Faith

Which is Better, Life With or Without Jesus? Which is better, life with or without Jesus?“Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's real rebellion. Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll is easy. True Christianity … that’s rebellion.”- Alice Cooper Philippians 3:1-14 (ESV)“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Why is life with Jesus worth it?1. You personally know Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:8 (ESV)“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 2. Your standing before God is based on Christ, not you. Romans 3:22 (NIV)“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”Philippians 2:12 (NIV)“Just as if I had always obeyed” Faith + Works = justificationGrace + Merit = justificationChrist + My inherent righteousness = justification (Could you please put a red X over (Works, Merit, My inherent righteousness?)Faith + Works = justificationGrace + Merit = justificationChrist + My inherent righteousness = justification Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone = justification Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 3. Your purpose is greater than earthly comforts. Philippians 3:10, 13 (NKJV)“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Matthew 16:26 (NIV)“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

The Good Life // Becoming Like Christ Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV)“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” The Good Life 1. Living like Jesus shows the way to Jesus. 2. Living like Jesus looks different than those who don’t know Him yet. Daniel 12:3 (ESV)“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” 3. Living like Jesus is an example for other believers to follow. Philippians 2:19-30 (NIV)“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” 4. When you fix your eyes on Jesus your life will become more and more like his. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)“let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

How To Live The Good Life Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV)“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”1. Look to Jesus’ example. · Surrendered his divine form. (v.6)· He emptied himself and any rights. (v.7)· Became a man. (v.7)· Became a servant. (v.7)· Obedient even unto death. (v.8)· Embraced the shameful death on a cross. (v.8) 2. The more you focus on Jesus, the less you focus on yourself and the more you see the needs of others. (v.2-5)“…being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”

The Good Life // God’s Perspective is Everything Acts 16:20-23 (NIV)“These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” Philippians 1:12-30 (NIV)“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” God’s perspective is everything. 1. When Christ is at the center, He changes our perspective toward difficult circumstances. 2. When Christ is the center, it frees us from our preoccupation with what others think about us. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NIV)“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”3. When Christ is at the center, He alleviates our fears about ourselves and the future. Philippians 1:20-24 (NIV)“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”Matthew 16:25 (NIV)“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”Matthew 20:26-28 (NLT)“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Good Life – A Call to Cruciformity Philippians 1:1-11 (NIV)“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Peace Grace Philippians 1:6 (NIV)“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” To bring forth the fruit of Christ through your life to those around you.

Fresh Start // Living in Freedom Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” John 8:32 (NIV)“you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Jesus wants you to live in freedom. 1. Freedom from guilt Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding” 2. Freedom from the expectations of others 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)“…Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 3. Freedom from being a slave to your desires Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Galatians 5:16 (NLT)“…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” 4. Freedom from the fear of death Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)“[Jesus] shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

Fresh Start // By My Spirit Says The Lord Zachariah 4:6 (NIV)“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Acts 2:17 (NIV)“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”John 14:12 (ESV)“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” The work of the Holy Spirit1. He changes you from the inside out. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV)“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”John 3:6-7 (ESV)“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” 2. He empowers you to reach and heal the world. Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” 3. He empowers believers to minister to one another.1 Corinthians 14:12 (AMP)“…since you are eager for spiritual gifts…strive to excel in ways that build up the church.”

