without a renewed mind we are adrift, not able to know the Will of God.-When we are in Christ, we have access to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).-A transformed mind isn’t just your mind cleaned up a little – it’s HIS MIND IN YOU.-Our declaration of truth: Change your mind, change your life.

It's All In Your Mind: Part 1-Transformation Welcome to our new series- It's all in your mind "Our mind is the control center of our attitudes, our thoughts, our perceptions, our feelings, our affections, and our actions." What we think about matters! How is your thought life right now? Where would you land on these scales? Worried 1 2 3 4...8 9 10 Peaceful Pessimistic/negative 1 2 3 4...8 9 10 Optimistic/hopeful Worldy/temporary 1 2 3 4...8 9 10 Jesus/eternal ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1-2‬‬ 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. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world" We are not to “fall into line” with the worlds way of thinking or doing things. “But be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Rather than conforming to the ways of the world we are to be completely, categorically made new in Christ. The renewing of our minds is a renewal of… 1.The seat of our emotions and affections 2.Our modes of thinking and feeling 3.Our disposition, our right and wrong decision making 4.Our perception, our understanding 5.Our ability to discern and judge “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The result of a transformed life and a renewed mind is that we can navigate our world and our thoughts with the ability to test and know what God’s will is. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:16‬‬ for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. We can have the disposition of Christ, His understanding, his perception, his thoughts. Because we have the mind of Christ, we can be transformed into His image. Will you take a stand in the battle of your mind? To change your mind is to change your life... Will you pray this prayer of transformation? "Lord, change my mind, change my life"

http://bible.com/events/48747337 Stand Brian Charette unpacks Ephesians 6:10-14 and a biblical approach to standing firm in our time. Pastor Kerry's Message - 8/8/21 This morning is a kind of Part 2 to Pastor Kerry’s message last week as we fill in for Pastor Adrian who is away for a much-needed vacation. We encourage you to watch that message when you have a chance. You’ll find it here: https://vimeo.com/584581193 Ephesians 6:10-14a 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then… ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:16‬‬ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. The Greek word, histemi (throughout the Ephesians 6 text) is an important one throughout the New Testament as it relates to how a believer is to act. It means "make a stand," "stand before/among others," "rise up," "stand unshakeable," etc. Standing Lessons 1. Standing is standing as individuals together - in unity ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:1-2‬‬ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Just as in the church at Ephesus, there were those in Philippi taking stands against each other instead of the real enemy. ‭‭John‬ ‭17:22-23‬‬ I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Standing Lessons 2. Standing is sacrificing ‭‭Acts‬ ‭14:8-20‬‬ In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. Standing Lessons 3. Standing is an expression of love ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:10-13‬‬ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ‭‭John‬ ‭15:13‬‬ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Ultimately, to stand firm – to take your stand - in a biblical sense, is to love. And perhaps, in the middle of a love drought, those of us carrying living water are needed more than ever. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:19‬‬ Stand firm, and you will win life.

Burning Questions: What do you mean you don't believe "once-saved-always-saved"? Burning Questions part 3: What do you mean you don't believe once-saved-always-saved? Burning Questions: "What do you mean you don't believe in once-saved-always-saved? So, what’s with this question? What’s it about or what’s behind it? a.This question is about a doctrine commonly held within the Reformed or Calvinist tradition, for example think Baptists, Presbyterians or United Church of Christ. b.This doctrine or belief states that once you have been saved, you can never lose your salvation. c.The belief is that God’s grace will always keep you, and that no matter what you do, you will be finally saved and spend eternity with Christ Salvation becomes like that sign you see at the store "All sales are final, absolutely no returns." Scriptures that seem to uphold this view: John 10:28-29 1 Peter 1:5 Philippians 1:6 So, Whats the Big deal? I think we can encounter a two-fold problem. First, if we are leaning heavy into the idea that once we are saved, we are automatically saved forever, our corrupt sinful nature will cause us to put too much emphasis on what we did in the past, rather than how we live currently. Secondly, to lean heavily on the idea that we are once saved and always saved is to minimize or ignore the many, many scriptures that point to the necessity of believers growth, persistence, and continued response to the call of Christ. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬‬ 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. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3:12-14‬‬ See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. Jesus argued against once saved always saved, giving us a very clear warning about falling away and the urgency of persistence in our faith. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:12-13‬‬ Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. So, do you believe in once-saved-always-saved? We believe that those in Christ can rest assured that they are saved, that those who love Him and desire to surrender to Him don’t have to worry that God will abandon them. We believe that a person’s relationship with God is just that – a relationship. And that a person can, sadly, choose to abandon that relationship. As with many of our questions throughout this series, we are challenged to evaluate our own hearts, our own “position” if you will on the matter. How is your relationship with Jesus? Right now? How is your race of Faith going today? are you still in it? Has the cooling wind of lawlessness cooled your once white-hot devotion to God? The beauty of all of this is that you can decide right now to love Jesus actively. Your love doesn’t have to grow or remain cold.

