New Song Church OKC

Endurance Trapped PicOcean Camp PicCareful Lest Ye DriftHebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.The writer had the drifting of a boat in mind, and such drifting happens naturally without an anchor to something solid. If we are not securely set in the truth of the supremacy of Jesus, we will drift into danger with the currents of the world, the flesh, and the devil. - David GuzikA Rule of Life is an intentional, conscious plan to keep God at the center of everything we do. It provides guidelines to help us continually remember God as the source of our lives. It includes our unique combination of spiritual practices that provide structure and direction for us to intentionally pay attention and remember God in everything we do. - Pete ScazzeroA Rule of Life is a schedule and a set of practices to set up abiding as the central pursuit of your life. It’s a way to organize all of your life around the practices and presence of God. -John Mark ComerA framework that allows life to flourish - Justin Whitmel EarleyA Curriculum for Christlikeness - Dallas WillardThe early Christian calendar enabled the church to see time as a medium that belongs to God and unfolds according to his purposes. - Gerald SittserThe entire life of the early church community was oriented and organized around Jesus. Rule = TrellisA trellis is a tool that enables a grapevine to get off the ground and grow upward, becoming more fruitful and productive. Trellis PicJohn 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”Busy people are lazy people. - C.S. LewisMost of us have more than enough time to work with, even in busy seasons of life. We just have to reallocate our time to ‘seek first the kingdom of God,’ not the kingdom of entertainment. - John Mark ComerSpiritual Disciplines: Activities modeled by Jesus in scripture that, when undertaken, position you to be empowered by the Holy Spirit so you can do what Jesus would do if he were you; Christlikeness that you can’t walk in by willpower alone.Disciplines: PrayerSilenceSolitudeScriptureFastingSimplicitySabbathWorshipCelebrationFellowshipServiceSacrifice1 Rule of Life - Slide - MAIN2 Rule of Life - Slide - Presence3 Rule of Life - Slide - Discipleship4 Rule of Life - Slide - Kingdom Community5 Rule of Life - Slide - Sacrificial Mission

Loving Others Well Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” The goal of the christian life is to love well.John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”How you love matters!We have created a fragility in our life that requires uniformity. “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” — Ellen G. White“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”— Brennan ManningThe greatest apologetic against christianity are christians — Darren Rouanzoin1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!Jesus put some skin on!Incarnate - embodied in flesh; in human form.John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.John 1:14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.To love us well, Jesus entered into our world. The love of Jesus is incarnational.God knows we needed his skin, not simply the knowledge that he is everywhere. People today are desperate for "skin" — to be loved, for someone to incarnate with them. For this reason, people will pay $100 to $150 an hour to a therapist as someone to love them, to enter and to care about their world. Today, God still has physical skin and can be seen, touched, heard, and tasted. How? Through his body, the church, in whom he dwells. We are called, in the name of Jesus and by the indwelling Holy Spirit, to be skin for people all around us.— Pete ScazzeroRomans 5:6-8 Christ didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”Jesus was after true peace, not false peace.A peacemaker is someone who is willing to resolve both outer and inner turmoil in order to establish peace with others and within themselves. A peacekeeper desires to maintain peace by avoiding conflict. They typically give in to the tension or steer clear of disagreement to keep others happy. Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.The true peace of Jesus is in conflict with the lies and pretense of the kingdom of the world! There will be conflict1. Be the initiator.Romans 12:18 As much as possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.” Genesis 3:10 “I heard you in the garden; and I was afraid because I was naked, and so I hid.”Genesis 3:12 The man said,“The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”We get distant.We get defensive.We don’t confront others for the sake of confrontation; we confront others for the sake of restoration.2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self discipline. 1 John 4:18 Perfect love casts out all fear.If your love is greater than your fear, you’ll do things others are afraid to do.2. Own Your Role In The ConflictMatthew 7:3 Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? First, take the log out of your own eye. Then you’ll see clearly to take the splinter out of your friend’s eye.Am I being unrealistic?Am I being ungrateful in this relationship?Am I being insensitive?Am I being oversensitive?Am I being too de