Fresh Start – Who is Leading You in Your Relationships? James 1:23-25 (NIV)“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what the have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” Galatians 5:13-26 (NIV)“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Consequences of the acts of the flesh 1. Strife James 3:16 (KJV)“where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” 2. Influence decreases 2 Timothy 2:14 (NIV)“Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.” 3. You misrepresent Christ to our world Matthew 5:13 (NIV)“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” 4. You harden other's hearts against truth Romans 2:4 (NIV)“…God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” 5. Your heart becomes resistant to correction Proverbs 5:12-14 (NIV)“You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors.And I was soon in serious trouble…” 6. It poisons relationships Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV)“A man’s pride will bring him low,But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Benefits of the fruit of the Spirit. 1. Unity Psalm 133:1-3 (NKJV)“Behold, how good and how pleasant it isFor brethren to dwell together in unity!” “…For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.” 2. Our influence grows Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 3. We represent Christ well to our world John 17:20-21 (NIV)“…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.” 4. It opens people's hearts to receive God’s truth John 3:16-17 (NIV)“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 5. We are open to receiving correction and instruction Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” 6. It cultivates relationships Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” 7. It will allow us to live life to the fullest John 10:10 (NIV)“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Fresh Start – Growing in Gratitude Towards Each Other Philippians 1:1-11 (NIV)“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Growing in Gratitude 1. Intentionally look for things to be grateful for in your relationships. Philippians 1:3 (NIV) “I thank my God every time I remember you.” 2. Pray for the other person. Philippians 1:4 (NIV)“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…” Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)“And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ and you may be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” 3. Choose to believe the best about them. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 4. Rehearse Christ’s affection towards you. Philippians 1:8 (NIV)“God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” John 13:34 (ESV)“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”1 John 3:16 (NLT)“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Fresh Start – How Offense Makes Us Fools What is offense? Offense = An annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles. Hebrew: peša = Transgression or sin “You know you are a true servant when it doesn’t upset you to be treated like one.” - Unknown How Offense Makes Us Fools 1. Offense makes me angry. Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges (makes its home there) in the bosom of fools.” 2. Offense distracts me from the relationship. Proverbs 17:9 (ESV)“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” 3. Offense hardens my heart. Proverbs 18:19 (ESV)“A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” 4. Offense distorts my view of reality. Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Four Strategies to Overlook an Offense 1. Give up your Rights. Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 2. Choose to Love. Proverbs 10:12 (ESV)“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Hatred = loving myself more than others) Colossians 3:12-15 (ESV)“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” 3. Choose to Forgive. Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” 4. Ask a Question. Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Matthew 7:3-4 (ESV)“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye?”

Dealing with the 500-Pound Gorilla in the Room - Conflict Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The effects of unresolved conflict in our relationships. 1. It can minimize our joy. 2. It can hinder our communication with God. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)“…husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” 3. It can hinder your sensitivity and worship to God. Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)“…if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”Dealing with relational conflict. 1. Do something to help bring reconciliation. Matthew 12:34 (ESV)“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”Genesis 3:10 (NIV)“…I heard you in the garden; and I was afraid because I was naked, and so I hid.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2. Be honest about what you have done wrong. Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)“…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” 3. Listen and consider what they are saying. James 1:19 (NIV)“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”Philippians 2:4 (NLT)“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” 4. Be intentional with the words you use. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)“The words of the reckless pierce like swords,but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 5. Pursue reconciliation, not agreement. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)“Blessed are the peacemakers…”

Fresh Start – Freedom from Bitterness Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I. Causes of Bitterness 1. Actions done or not done to you. Job 19:19 (NIV)“All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me.” 2. Attitudes projected towards you.Job 19:5 (NIV)“you would exalt yourselves above me and use my humiliation against me,” 3. Words spoken to you. Job 12:5 (NLT)"People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling." Proverbs 15:4 (NLT)“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Job 5:2 (NIV)“Resentment kills a fool…” Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)“See to it that …..no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” “Many are unable to function properly in their calling because of the wounds and hurts that offenses have caused in their lives. They are handicapped and hindered from fulfilling their full potential.”- John Bevere II. Find Freedom from Bitterness1. Be open and honest about your pain. Job 7:11 (NIV)“Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.” 2. Make the decision to forgive. Job 42:10 (NIV)“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” 3. Stop looking back and look into your future. Philippians 3:13 (NIV)“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.” Job 42:12 (NIV)“The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part...”

Good Friday 2024 Isaiah 53:4-6 (NKJV)Surely He has borne our griefsAnd carried our sorrows;Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted.But He was wounded for our transgressions,He was bruised for our iniquities;The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,And by His stripes we are healed.All we like sheep have gone astray;We have turned, every one, to his own way;And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Galatians 3:13 (ESV)“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” Isaiah 43:25 (NIV)"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)“’He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness;” Matthew 27:51 (NIV)“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."Hebrews 10:1-10 (NLT)“The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, ‘You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’ First, Christ said, ‘You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them’ (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will.’ He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.”

Easter Sunday 2024 Cross of Rebellion Luke 23:34 (NIV)“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”Luke 23:39 (NIV)“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’” Cross of RepentanceLuke 23:40-41 (NIV)“the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’”Luke 23:42 (NIV)“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Cross of Redemption John 3:16 (NIV)“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’”2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”1 John 4:10 (NIV)“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead…”

It’s Time to Dream Again Romans 8:11 (NLT)“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” Revelation 1:18 (NKJV) “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” John 10:10 (ESV)“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint” What does God’s dream look like for you? Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” How to live out God’s dream for my life. 1. Surrender your whole life to God. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 2. Get alone with God. Isaiah 55:3 (ESV)“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live;” 3. Get around Godly Dreamers. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 22:24-25 (NLT)“Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.” 4. Take steps towards God’s dream for your life. Psalms 37:23 (NLT)“The LORD directs the steps of the godly.”