http://bible.com/events/48743010 Redeemed and Restored Pastor Kerry Willis brings the word from Mark 2:1-12 [1] Several days later Jesus returned to Capernaum and the news of His arrival spread quickly through the town. [2] Soon the house where He was staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn’t room for one more person, not even outside the door. [3] Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. [4] They couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above His head. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. [5] Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.“ [6] But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there said to themselves, [7] “What? This is blasphemy! Who but God can forgive sins!” [8] Jesus knew what they were discussing among themselves, so He said to them, “Why do you think this is blasphemy? [9] Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? [10] I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, [11] “Stand up, take your mat, and go on home because you are healed!” [12] The man jumped up, took the mat, and pushed his way through the stunned onlookers. Then they all praised God. “We’ve never seen anything like this before!“ they exclaimed. Capernaum was the town where Jesus set up His Galilee ministry. It was His new “hometown.”  The faith of the 4 friends pleased God the Son. (Note Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”) The doctrine of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is recorded in Mark 10:45, Jesus speaking: “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served, but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many.” Will we be friends, even in these days, with a fervent faith that will focus on bringing our lost and “paralyzed friends” to encounter the Savior and Healer, Jesus Christ?  Do we have faith to begin bringing our friends back to church — to our Jesus gatherings?

http://bible.com/events/48740911 Sorry I didn't send these along earlier in the week. See you in the morning!  Burning Questions: I’m a Christian but I still sin...what’s wrong with me? When Jesus sees your sin, He doesn’t condemn you; He says, “I can help with that.” Week 1:Would a loving God really send someone to Hell? Week 2:Do you actually believe the Bible is true? Today's question: I’m a Christian but I still sin...what’s wrong with me? Why this question?-We are ALL sinners. We talked about that in the first week of the series, and it's true. The Bible says, each and every one of us sins.-The good news is, through Jesus, we can be forgiven. But even after we are forgiven, struggling with sin makes many believers doubt…doubt themselves or even doubt God.-Some question whether they are really a Christian, others may feel constant guilt and shame that God is disappointed, even angry with them.-We must understand clearly what the Bible says about this question so we can experience victory and joy in our lives. So what do we do when we sin? How do you face your own sin? That’s really the important question we must answer. 1 John 1:8-9NIV 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Here we see an incredible promise with a condition.-What is our part? "If we confess our sins" (verse 9)-What is the promise? He forgives!-There is one more part to the promise: he longs to purify us from all unrighteousness. “I’m a Christian but I still sin...what’s wrong with me?”-The answer is "NOTHING." There's nothing wrong with you.-Here’s what WOULD be wrong: to entertain sin, to dabble in it, to accept it as “normal” or to believe that God winks at it. Living this way would be to make grace cheap. Bottom Line:When Jesus sees your sin, He doesn’t condemn you;He says, “I can help with that.” As believers in Christ, we desire to expose the sin in our lives. We do not desire to hide it or explain it away.We desire to be brave enough to share our struggles with someone else.And most importantly, bringing it to the Lord. Romans 2:4NIV 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 8:1NIV 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Burning Questions: I am a Christian but i still sin...what's wrong with me? Words matter, we all know that. But we also recognize words can mean slightly different things to each one of us. To un-pack our question today we will look at what we mean when we say "Christian" and "sin". To begin, what do we mean when we say "I am a Christian"? What do you think you know about someone that tells you they are a Christian? How would you define what it means to be a Christian? For our understanding today, we need to see being a Christian, as being in a personal, intimate, genuine relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. This relationship changes everything! Being a Christian means... We live Transformed lives  "Whoever claims to live in Him must life as Jesus did" ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:3-6‬‬ We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. Being a Christian means... Transformed relationships with others ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:9-10‬‬ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. Being a Christian means... A renewed outlook on the world. ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15-17‬‬ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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. What do we mean by "sin"? Greek- Hamartia- To fall short, to miss the mark. "Sin is not only wrong doing, it is wrong being" N. T. Wright ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:8‬‬ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. "The great swindle of shame is what keeps us away from what we so desperately need, what we long for in our heart of hearts. Forgiveness and reconciliation with Christ" ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:4-6‬‬ Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. We cannot with sincerity say that we are serious about our relationship with Christ, while freely choosing to sin. ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬‬ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Not only does God forgive us, but scripture also says he desires to purify, to cleanse our hearts from that sinful nature that causes us to betray him. So, I am a christian and i still sin...Whats wrong with me? - There is nothing wrong with you, that is not wrong in every single person. A sinful nature. - By Grace through Faith in Christ, He longs to forgive you and to cleanse your heart from the nature of sin.