You’ll notice the art for this series is an iceberg… and we used that because SLIDE ICEBERG 01 because when you see an iceberg only 10% of the iceberg is visible above the surface at any time… SLIDE ICEBERG 02 And that 10 really represents the external activity of your life it's the decisions, and the behaviors that everybody can see.So on the surface… we look pretty good… But notice 90 percent of the iceberg is hidden under water SLIDE ICEBERG 03 and that represents what's really going on deep beneath the surface of our lives…Hebrews 12:1 Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. If the enemy cannot make you BAD, he’ll make you BUSY.” ― Corrie Ten BoomSin and busyness have the exact same effect “Being busy is a condition of our outer world (having many things to do). Being hurried is a problem of the soul. It’s being so preoccupied with myself and what myself has to do that I am no longer able to be fully present with God with myself, and with other people. I am unable to occupy the present moment. Busyness migrates to hurry when we let it squeeze God out of our lives. . . I cannot live in the kingdom of God with a hurried soul. I cannot rest in God with a hurried soul.” ― John Ortberg Hurry is hurting you and the people around you! “Hurry is violence on the soul.” ― John Mark ComerProverbs 19:2 A person in a hurry makes mistakes. Proverbs 21:5 Hurry and scurry puts you further behind. Jeremiah 2:25 Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?Matthew 11:25-30 Are you tired? Are you worn out? Are you burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me. Watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."I am what I do.My purpose is my production.My “valuables” determines my value.01. REST WAS MODELED IN HOW GOD DESIGNEDGenesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 02. REST WAS MODELED IN WHAT GOD DESIGNED Genesis 1:3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:8 So the evening and the morning were the second day. Genesis 1:13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.Genesis 1:19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day. Genesis 1:23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. Genesis 1:31 So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.03. REST WAS MODELED FOR WHO GOD DESIGNEDExodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. 04. REST WAS MODELED BY THE ONE WHO DESIGNEDGenesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Research that attempts to quantify the relationship between hours worked and productivity found that employee output falls sharply after a 50-hour work-week, and falls off a cliff after 55 hours—so much so that someone who puts in 70 hours produces nothing more with those extra 15 hours. “If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness becomes our Sabbath – our pneumonia, our cancer, our heart attack, our accidents create Sabbath for us." - Wayne MuellerGenesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it,Work & Work HardGenesis 2:15 the Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and to keep it." Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Don’t Work DumbIs there a rhythm of rest in your six days? Rest & Rest Well!2 STEPS TO A MEANINGFUL SABBATH Leviticus 23:3 “’There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly.1. Break For Rest2. Break For Sacred Assembly1. Break For RestSabbath is first and foremost a day when we cease all work — paid and unpaid. On the Sabbath we embrace our

Are you living from your true self, or your false self? True or False…Sin = Hamartia - to miss the mark.The problem is the arrow Deuteronomy 30:19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.Sometimes death can look like a lot like lifeGenesis 3:1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”Genesis 2:16 “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”Genesis 3:2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Not knowing the Word of God for yourself can hurt you.Genesis 3:4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.Every sin we struggle with, is rooted in a lie we are believing.Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”Out of fear, out of shame, we hide and we cover. Guilt is about behavior, Shame is about identity. The real problem with the false self is that it kinda works.Ephesians 3:17 I pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation.The love of God is key to you living from your true self.John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.Colossians 3:3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.The real you, the you you were created to be (your true self) is the you that is hidden with Christ in God.2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Galatians 3:26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.You’re so hidden in Christ Jesus that according to scripture, everything that is true about Jesus is now true about you.Ephesians 4:22-24 Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Holy Spirit = advocate - one who provides comfort through reliable truthThe Holy Spirit wants to come alongside you and remind you of your true identity in Jesus. Ephesians 4:24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.Luke 4:1-13 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” “Who You Are Is Based What You Do” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”“Who You Are Is Based What You Have”… 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” 9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ 11 and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” “Who You Are Is Based What Others Think Of You”12 And Jesus answered h