March 17, 2024 // Pastor Jason King Joy is Possible Revelation 1:18 (NKJV)“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” Romans 14:17 (NLT)“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Lamentations 5:15 (ESV)“The joy of our hearts has ceased;” How To Receive the Fullness of Christ’s Joy Again. 1. Acknowledge my joy is missing or not what it used to be. Psalms 51:12 (ESV)“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,” 2. Examine the cause of my lack of joy. -Imbalanced schedule-Unused talent or gifting-Unresolved conflict Romans 12:18 (NIV)“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV)“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)“if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” -Undernourished spirit John 15:5 (ESV)“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)"they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” -Unrepented sin Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” 3. Choose obedience to God’s Word. James 4:17 (NLT)“it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” John 15:10-11 (NIV)“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 4. Remember the joy you seek is only possible through Christ. Romans 6:4 (NIV)“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”Psalms 126:3 (NIV)“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

Nothing is Impossible // Hope is Possible Romans 8:11 (ESV)“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. “ Revelation 1:17b-18 (ESV)“…Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Hope is possible.Joy is possible. Peace is possible.Hope Greek = “Elpis” “Joyful and Confident Expectation” Christian Hope is Unique. “Our present behavior is determined by what we believe our ultimate future to be.” - Timothy Keller The Christian’s Hope is Anchored in Certainty About God’s Future and Character, demonstrated in Christ’s Work and Affirmed Everyday by the Holy Spirit. How Do We Get This Hope? Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Invitation > Endurance > Character > Hope Romans 15:4 (ESV)“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Hebrews 6:17-20 (NLT) “God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He

Nothing is Impossible: Literally Romans 8:1-11 (ESV) “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” The Holy Spirit makes impossible things possible. (And we have unlimited access to Him.) “Essentially, Christianity is not you leading a righteous life and offering to God. It’s God’s son leading a righteous life and offering it to you.” - Timothy Keller What impossible situation do you need to make possible?

Gospel Culture: Translating our Faith for all of LifeThe Foundational Question:What is the relationship of God’s Word – revelation to our real life in the world?What is religion? Religio & Religare – to tie/bindColossians 1:15-23“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by Him, inheaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – allthings have been created through Him and for Him.”“He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; He isthe beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.”“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile everything to Himselfby making peace through the blood of His cross – whether things on earth or things in heaven.”“Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds because of your evil actions. But now He has reconciledyou by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him.”“if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of thegospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have becomea servant of it.”February 25, 2024 // Rev. Dr. Joseph Boot“The man who thinks without the proper first principles goes mad…” – G. K. Chesterton“Justice is understood t be something strictly human, having nothing to do with obedience to any divinecommand or conformity to any pattern ‘laid up in heaven.’ Moral principles, like all other social conventions, aresomething’ made on earth.’” – George Grant“Human freedom requires that the principles of justice be the product of human agreement or consent, that is,they must be the result of a contract…and these principles must therefore be rooted in an understanding ofthe interests of human beings as individuals rather than in any sense of duty or obligation to anything abovehumanity” – George Grant“The terms of the contract may well change as circumstances and interests change. But the restraints freeindividuals accept must always be ‘horizontal’ in character rather than ‘vertical.’” – George GrantThe Crisis of CultureModern man is conferring on himself the contractual right to:• Redefine his gender irrespective of creational chromosomes• Murder (abortion)• Polygamy, homosexuality, bestiality or any sexual predilection• Suicide• Euthanize children and the elderly or sick• Homosexual ‘marriage’• Prostitution and pornography• Suppress worship of the living God and the free speech of Christians• Blasphemy and worship idolsThe Crisis of CultureWestern moral principles are shifting like sand and the metamorphosis of the church’s relationship with thesurrounding culture is happening before our eyes.The Meaning of CultureThe English words culture and agriculture are derived from a Latin root (colere) and are related to cult (Latin,cultus) meaning worship. Worship, care and cultivation are all related in the etymology of culture.The Meaning of CultureCulture is best understood as religion externalized. The public manifestation of the religious ground-motive (i.e.worship) of a people.“The religious ground-motive of a culture can never be ascertained from the ideas and the personal faith of theindividual. It is truly a communal motive that governs the individual even when one is not consciously aware ofit or acknowledges it.” – Herman DooyeweerdThe Meaning of Culture – Islamic CultureIn the West, we increasingly experience a humanistic, secular culture, deeply influenced by pagan spirituality,which at the same time displays the cultural vestiges of Christianity.The Direction of Culture“Genesis 1:26 teaches us that God had a purpose in creating man in His image: namely that man should havedominion…. If now we comprehend the force of this subduing (dominion) under the term of culture…we cansay that culture in its broadest sense is the purpose for which God created man after his image.” – HermanBavinckRomans 1:25“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served something created instead of theCreator.”The Direction of CultureThere is no such thing as a neutral culture; no institution and no cultural activity can ever be religiously neutral.The Direction of CultureThe structure of something concerns God’s creational laws/norms and ordained pattern that pertain to it. Thedirection of these spheres concerns the religious orientation that they have.The Transformation of CultureImplicit in the Christian gospel is a particular vision of culture. The gospel is a culture because it is centered inthe worship of the living God, through Jesus Christ.The Transformation of Culture“If culture is the public expression of the worship of a people and the gospel restores man to true worship (i.e.of creator not creature), then the gospel restores man to true cultu

