Church of the Nazarene

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 I tried it and it changed my life “I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable source of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses.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.

http://bible.com/events/48714714 One Way "Who do you say that I am?" John 20:31NIV 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. "I am the bread of life" (John 6:22)"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12)"I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:1-18)"I am the good shepherd" (John 10:1-18)"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:17)"I am the way, the truth, the life" (John 14:6)"I am the true vine" (John 15:1-6) John 13:19-21NIV 19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” 21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” John 14:1-10NIV 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Do you know Him? Do you want to know Him?

Ephesians 3:10-11 His (God’s) intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Acts 19:8-20 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[c] 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

http://bible.com/events/48709308 Regret Prevention Part 3: I Would Have Given More Generously It doesn’t matter how much you accomplished or how much you accumulated. One day the game will end and it will all go back in the box. We are focusing on avoiding future regrets by focusing on two of the most common regrets people report as they near the end of life:-Last week: I would have loved more deeply.-This week: I would have given more generously. Acts 2:44-47NIV 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. From the very beginning, followers of Jesus were characterized by radical generosity. Luke 21:1-4NIV 1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” God’s economy, generosity is much more about the WHY than the WHAT.-The truth is, our stuff has the power to imprison us.-The widow's gift is one of deep love, devotion, and total trust. In this moment, she is demonstrating freedom. How do we practice this radical generosity both individually and within community?-We give-We serve What would it look like today for each one of us to ask God this question: "How can I be more generous?"

http://bible.com/events/48704984 Regret Prevention Part 2: I Would Have Loved More Deeply • There is hope on the other side of our regret! We are focusing on avoiding one of the most common regrets people report as they near the end of life: I would have loved more deeply.-We are exploring the importance of love as the guiding focus of life – loving God and loving people.-You’ll find that love is the great antidote to regret. Matthew 22:34-40NIV 34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 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.” Greek word for love: agapaō – means to love dearly, to welcome unconditionally. Point 1: We don’t know how dearly we are loved. “If you want to know God and if you want the world to know him, you will have to saturate in this love. It may seem uncomfortably selfish at times to bathe in the love of God so thoroughly and personally, but it’s the only way you can become the vessel of love he is creating you to be. You will be able to love others only to the extent that you experience his love for yourself. You will forgive other only to the extent that you have experienced forgiveness yourself. You will bless others only to the extent you have understood blessings in your own life. Your capacity to love depends entirely on your capacity to receive it. It will shape your life more than any other force.” -Chris Tiegreen Point 2: We make love about our feelings but really love is defined by our actions. 1 Corinthians 13:3-8NIV 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:13NIV 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.Add your private notes...• • •Greek word for bear: steg'-o: to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently) -- (for-)bear, suffer. Love protects. It bears; it does not bare. Point 3: We don’t give love the final word. Trust God today and take the next step to prevent any further regret.

http://bible.com/events/48704984 Regret Prevention Part 2: I Would Have Loved More Deeply There is hope on the other side of our regret! We are focusing on avoiding one of the most common regrets people report as they near the end of life: I would have loved more deeply.-We are exploring the importance of love as the guiding focus of life – loving God and loving people.-You’ll find that love is the great antidote to regret. Matthew 22:34-40NIV 34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 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.” Greek word for love: agapaō – means to love dearly, to welcome unconditionally. Point 1: We don’t know how dearly we are loved. If you want to know God and if you want the world to know him, you will have to saturate in this love. It may seem uncomfortably selfish at times to bathe in the love of God so thoroughly and personally, but it’s the only way you can become the vessel of love he is creating you to be. You will be able to love others only to the extent that you experience his love for yourself. You will forgive other only to the extent that you have experienced forgiveness yourself. You will bless others only to the extent you have understood blessings in your own life. Your capacity to love depends entirely on your capacity to receive it. It will shape your life more than any other force.” -Chris Tiegreen Point 2: We make love about our feelings but really love is defined by our actions. 1 Corinthians 13:3-8NIV 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:13NIV 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. •Greek word for bear: steg'-o: to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently) -- (for-)bear, suffer. Love protects. It bears; it does not bare. Point 3: We don’t give love the final word. Trust God today and take the next step to prevent any further regret.