https://www.bible.com/events/48737246 Burning Questions: Do You Actually Believe The Bible is True (The Word of God)?“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” -Charles SpurgeonL 1 Peter 3:15 NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Week 1:Would a loving God really send someone to Hell? Today we are addressing the question: Do you actually believe the Bible is true (the Word of God)? The Bible - also known as the Holy Bible, God’s Word, the Scriptures is:-a collection of 66 books39 books of Hebrew Scripture known as the Old Testament27 books we call the New Testament-written by 40 authors-over a period of 1,500 years-on 3 continents. Two answers we may give, that are not well grounded, when ask "Why do you believe the Bible is true?"1. Because that's the way I was raised2. I tried it and it changed my life “I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable source of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.” - Voddie Bachaum 2 Peter 1:16-21 NIV 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Peter’s preaching is not based on something he made up, but on both his firsthand experience of Jesus and the truth of Scripture (fulfilled prophecy). RELIABLE SOURCE OF HISTORICAL DOCUMENTSAfter applying the same criteria to the Bible as other ancient documents it is clear that the Bible is the most accurately preserved and verified document of the ancient world. WRITTEN BY EYEWITNESSES DURING THE LIFETIME OF OTHER EYEWITNESSES- 2 Peter 1:16-18- Luke 1:1-4-1 Corinthians 15:5-8-1 John 1:1-3 REPORT SUPERNATURAL EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN FULFILLMENT OF SPECIFIC PROPHECIES- 2 Peter 1:19Scripture—particularly the words of the prophets—and Peter’s own experience confirm the truth of his teachings CLAIM THEIR WRITINGS ARE DIVINE RATHER THAN HUMAN IN ORIGIN- 2 Peter 1:20-21 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Being that the writings are divine rather than human in origin it answers our deepest longings and questions. What is truth? Does life have purpose? Is there a God? Can I know Him? Is there anything beyond this life? Hebrews 4:12 NIV 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for the Western Christian today is the temptation to take the Bible for granted. Matthew 7:21 NIV 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:24-27 NIV 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 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. 26 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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” There is a difference between believing the Bible is true and living like the Bible is true 4 practices to understanding

Church of the Nazarene Burning Questions: Do you really believe the bible is true? Burning Questions part 2: Do you really believe the bible is true? (the word of God? ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:15‬‬ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Do you actually believe the Bible is True? What does the world say? A survey from 2014 by PewResearch indicated 35% of Americans read the bible at least once a week 45% say they seldom or never read the bible. What do Christians say? 39% say the bible is the word of God and should be taken literally. 36% say it should not be taken literally or express another opinion or no answer at all. 18% view it as a book written by men and not by God. What does your church say? Church of the Nazarene Article of Faith IV "We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith." How can we unpack this question together? We will examine two specific aspects of this question. 1. Reliability of the text 2. The story the bible is telling ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:14-17‬‬ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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. How did Jesus view the Scriptures? ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:1-4‬‬ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” "The truth is that our own longings prove the story of the bible to be true. Man cannot really live and thrive apart from God’s word, apart from God’s story." ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬‬ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. So, do we believe the bible is true, that the bible is the word of God? Yes! The bible is confronting you with a question: What story are you living for? How can we engage the bible? 1. Read it! As you prepare to read the bible, pray that God would open your heart and mind to hear his words. 2. Read it in Community! Life Groups are a great example of ways to engage the scriptures in community. 3.Listen to the word! There are many audio bible's available for free on your smartphone. 4. Pray the word! Praying scripture back to God is a powerful way to get into the story.