Building the Kingdom of God 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)“Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” John 16:7 (ESV)“I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:8 (ESV)“when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” John 15:5 (ESV)“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,” John 16:13-14 (ESV)“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 15:26-27 (ESV)“when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness…”

Building the Kingdom of God. What is God’s Kingdom?Matthew 3:2 (ESV)“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”John 18:36 (ESV)“...My kingdom is not of this world...”Acts 1:3 (ESV)“...speaking about the kingdom of God.”Acts 1:6 (ESV)“...Lord will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”Acts 1:7-8 (ESV)"He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)“we are co-workers in God’s service...”Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)“Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.” Philippians 3:20 (ESV)“our citizenship is in heaven..."Faithful ordinary People help build God’s extraordinary Kingdom on earth. 1 Peter 2:9,10 (NIV)“you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”1 John 2:27 (ESV)“the anointing that you received from him abides in you...”Hebrews 13:7,17 (NIV)“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”God builds His Kingdom through ordinary ways. 1 Cor. 1:18-31 (NIV)For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Helping People Become Wholehearted Followers of Christ Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Christianity is not for loners or individualists. Matthew 28:19 (ESV) “…make disciples of all nations…”John 13:34-35 (ESV) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important? The most important one: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”1 John 4:19 (ESV) “We love because he first loved us.”“It is very easy to build churches in which seekers congregate; it is very hard to build churches in which biblical faith is maturing into genuine discipleship.”- David WellsColossians 2:2-3, 6-7 (NIV)“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “…continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

Built For This – Freedom Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV)“God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for [Faith] church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)“[We] are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that [we] may declare the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light.”Acts 20:28 (NIV)“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”Psalm 118:1,14-16 (NIV)“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’”

Built For This – Built to Belong Romans 10:9 (ESV)“if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”1. Belonging to our local Church is how we express that we are apart of the family of God. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)“as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”Matthew 16:18 (ESV)“...I will build my church...”Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV)“God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” “it is simply not possible to live a God center, Christ Center, spirit, lead life unless my life is also Church center,” - Sinclair Ferguson Matthew 12:47-50 (NIV)“Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”2. We belong to a family that is directed and sustained by God’s word. 1 Timothy 4:6,7.11-17 (ESV)“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”Acts 2:42 (ESV)“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching...”James 3:1 (ESV)“...my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”Acts 20:28 (ESV)“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”3. Belonging to the family of Faith Church is a commitment to be devoted to one another.Romans 12:10 (NIV)“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”Galatians 5:13 (NIV)"...serve one another humbly in love.”James 4:11 (NIV)“do not slander one another...”1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)“...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”“it is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brothers and sisters”- Dietrich Bon Hoffer from his book "life together Says 4. Belonging to the family of Faith Church means you are cared for by the pastors God has set in place. 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV)“ shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Built For This – Four Pillars of Discipleship 1. Believe - Love of GodMatthew 22:36-39 (ESV)“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 2. Belong - Love othersActs 2 (ESV) 3. Become - Mature and Grow 4. Build - Transform the World Ephesians 4:11–16 (ESV)“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” 1. Believe My Trust Pleases GodHebrews 11:5–6 (ESV)“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Jesus Came to Rescue MeJohn 3:17 (ESV)“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” God Actually Wants MeLuke 15:1–7 (ESV)Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.“So he told them this parable: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. “ Real Reconciliation Is Available NowColossians 1:19–23 (ESV)“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard… “The Ministry of ReconciliationActs 2:21 (ESV)“Everyone who calls upon the name … will be saved.” 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (ESV)“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:8–15 (ESV)“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Who is in my Sphere of Influence?