http://bible.com/events/48701354 Regret Prevention Part 1: An Introduction to Regret “Life always plays in a forward direction; it never goes backward.” John Ortberg • • • So what do I do with my regret? • • • Matthew 26:31-35NIV 31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. • • • -Peter’s story is one of the most profound stories of regret in all the Bible. -Great regret is often preceded by great expectation: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” • • • Luke 22:54-62NIV 54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”“Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly. • • • -This series is about living in such a way that we AVOID regret. But what do you do with the ones you have? What do I do with my regret? -Perhaps the most important question is: What does Jesus do with them? Add your private notes… • • • John 21:1-14NIV 1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”“No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. • • • -Even with all the pain of his regret, Peter immediately pursues Jesus. -Too often in our regret we are tempted to run from God instead of running to Him. Add your private notes… • • • Bottom Line: When you regret, there is only one place to run.

http://bible.com/events/48701354 Regret Prevention Part 1: An Introduction to Regret “Life always plays in a forward direction; it never goes backward.” John Ortberg • • • So what do I do with my regret? • • • Matthew 26:31-35NIV 31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. • • • -Peter’s story is one of the most profound stories of regret in all the Bible. -Great regret is often preceded by great expectation: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Add your private notes… • • • Luke 22:54-62NIV 54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”“ Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly. • • • -This series is about living in such a way that we AVOID regret. But what do you do with the ones you have? What do I do with my regret? -Perhaps the most important question is: What does Jesus do with them? • • • John 21:1-14NIV 1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”“No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. • • • -Even with all the pain of his regret, Peter immediately pursues Jesus. -Too often in our regret we are tempted to run from God instead of running to Him. Add your private notes… • • • Bottom Line: When you regret, there is only one place to run.

https://bible.com/events/48696920 Psalms for Now, Psalm 23 – My Care Psalms 23:1-6NIV 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  4 Even though I walkthrough the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. • • • If Psalm 23 asks a question it may be “Who will care for me?” • • • Provision for our flourishing (verse 2-3) Phillip Keller writes in his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” “sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry, they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine.” • • • Protection in our peril (verse 4-5) • • • Confidence for the future (verse 6) Romans 8:38-39 NIV For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

https://bible.com/events/48696920 Psalms for Now, Psalm 23 – My Care Psalms 23:1-6NIV 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walkthrough the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff ,they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lordforever. • • • If Psalm 23 asks a question it may be “Who will care for me?” • • • Provision for our flourishing (verse 2-3) Phillip Keller writes in his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” “sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry, they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine.” • • • Protection in our peril (verse 4-5) • • • Confidence for the future (verse 6) Romans 8:38-39 NIV For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

http://bible.com/events/48693634 Psalms for Now, Psalm 91 – My Protection   • Share Event • Locations and Times Psalms 91:1-16NIV 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night ,nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Add your private notes… • • • The question Psalm 91 addresses: “Who will protect me?” Add your private notes… • • • The truth of Psalm 91: God offers you protection Add your private notes… • • • “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ ” Psalm 91:1-2 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 -The context of this psalm is set within (verse 1) a relationship of connection, and a relationship of trust (verse 2) . -It’s as if the psalmist is saying “No matter what is happening around me, I trust you, and I trust in your protection of me” -The powerful truth of Psalm 91 is this: God offers protection…for those who love Him, for those who trust Him, for those who dwell and abide so near to Him that they are resting in His shadow. Add your private notes… • • • The tension of Psalm 91: What about those who don’t appear protected? Add your private notes… • • • Luke 21:16-19NIV 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life. Add your private notes… • • • The proclamation of Psalm 91 goes like this: “Not only I will protect you FROM all trouble, I will protect you IN all trouble.” Add your private notes… • • • Other Scriptures for Study/Reflection -Ruth 2:12 -Matthew 23:37 -Psalm 17:8 -Psalm 57:1 -Ephesians 6:10-18 -Isaiah 54:17

http://bible.com/events/48693634 Psalms for Now, Psalm 91 – My Protection   • Share Event • Locations and Times Psalms 91:1-16NIV 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Add your private notes… • • • The question Psalm 91 addresses: “Who will protect me?” Add your private notes… • • • The truth of Psalm 91: God offers you protection Add your private notes… • • • “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ ” Psalm 91:1-2 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 -The context of this psalm is set within (verse 1) a relationship of connection, and a relationship of trust (verse 2) . -It’s as if the psalmist is saying “No matter what is happening around me, I trust you, and I trust in your protection of me” -The powerful truth of Psalm 91 is this: God offers protection…for those who love Him, for those who trust Him, for those who dwell and abide so near to Him that they are resting in His shadow. Add your private notes… • • • The tension of Psalm 91: What about those who don’t appear protected? Add your private notes… • • • Luke 21:16-19NIV 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life. Add your private notes… • • • The proclamation of Psalm 91 goes like this: “Not only I will protect you FROM all trouble, I will protect you IN all trouble.” Add your private notes… • • • Other Scriptures for Study/Reflection -Ruth 2:12 -Matthew 23:37 -Psalm 17:8 -Psalm 57:1 -Ephesians 6:10-18 -Isaiah 54:17