http://bible.com/events/48733053 Burning Questions: Would a Loving God Really Send Someone to Hell? What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.1 Peter 3:15NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Why this question specifically?-There are a growing number of influential leaders who have famously argued against even the existence of Hell.-The growth of universalism – which argues that everyone goes to Heaven - states that because God is love, Hell is only make believe. It is used to scare us into being good, but no one will actually end up there.-We love the idea of grace and extravagant love, and have trouble reconciling a God who would allow anyone to suffer eternally. There are over 162 references in the New Testament alone which warns of hell. Over 70 of these references were uttered by Jesus himself It’s difficult to ignore:-Matthew 10:28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."-Matthew 23:33: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”-Matthew 25:41: "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.' "-Luke 13:28: “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.”-Luke 16:23: "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side." Luke 16:19-31NIV 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ' The point of this parable of Jesus is to pay close attention to your ETERNAL status and not necessarily your EARTHLY status. Why would a loving God SEND someone to hell?-Biblically, Hell is a choice. It’s YOUR choice and mine.-A choice that people are allowed to make.-God doesn’t WANT anyone to perish (John 3:16), but He grants people the freedom to reject him.-Biblically, Hell is a choice – a choice to reject Heaven. Two of the scariest lies in our world right now: LIE #1: We are all good people-Romans 3:9-12 - “there is no one righteousness"-Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fallen short of His glory” LIE #2 God would never punish me-He is a God of truth & grace. He is a God of love AND a God of justice.-Revelation 20 - “each person was judged according to what they had done." There's an equally important question we MUST answer today. The important question as regards to the reality of Hell is: What are we doing about it? Add your private notes...• • •What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.

http://bible.com/events/48733053 Burning Questions: Would a Loving God Really Send Someone to Hell? What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.1 Peter 3:15NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Why this question specifically?-There are a growing number of influential leaders who have famously argued against even the existence of Hell.-The growth of universalism – which argues that everyone goes to Heaven - states that because God is love, Hell is only make believe. It is used to scare us into being good, but no one will actually end up there.-We love the idea of grace and extravagant love, and have trouble reconciling a God who would allow anyone to suffer eternally. There are over 162 references in the New Testament alone which warns of hell. Over 70 of these references were uttered by Jesus himself It’s difficult to ignore:-Matthew 10:28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."-Matthew 23:33: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”-Matthew 25:41: "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.' "-Luke 13:28: “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.”-Luke 16:23: "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side." Luke 16:19-31NIV 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”Add your private notes...• • •-The point of this parable of Jesus is to pay close attention to your ETERNAL status and not necessarily your EARTHLY status. Why would a loving God SEND someone to hell?-Biblically, Hell is a choice. It’s YOUR choice and mine.-A choice that people are allowed to make.-God doesn’t WANT anyone to perish (John 3:16), but He grants people the freedom to reject him.-Biblically, Hell is a choice – a choice to reject Heaven. Two of the scariest lies in our world right now: LIE #1: We are all good people-Romans 3:9-12 - “there is no one righteousness"-Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fallen short of His glory” LIE #2 God would never punish me-He is a God of truth & grace. He is a God of love AND a God of justice.-Revelation 20 - “each person was judged according to what they had done." There's an equally important question we MUST answer today. The important question as regards to the reality of Hell is: What are we doing about it? Add your private notes...• • •What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.

http://bible.com/events/48728157 The Gospel of Generosity "It can’t be all about me and all about Him at the same time."John 13:34-35NIV 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”Add your private notes...• • •-The Gospel calls us to a radical form of love, a love that forces us to get our eyes and focus and attention off of ourselves.Add your private notes...• • •The fundamental problem we have is this:It can’t be all about me and all about you at the same time. or maybe worded this way:It can’t be all about me and all about HIM at the same time. 1 John 3:11NIV 11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:14-18NIV 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 16 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. 17 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? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. At the end of his life, the apostle John is reflecting back on it all, and making conclusions about all he has witnessed in and through the life of Jesus.-Who is my brother or sister? Anyone who has a need. This means that since Jesus laid down his life for us, we are compelled to lay down our lives for anyone who has a need.-What John would say to you and to me? "If seeing a need causes you to freeze up, to close up, or to shrink back, then you don’t really get it! If you experienced Jesus as I did, if you saw what I saw, then there would never be a moment when seeing a need causes you to do that."