Jesus is The Lord and Head of The Church Ephesians 1:17-23 (NIV)“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”James 3:1 (ESV)“my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”Acts 20:28 (ESV)“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”Colossians 2:18-19 (NIV)“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)“God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Ephesians 5:23-27 (ESV)“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”Colossians 2:8-10 (ESV)“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”

The Invitation Matthew 4:1-4 (ESV)“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to hm ‘if you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Deuteronomy 8:1-3 (ESV)“The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every wordthat comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Every word that flows for God’s mouth contains life-sustaining power. Live is the Hebrew word חָיָה / ḥāyâ Meanings:1. Power to continue to live2. To be sustained by a word3. To prosper 4. To revive from Sickness, Discouragement, Faintheartedness, Death5. Preserve alive 6. Create life from nothing - Psalm 119:377. Cause to grow and multiply, like planted grain8. Deliver from destruction 9. Revive with fullness of life in his favor - Psalm 119:2510. Revive the crushed heart (emotions) and spirit 11. Restore a ruined city Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV)“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” John 1:1-5 (ESV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus is inviting you to align yourself with him. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (ESV)“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Isaiah 58:6-14 (ESV) “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. ‘If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day

An Unlikely KingThe King of Peace Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NIV)“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” ...“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke 2:14 (KJV)“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)“Come to me, all of you who are tired and worn out from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest! I am gentle and humble, and you will find peace and rest for your souls.” John 14:27 (NIV) “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.” Romans 5:10 (CEV)“Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.”

A Life Changing Sermon to an Unlikely Congregation Luke 2:8-18 (NIV)“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” Verse 13“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,” Verse 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Verse 15“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” Verse 16“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Verse 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, Verse 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. God’s message through the shepherds to you: 1. You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Luke 2:10 (NIV)“the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.” 2. God’s love for you is not earned, it is freely given. Luke 2:11 (NIV)“Today…a Savior has been born for you” John 3:16 (NIV)“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 3. You are never alone. Matthew 1:23 (NIV)"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us). 4. You have a lifelong invitation to come closer to God. Luke 2:12 (NIV)“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

An Unlikely Choice – The Magi Mathew 2:1 (NIV)“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem" Daniel 2:48 (ESV)“the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.” Matthew 2:2 (ESV)“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Numbers 24:16-17 (NIV)“the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High,who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” Isaiah 60:1-6 (NIV)“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.“Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you;your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip.Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy;the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah.And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” Matthew 2:3-4 (ESV) “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.” Matthew 2:11a (ESV)“going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” Matthew 2:11b (ESV)“Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

The Church and Israel – End Times Prophecy Why do Christians disagree about the End Times?Has the church fulfilled or fulfilling the plan of God's salvation for the world that was a part of the Abrahamic covenant?Will the church fulfill God’s plan for the future?Has the church fulfilled God’s purpose for God’s people?Who are the people of God? “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”Galatians 3:7-9 (ESV)"The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ”Galatians 3:16 (NIV)"In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[g] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."Galatians 3:26-29 (ESV) “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.”Romans 9:6-8 (ESV) “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea,Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” And as Isaiah predicted,’”Romans 9:22-27 (ESV) “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew…So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace…But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”Romans 11:1-2, 5 (ESV)“So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!”Romans 11:11-12 (ESV) “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved”Romans 11:25-26 (ESV) “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved”Romans 9:27 (ESV)“And in this way all Israel will be saved”Romans 11:26 (ESV) The Salvation of Israel and the second coming of Christ. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”Matthew 23:37-39 (ESV) "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”Romans 11:27 (ESV) Is this a return from the heavenly Zion to save Israel?Is this referring to spiritual salvation offered from Zion? “and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb”Revelation 14:1 (ESV)“’Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”Romans 10:11 (ESV) “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”Romans 10: 12-15 (KJV)