http://bible.com/events/48691287 Psalms for Now, Psalm 51 – My Sin   • Share Event • Locations and Times Thousands of years ago, a collection of lyrical poems were written. This collection was originally titled, Tehillim, in Hebrew, which means “praise songs”. Today we know them in our Bible as the Book of Psalms. Throughout this series, we are going to study three specific Psalms in order to understand how they can impact us today. Add your private notes… • • • Psalms 51:1-19NIV 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. 18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Add your private notes… • • • “What do I do with my sin?” That’s the question David was faced with in response to the terrible sins he committed. And the question is the same for us today. Add your private notes… • • • Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance. What is repentance? The term throughout Scripture is often translated “to turn” or “to return”. Repentance is admitting you have strayed and, in response, returning to God. Add your private notes… • • • David begins with confession. “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”. Psalm 51:3-5 Add your private notes… • • • After confessing, next comes choosing the path of repentance. Consider the words/phrases David uses throughout Psalm 51: -Cleanse me -Blot out my iniquity -Create in me a pure heart -Renew my spirit -Restore joy -Sustain me -Deliver me Add your private notes… • • • Bottom Line: It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. Bring it to Him.

http://bible.com/events/48691287 Psalms for Now, Psalm 51 – My Sin   • Share Event • Locations and Times Thousands of years ago, a collection of lyrical poems were written. This collection was originally titled, Tehillim, in Hebrew, which means “praise songs”. Today we know them in our Bible as the Book of Psalms. Throughout this series, we are going to study three specific Psalms in order to understand how they can impact us today. Add your private notes… • • • Psalms 51:1-19NIV 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. 18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Add your private notes… • • • “What do I do with my sin?” That’s the question David was faced with in response to the terrible sins he committed. And the question is the same for us today. Add your private notes… • • • Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance. What is repentance? The term throughout Scripture is often translated “to turn” or “to return”. Repentance is admitting you have strayed and, in response, returning to God. Add your private notes… • • • David begins with confession. “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”. Psalm 51:3-5 Add your private notes… • • • After confessing, next comes choosing the path of repentance. Consider the words/phrases David uses throughout Psalm 51: -Cleanse me -Blot out my iniquity -Create in me a pure heart -Renew my spirit -Restore joy -Sustain me -Deliver me Add your private notes… • • • Bottom Line: It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. Bring it to Him.P

http://bible.com/events/48685328 Isaiah 61:1-3NIV1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed meto proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captivesand release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favorand the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beautyinstead of ashes,the oil of joyinstead of mourning,and a garment of praiseinstead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,a planting of the Lordfor the display of his splendor. Add your private notes… • • • 3 Trades and a Consequence Part 1: God offers value for worthlessness, re-construction for de-construction, life for death….Beauty for Ashes. Part 2: God offers recovery from the most traumatic moments, even moments of mourning and grief. He anoints us out of those periods into joy and even celebration as only He can. Part 3: God offers a way out of longer-term sadness, anxiety, worry or depression. Praise transforms us, even in despair. Today: What are the ramifications of the power of God at work in our lives through these trades? Oaks of Righteousness Add your private notes… • • • The tree is an important metaphor throughout Scripture: Jeremiah 17:8 “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.” tree = courage, fruitfulness, absence of worry Psalm 1:3 “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” tree = fruitfulness, life, prosperity in God Other examples: Romans 11:17-21, Psalm 52:8-9 Add your private notes… • • • God restoring us… God planting us… God growing us…. God strengthening us… God sustaining us…. God connecting us…. Add your private notes… • • • Morgan’s Story Experience a real life story of God’s restoration in Morgan’s life. https://youtu.be/CBediHCfL74 • • • Other Scriptures for Study/Reflection -Isaiah 12:3 -Ephesians 3:17 -Mark 11:12-25 -Romans 11:17-21 -Psalm 52:8-9