WHAT NOW? · There is more to the Church than just showing up on Sunday morning. · Without Jesus, we are the living dead. · We are God’s handiwork. We have a purpose. · Our Church, all three campuses must be in Unity to make a difference in our communities. Christians are to LIVE DIFFERENT. We are to live different so that we will be contagious to others. We must LIVE IN the world but we must LIVE DIFFERENT. It is a decisive and continual action. If we look the same as the world, we’re doing something wrong. If we have anything in us that keeps us from being truly different; let us ask the Lord to reveal that even this morning. A prayer to pray for God to reveal His will to you is found in Psalm 139:23-24, "Dear God search me O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Lord I desire to continue on the path of everlasting life. Please God speak to me. Help me Lord to live differently than those in the world. You are my God and I trust You with my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.” The letter of Ephesians is a letter of encouragement to the church. Paul is writing to call them out of their old ways. The Christian answer to this condition is “reconciliation with God”. Once we repent of our sin and ask Jesus to come live in our heart, we MUST turn in the opposite direction of sin. There is no neutral ground. How are you representing Jesus? It is either “Good” or “Bad” there is no in-between. The Evangelist, Billy Graham said “We should have a redemptive relationship with society, as Jesus did.” We are to be in the world, but not of it. What are you putting into your mind everyday? As we listen to God, we will continue to change all the time to be more like Jesus. Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world.” STOP. Quit giving in. LIVE DIFFERENT. Be transformed by the renewal of your mind by putting good things in your mind. When you stop, you must fill the void with the right things. · Jeremiah 15:16: When your words came, I ate them; They were my joy and my heart’s delight, For I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. · Psalm 119:9 – With your whole heart search for God. Stay in God’s word. Store up God’s word in your heart so we do not sin against God. This gives us a renewed mind. Many believers are living in 2 worlds. Trying to honor God and also trying to live and please your friends. It will not work. Have you ever had the desire to change and not been able to? Galatians 5:16 “…Walk by the Sprit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Daily choices matter. Day after day we must be consistent in choosing to Live Differently than those in the world. Becoming a Christian requires turning from your sin to God. We call this repentance. But repentance is not a one-time event. It defines the lifestyle of a believer. God changes us radically at the moment of salvation by imparting a new life to us, but this is followed by a lifetime of changing into the image of Jesus Christ. When we turn from sin and turn to God, we are forgiven in Christ’s eyes. He grants a full pardon just like the sin never happened. We are regenerated, ‘made new in Christ’, with a heart that is capable of faith, love and obedience. When we ask Jesus to live in our heart, we are immediately adopted into the Family of God. Jesus forgives and He instantly gives you a pure heart. Forgiveness, regeneration, and adoption happen simultaneously in the experience of a new believer in Christ. The Lord wants you, me, and every person who call their self a Christian to encourage each other to LIVE DIFFERENT than the world. I must die to self and live for Christ. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Focus on you. Get to the place where you can walk with the Lord. Die to the old self and allow Christ to have full control of your life. Ask God to help you die to the old self.

http://bible.com/events/48725380 The Measure of Generosity What is the measure of generosity? So what is the measure of generosity? Before Jesus came to earth, most people thought they knew how to accurately measure generosity. But Jesus showed us the new standard. He changed the measurement. Your method of measurement matters. Luke 6:27-36NIV 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. If someone has to love you for you to love them, if you have to like someone in order to love them, if someone has to agree with you in order for you to love them, you are using the wrong standard of measurement.-The principle of the day was one of reciprocity. This principle says one must give in equal measure to what one has received. This was the measurement. But now Jesus introduces a radical new standard.-The call of the disciple is to a greater love, a distinct love, a love that is unique in the world. This is THE new measure of love. A new definition. A new standard. The new standard of generosity! Our standard is: “What is fair?” God’s standard is: “What is merciful?” (Luke 6:36)Add your private notes...• • •We don’t get to be the ones who decide who deserves to be loved. Luke 6:37-38NIV 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Jesus is saying ‘Be careful of the standard you use with others. That’s the standard I will use with you’.“ For the measure you use, it will be measured to you”