Unlikely Choice – Mary Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her. 1. The Choices of God can be troubling to our human understanding. “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee…The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” 2. Surrendering our plans to God always leads to something ultimately eternally greater than our original plan and expectation. Luke 1:30 (NIV)But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.’ 3. God’s choices and way leads to miracles. Luke 1:31-33 (NIV)“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)“The mind of man plans His way, But the Lord directs his steps” And as he directs your steps you hold on to the promise that Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. verse 34.“Mary asked the “But How can this happen? I am a virgin” NLT Verse 37. "Nothing is impossible with God!” Luke 1:38 (NLT) Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

End Times – Why do Christians disagree about End Times? Why do Christians disagree about End Times? Big picture questions: 1. What is the relationship of Israel to the Church?Should we believe in Rapture?Are there two comings of Jesus or just one?Will there be a 1000-year millennial earthly Kingdom or not?Is the Kingdom here already?What is the nature of the Abrahamic Covenant?The Abrahamic Covenant. Should we interpret prophecy, literally, or in some other way? Is there a literal third temple? What do the seventy weeks of Daniel mean? Topics that produce sparks between Christians. 1. The Nature of the Kingdom of GodThe RaptureThe 70th week of DanielHas the Church replaced Israel?Should we interpret prophecy literally or nonliterary and why?End Time Positions:FuturistHistoricistIdealistPreterist 1. The Nature of the Kingdom of GodMillennialism Amillennialism Postmillennialism - The Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”Genesis 15:5,18 (ESV)“And he brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ …’To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates’” Conditional or Unconditional?Genesis 17:1,8-10 (ESV)“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.’”Genesis 22:15-18 (ESV)“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.’” Genesis 26:3-5 (ESV)“I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”Deuteronomy 11:18-24 (ESV)“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth. For if you will be careful to do all this commandment that I command you to do, loving the Lord your God, walking in all his ways, and holding fast to him, then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than you. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. Your territory shall be from the wilderness to the Lebanon and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea.” The nature of salvation for Jews and Gentiles. Leviticus 26:27-33 (ESV)“But if in spite of this you will not listen to me, but walk contrary to me, then I will walk contrary to you in fury, and I myself will discipline you sevenfold for your sins. You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters. And I will destroy your high places and cut down your incense altars and cast your dead bodies upon the dead bodies of your idols, and my soul will abhor you. And I will lay your cities waste and will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your pleasing aromas. And I myself will devastate the land, so that your enemies who settle in it shall be appalled at it. And I will scatter you among the nations, and I will unsheathe the sword after you, and your land shall be a desolation, and your cities shall be a waste.” Leviticus 26:40-42 (ESV) “But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers in their treachery that they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me, so that I walked contrary to them

An Unlikely Choice - Joseph Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel [which means God with us].’When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” God isn’t looking to use heroes He’s looking for humble servants. Genesis 3:15 (NIV)And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” What Paul is saying is that the son of God and the seed of the woman are the same thing. God does something in humanity to rescue humanity. 2. Whatever God asks of you, He will give you the ability to do it. Matthew 1:24 (ESV)“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him” Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel [GOD WITH US]” Micah 5:2 (NKJV)“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,Yet out of you shall come forth to MeThe One to be Ruler in Israel,Whose goings forth are from of old,From everlasting.”

Unlikely Choice – Unlikely Choices 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV)For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”God’s unlikely choices.· Not many wise· Not many powerful (might)· Not many of noble birth. “God chose what is foolish in the world”“God chose what is weak, low and despised in the world”Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways,And My thoughts than your thoughts.”Psalm 51:17 (NIV)“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (ESV) “because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