John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” 3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. John 20:5 And he stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.Isaiah 53:5 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.John 19:40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross,2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sinJohn 20:7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.The face represents our identity.The work is done!The presence of the linen cloths is fitting; as the High Priest in the order of Aaron would take off his garment once he had provided the blood for atonement in the Most Holy Place, so Jesus as our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek left His linen cloths behind after He had finished making atonement in the fulfillment of the Most Holy Place, the temple of His body. – Ethan R. LonghenryIsaiah 64:6 When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.Ephesians 4:22 put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.Don’t be a grave robber

01 Jesus Is The Death Killing Life Giver John 11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”Astheneo - to be weak, feeble, to be without strength, powerless. “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.Lazarus Is Probably Already Dead.To Prove The Point11 He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”12 “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 02 Death Is An Enemy Of Jesus33 when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.Tears of sympathy may fill his eyes, but this is incidental. His soul is held by rage: and he advances to the tomb, as a champion who prepares for conflict. The raising of Lazarus thus becomes, not an isolated marvel, but a decisive instance and open symbol of Jesus’ conquest of death and hell. What John does for us in this particular statement is to uncover to us the heart of Jesus, as he wins for us our salvation. Not in cold unconcern, but in flaming wrath against the foe, Jesus smites in our behalf. – B.B. Warfield,02 Death Is An Enemy Of JesusJohn 10:10 - The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy.1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.So death is a tool of the devil and an enemy of God… and anything that steals, kills and destroys comes form the kingdom of darkness and not of God. Your personal circumstances are not evidence of how God feels about you.John 16:33 In the world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”Your circumstances do not define God's love for you; the cross defines God's love for you.God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.' - Billy Graham02 Death Is An Enemy Of JesusAn enemy that Jesus was willing to suffer under to free you from.03 Jesus Want to Minister To Us In Our Pain“Suffering always prompts heart-wrenching questions” 35 Jesus wept Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.Contrite - crushed like dust. 40 “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”04 Jesus Does WOW and We Do The WorkIdentify itJohn 11:34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.Expose itJohn 11:39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Unbind HimJohn 11:41 So they took away the stone. 43 Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” James 5:16-18 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. 05 It’s Hard To Ignore A Dead Man Walking The raising of Lazarus from the dead was a sign but raised from the dead Lazarus walking around was a sign too! John 11:45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pha

John 20:30-31And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.John 4:45-54So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast. So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.Psalm 119:67Before I was afflicted I went astray,But now I keep Your word.Psalm 107:17-20Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death.Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions

John 20:31“but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 2:13-22 NKJV13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” 18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.WHY NOW?Exodus 40:33-3533 And he raised up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the screen of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 34 Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.2 Chronicles 5:13-14…the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.Ezra 6:17-1817 And they offered sacrifices at the dedication of this house of God, one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 They assigned the priests to their divisions and the Levites to their divisions, over the service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses.Ezra 6:19-2221 Then the children of Israel who had returned from the captivity ate together with all who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations of the land in order to seek the Lord God of Israel. 22 And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy; for the Lord made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.Haggai 2:7-97 I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. 9 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,”John 1:3232 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.Haggai 2:99 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’3 Main Functions of the Tabernacle and Temple:Where the sacrifice for sin was offered so the people could be right with God - 29 ““Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”Where the law and prophets was kept and taught - “45 “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”Where the glory of God, His presence, resided - 32 “the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.”Luke 19:41-4441 Now as He drew near [to Jerusalem], He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, . . . they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”JESUS IS THE TEMPLEGalatians 2:2020 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.1 Corinthians 6:1919 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-2018 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And su