What now? Part 4 What now? Part 4 We're united What Now? We're united ‭‭John‬ ‭17:20-23‬‬ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:1-3‬‬ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Be completely humble Be completely gentle Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Be patient, bearing with on another in love. "Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind." David G. Allen “Bearing with one another means fully accepting them in their uniqueness, including their weakness, and faults, and allowing them worth and space” Andrew T. Lincoln. ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:3‬‬ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. So what now? We're united ‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬‬ For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. “There is enough of the flesh in every one of us to wreck any local church and any other work of God” -William MacDonald

BEST WEEK EVER June 27–July 4, 2021Our mission statement states this, Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ! Best Week Ever is a great opportunity for our church to engage our community in tangible and relational ways. This is an opportunity to be love in action. Whether you are taking a week’s vacation, or you just have an hour or two to spare, there is a place for you to make a difference. This is your church. In your community. This is your event! It won’t be the same without you. So, let’s get you registered. There will be opportunities to worship, work and play! After this pandemic year, lets come together and bless our community with the BEST WEEK EVER! We invite you to be a part of some of the fun events happening alongside the service projects during the week: Worship, Prayer, and Sundaes- Sunday, June 27 @ 6:30pm. Best Week Ever is kicking off with an outdoor worship and prayer event! All three campuses worshiping together for the first time! We will end the evening with fellowship and brownie sundaes! Bring a chair or a blanket. If there is inclement weather, the event will be held in the auditorium. .5K for Stone Haven- Tuesday, June 29th, 6:30pm. Join us as we host our first ever .5k! If you can walk 1,640 feet, this event is for you! We hope that you will join us that evening as we compete in fun competitions, enjoy good food, and end the evening with a movie! We are hosting this event to bring awareness to a new nonprofit in our area called Stone Haven. This evening will be fun for all ages! So bring yourself, bring a friend, and we will see you for a night of FUN! First Responders Dinner- Thursday, July 1, 11:00am-2:00pm. This is for the first responder community in its entirety. The menu will be: BBQ chicken, green beans, potato salad, tossed salad, homemade pie and ice cream. There will be a drawing for some pretty cool door prizes. If you don’t have time to sit down and eat, you can get your meal to go. We look forward to seeing you and thanking you for your service! Essential Attributes of a Volunteer Pastor Adrian Mills shares about what being a volunteer in the Kingdom looks likehttps://youtu.be/EB-y8nG_9hU Heart of Best Week Ever Hear Pastor Margaret's heart behind why we do Best Week Everhttps://youtu.be/EUO8y_8UWEM Here are some of the organizations COTN volunteers will be serving this week: Nonprofits: Habitat for Humanity, Hope Distributed, New Creation, Open Doors, Skyline Literacy, Stone Haven, EAUS Food Pantry and Thrift Store Schools: Stone Spring Elementary, Elkton Area Schools Others: First responders, individuals' needs, veterans Remembering the words of Jesus in Mark 12:30-31, let’s lean in and have the Best Week Ever!! “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.”

What now? Part 3 What now? Part 3 We get to work What Now? We get to work ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬‬ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. For we are God's handiwork... You are God's workmanship, His idea! ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:4-6‬‬ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:7‬‬ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬‬ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork... Speaking of what it means to be God's handiwork author Rick Renner says: "it emphatically means that on the day you got saved, God put forth His most powerful and creative effort to make you new. Once God was finished making you new, you became a masterpiece, skillfully and artfully created in Christ Jesus. There's nothing cheap about you at all! God's creative, artistic, intelligent genius went into your making." We are created in Christ Jesus... Chapter 2 begins with the walking dead and concludes that we have been created in Christ! What a glorious transformation! To do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do... ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬‬ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬‬ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. What now? We get to work!

Student Sunday When obedience gets tricky. The biggest mistake you can make is believing that your obedience is insignificant. Matthew 14:22-32NIV 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,  24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  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. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  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.  1. Obedience is messy Peter didn't have an obedience problem; he had a distraction problem.  2. We can sink or cry out 3. Jesus will respond Matthew 14:31NIV 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

What Now? Part: 2 The Heart of it All ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:1-3‬‬ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬‬ “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. "The walking dead" …You were dead in your transgressions and sins ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:4-9‬‬ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. What now? Live Jesus Focused! ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:19-22‬‬ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.