End Times – When Will These Things Be Habakkuk 2:14 (ESV)"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Matthew 24:3 (ESV)“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”Question 1: When will these things be (happen)?Question 2: What will be the sign of your coming?Question 3: What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?___Question 1: When will these things be (happen)? Matthew 24:4-28 (reference only)1. Many claiming to be Christ. 2. Wars and Rumors of wars.3. Famines. Matthew 24:7 (ESV)…and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.Acts 11:28 (ESV)“Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world [this took place in the days of Claudius].” 4. Earthquakes.Matthew 24:9 (ESV)”All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” 5. Persecution.Matthew 24:9 (ESV)“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.”Acts 8:1 (ESV)“there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” 6. Many will fall way and be deceived by false prophets.Matthew 24:10-13 (ESV)“And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”John 1:14 (ESV)“the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”2 Peter 2:1 (ESV)"False profits also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you who will secretly introduce destructive heresies.” 7. The gospel will be preached to the whole world.Matthew 24:14 (ESV)“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”Romans 1:8 (ESV)“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”Romans 10:18 (ESV)“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’” Romans 16:25-26 (ESV)“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—“Colossians 1:5-6 (ESV)“the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing…”Colossians 1:23 (ESV)“if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”Matthew 24:14 (ESV)“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”Isaiah 66:18-20 (ESV)“For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory, and I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”Acts 13:46-47 (ESV)“we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”Eusebius (300 AD)“The teaching of the new covenant was borne to all nations, and at once the Romans besieged Jerusalem and destroyed it and temple.”John Chrysostom (The Ancient Christian Commentary, 2002, Ib:191)“You will preach everywhere…Then he added. ‘This gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all Nations, and then will come.’ The sign of this final end will be the downfall of Jerusalem."Justin Martyr (The Ante-Nicene Father, 1989, First Apology, XXXIX) “From Jerusalem, there went out into the world, men, twelve in number… By the power of God, they proclaim to every race of men that they were sent by Christ to teach to all the word of God.”Charles Spurgeon (Exposition of Matthew, 1979, p211) “There was a sufficient interval for the full proclamation of the gospel by the apostles and evangelist of the early Christian Church, and for the gathering out of those who recognize the crucified Christ, as the true Messiah. Then came the awful end, which the Savior foresaw and fortold, and the prospect of which wrung from his lips and heart the sorrow-full lament that followed his prophecy o

Christ is KingCivil GovernmentColossians 2:15 (NIV)“having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Governments created by God. SelfChurchFamilyCivil Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”Bringing Glory to Christ the King in Civil Government. 1. Pray for our civil government. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV)“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”2. Honor Jesus in everything you do and say. Mark 12:17 (NKJV)“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”3. Act from the Kingship of Christ. Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

God’s Design for Raising of Children Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)“be imitators of God, as beloved children.”1. The biblical environment of the home is full of grace. 2. Standards in the home are for the child's future not for the parents temporary convenience. Colossians 1:2,3:20 (ESV)“Grace to you and peace from God our Father…Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”1 Timothy 3:4-5 (ESV)“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?”Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)“bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”3. The biblical home is familiar with the discipline.Deuteronomy 8:5 (ESV)“as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.”Hebrews 12:5-7 (ESV)“’My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” Lessons from God about disciplineDiscipline is not punishment Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV)“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”Discipline is for correctionGalatians 6:1 (NIV)“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”Proverbs 23:13-14 (NIV)“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.Punish them with the rod and save them from death.” Discipline is Love

Christ is KingGod’s Design for the Woman in the Family Genesis 2:18,21-24 (ESV)“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”“So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ’This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:22-24,33 (ESV)“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”“let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”1. A godly wife is a help to their husband. Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” 2. Godly wives respect their husbands. 3. Godly wives are to be oriented towards their homes. Proverbs 31:15-16 (ESV)“She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.” Titus 2:3-5 (ESV)“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”Proverbs 31:27 (ESV)“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” 4. Godly wives are discerning. 5. Godly wives are resilient. Joshua 1:5 (NIV)“…As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)“if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 6. Godly wives are generous. Romans 8:32 (ESV)“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” 7. Godly wives need strengthening and healing. 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)“Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.”

Family Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you...”Mathew 19:4-6 (ESV)“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh.” What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”God’s design for man in the family. Ephesians 5:23,25-33 (ESV)“the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church…Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself...”1. Husbands are the head of the family. 2. Husbands should be in love with Jesus more than anything or anyone. Luke 14:25 (ESV)“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”3. Husbands are to take responsibility.4. Husbands are to protect. Isaiah 62:6 (NKJV)I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;They shall never hold their peace day or night.You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,5. Husbands are to provide 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)“...God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

The New Covenant of God’s Grace Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” God’s Covenant of Grace has judged you. 1. NOT GUILTY! Romans 8:1 (NIV)“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:23-25 (NIV)“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” 2. Righteous 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”Philippians 3:9 (NIV)“[I am] found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. “ 1 John 2:1-2 (NIV)“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 3. Free from the slavery to sin Romans 8:2 (NIV)“because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 6:23“the wages of sin is death.” No Condemnation When we don’t live up to our identity in ChristIn marriage problemsIn parenting strugglesIn sufferingWhen others try to condemn meNow and forever