SEMEION - A MARK OR TOKEN GIVEN TO AUTHENTICATE, CORROBORATE, OR CONFIRMThe signs of Jesus serve as revelation of His divinity as the Messiah and an invitation to live life in exaltation of the power of His name. John 20:30-31 (NLT)The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.The signs of Jesus elevate His name and teach us to continue beholding His glory.DOXA - HIS ESSENCE OR THE SUBSTANCE OF HIS WORTHJohn 2:1-11 (NKJV)1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.Exodus 7:17-18b (NIV)This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.The first miracle of Moses the Servant was changing water into blood by his rod.The first miracle of Jesus the Son was changing water into wine by His Word.The Sign of Water into Wine pointed to His glory as the divine lamb sent for the remission of sins.The Sign of Water into Wine revealed His identity as the sacrifice given to take away the sins of the world.The Sign of Water into Wine foreshadowed the purifying power of His blood to cleanse man of unrighteousness. Jesus introduced Himself as a Covenant God and the King of His Kingdom. Romans 14:17 (NKJV)“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”John 2:11 (NIV)What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

The Gift Of Tongues The Grace Of Tongues 1 Corinthians 14:23 If the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? I Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God;or no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. When we pray in tongues we can cover stuff and deal with stuff in prayer beyond our human wisdom"Whatever is coming out of their mouth is not what they are purposefully or willfully trying to do. And that's in fairly stark contrast to the people who are — like the Buddhist and Franciscan nuns — in prayer, because they are very intensely focused and in those individuals the frontal lobes actually increase activity."Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. “The mind the mind is a great servant but a terrible master”I Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. 1. You Should Be Awesome From The Outset2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Hebrews 6:1 We must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity“Spiritual maturity is a lifelong pursuit. We grow in spiritual maturity moment by moment, day by day, year by year.” — Jim George2 Timothy 1:6 Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-disciplineFan into flame is the greek word anazōpyreō it means to rekindle a flame, to stir up the coals, or to take a bellows and blow into the fire. 2. I’ll Lose Control 1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will and I will also pray with the understanding. 3. I Could Get A DemonLuke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 4. Some Get it, Some Don’tRomans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.Acts 10:34 God doesn't show favoritism 5. “Real” Christians Do This Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, 9 it is not from works, so no one may boast.It’s A Benefit1. It Builds Us Up1 Corinthians 14:4 The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,Ephesians 6:13 Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; *Semicolon Definition SlideEphesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit Don't stop at the pause!2. It Covers Your Ignorance Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Groanings - a yearning—a longingRomans 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. I Corinthians 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.The Active Voice means the subject is doing the actionThe Passive Voice means that the subject is undergoing the action rather than doing it. The Middle Voice means participation in the action taking place in a cooperative effort PRACTICE IN PRIVATE Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of th

Acts 1:4“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”Spiritual gifts empower us to love people, bear God’s image, & build God’s Kingdom.Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...”The Holy Spirit is an empowering gift from God to you.Luke 24:49I am about to send out my Father's promised gift to rest upon you. But, as for you, wait patiently in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."Tony EvansSpiritual Gifts are divinely bestowed abilities given to every true believer in Jesus Christ in order to serve the church.“Spirituals” = Spirit-tools. Henry HonIn order for the ekklesia to be built up, every believer needs to rise up and be actively seeking the Lord and functioning according to the gifts that the Spirit has given each one.Gift - Charisma(ta) = grace.Spiritual gifts are spiritual manifestations of God’s graceSpiritual Gifts are Spirit tools from God’s divine toolbox given freely to Spirit filled believers to manifest God’s power and help us accomplish every good work that God has laid out for us to achieve. 1 Corinthians 12:8Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: Spiritual - Pneumatikos = empowered by a breath of wind 1 Corinthians 12:7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: C.H. SpurgeonThe spiritual gifts of the church are for the good of the rebels as well as for the building up of those who are reconciled.1 Corinthians 12:8For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. Lee CummingsIf we think only certain people have certain gifts available to them, then we are mistaken. The truth is, you will operate with the Holy Spirit in a particular gift or couple of gifts at a time according to God's will for a particular situation; however, every gift is available to every believer all the time because the Holy Spirit is not distributing inanimate objects. So you cannot have the Holy Spirit apart from all the manifestations of the Spirit being present, just as I could not have a conversation in person with you without you being present.I. The Discerning Gifts1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 1. The Word Of Wisdom 2. The Word Of KnowledgeKnowledge has to do with the present, or the pastWisdom has to do with the future3. The Discerning Of SpiritsThe Discerning of Spirits is the ability to perceive quickly, whether such things as people, events, or beliefs are from God, or are demonic in originWe are not living in a spiritually neutral environment.Discern - diakrisis = to see thruII. The Declarative Gifts1. The Gift Of Prophecy Prophecy is a message of encouragement from God to a person. 1 Corinthians 14:3But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. Edification, exhortation and comfortProphecy is for encouragement 1 Corinthians 14:31For you can all you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 2. Different Kinds Of Tongues3. Interpretation Of Tongues 1 Corinthians 14:5I wish you all spoke with tongues, III. The Dynamic Gifts1. The Gift Of Faith A supernatural impartation of belief and confidence for a specific situation. 2. Gifts Of Healings supernatural enablements given to a believer to minister various kinds of healing and restoration to individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit.Acts 3:6Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Psalm 103:1-3Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,3. Working Of Miracles Divine intervention that alters our natural circumstancesWith this gift, God provides the ability to demonstrate the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, and confirm the superiority of the reign of the kingdom of God over spiritual darkness, and even natural law.1 Corinthians 14:1Love should be your guide. Be