Family SelfChurchFamilyGovernmentGenesis 1:27 (ESV)"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”Mathew 19:4-6 (ESV)“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh.” What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”MarriageActs 17:28 (ESV)“In him we live and move and have our being”Ephesians 5:31 (ESV)“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Saving The World Colossians 2:15 (NIV)“having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Acts 2:36 (ESV)“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” How to save the worldBe patientBe confidentMatthew 7:29 (NIV)“He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Luke 6:26-28 (NIV)“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. ‘But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’” 3. Be faithful to the house of GodHebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”1 John 5:4 (ESV)“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”4. Be considerate of the next generationProverbs 13:22 (ESV)"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children”

The Church and The Kingdom Pt. 2 Four Realms of AuthoritySelf Church Family Civil Life What does Christ expect from the church? Submission to Jesus’ authority Live a life aimed at loving service Unity - Submitting to one another Realize: Christianity is not just about you Context: Historic Theological Views of the Church’s Role Dominance Theology Escapism TheologyEngagement Theology Model’s of ChurchThe Attractional Model The Intentional Model How Does The Kingdom Advance? The Kingdom Advances Through Influence. Matthew 16:19 ESV“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” How Do You Gain Influence? Influence is gained through: Prayer, Being Equipped, and Serving Pray Like This Pray For Your City Matthew 6:9-10 ESV“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” You cannot change that which you do not love. - David Powers Jeremiah 29:7 ESV“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Pray for the Holy Spirit’s PowerActs 1:4-8 ESV“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Pray for God’s strategy Be Equipped Like This Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Proverbs 22:29 ESV“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Serve Like This Mark 10:45 NLT“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus’ Model of Serving Mark 10:45 NLT“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” John 13:3-5 ESV“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” Luke 15:1-7 The Message“By this time a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” Luke 4:43 ESV“But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” Mark 10:46-52 The Message“They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, “Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Many

The Church and The Kingdom Four Realms of Authority1. Self 2. Church 3. Family 4. Civil Life “Church” The church = A local gathering of Believers The Church = Every person who has decided to follow Jesus in every geographical place. Kingdom of God - Gods ways and will expressed on the earth. Matthew 13:33 (ESV)“He told them another parable.’“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.’” Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB)“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of Hisgovernment or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Psalm 145:11-13 (NKJV)“They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”Daniel What does God Expect of Us? 5. Submission to Jesus’ Authority - Voluntary Matthew 6:9-10 (NASB)“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (NASB)“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” 6. To Live a Life Aimed at Loving Service Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB)“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…“ Cue: Growth Track Slide - AV Has this ready 7. Be Unified - Submitting to One Another Zechariah 14:9 (NASB)“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.” John 17:22-23 (ESV)“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. “ Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV)“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” 8. Realize: Christianity Is Not Just About You Ephesians 2:13-22 (ESV)“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Christ’s Authority and the Church Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Acts 1:9-11 (ESV)“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”Three Biblical spheres of government:FamilyChurchCivil Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”Acts 17:7 (ESV)“they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)“whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

By the Power of the Holy Spirit “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name”John 14:26 (ESV) John 15:26 (ESV)“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth”John 16:7 (ESV)“...it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.”Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)“...Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”Acts 2:19 (ESV)“I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath”1 Cor 2:4-5 (NIV)“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”Isaiah 32:14-18 (ESV)“For the palace is forsaken,the populous city deserted...until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,and the fruitful field is deemed a forest.Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace,and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”September 3, 2023 // Pastor Jason KingIsaiah 44:3 (ESV)“For I will pour water on the thirsty land,and streams on the dry ground;I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,and my blessing on your descendants.”John 6:63 (NKJV)“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing”Isaiah 63:10 (ESV)“They rebelledand grieved his Holy Spirit;therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.”1 Cor. 6:19 (NIV)“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)“...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Unconformity Leviticus 11:45 (NIV)“I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.”1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV)“do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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.”Leviticus 18:3-4 (ESV)“You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God.”Ezekiel 11:12 (NIV)“for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you.”Matthew 6:8 (ESV)“Do not be like them…”Romans 12:2 (NIV)"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Challenge- Pluralism John 14:6 (NIV)“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”1 Corinthians 8:6 (ESV)“for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist."

Your Response to the Kingship of ChristLuke 6:46 (ESV)“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”Matthew 13:23 (ESV)“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” John 12:24 (ESV) “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)“...If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)“...walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”Galatians 2:20 (NIV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”