Philippians 2:1-8Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.ONE ACCORD: The Power Of A Unified ChurchPeter Scazzero“Perhaps one of the most destructive myths alive in the Christian community today is the belief that smoothing over a disagreement or ’sweeping them under the rug’ is part of what it means to follow Jesus. For this reason, churches, small groups, ministry teams, denominations, and communities continue to experience the pain of unresolved conflicts.” Acts 4:32-33 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.Acts 1:1414 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.Acts 2:44-4744 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.UNITY IS GOD’S WILLJohn 13:3535 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”Dietrich BonhoefferThe church is not a religious community of worshippers of Christ but is Christ himself who has taken form among people.Rich VillodasIf the church is the body (of Christ) we dare not cannibalize ourselves. When we devour each other (through gossip, slander, condemnation, etc) we sink our sharp teeth into the flesh of Christ—not in Eucharistic (communion) worship, but in fleshly fallenness.John 17:20-23“My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”A.W. TozerWe pray, “Oh God, send thy Holy Spirit upon us so we’ll be united.” We might just as well repeat “Three Blind Mice.” God does not hear that kind of prayer because it has no sense in it. The Holy Ghost did not come upon the disciples to unite them. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples because they were already united, “being of one accord and in one place.” Scholars tell us that “being of one accord” is a musical term, meaning harmony. The early Christians already were one. They were in harmony with each other when they were together in one place.Matthew 5:21-24 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother[c] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults[d] his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell[e] of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.UNITY IS BORN FROM HONORRomans 6:1-610 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.Honor: the recognition of the value, contribution, and importance of others.Peter Scazzero“For years I would observe unusually gifted people perform in extraordinary ways - whether in the arts, sports, leadership, politics, business, academics, parenting, or church - and wonder if somehow they had escaped the brokenness that plagues the rest of us. Now I know they hadn’t. We are all deeply flawed and broken. There are no exceptions.”Dietrich Bonhoef

John 16:13 When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. “Guide”- hodēgeō to lead along a way The Holy Spirit wants to show you the way and lead you along the way.Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God You want to be led by the Holy Spirit! 1. Get In The FlowActs 2:16-17 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”ekcheō - “Pour out” - future active indicative On the day of Pentecost, God opened the flood gates of Heaven and poured out His spirit and the flow of the spirit is continuing to be poured out to this day!Ephesians 5:18 Be filled with the Spirit“Be Being Filled”We Leak2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.Hebrews 13:5 “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless]PollutionIsaiah 44:3 God is the refresher and provides nourishmentby pouring out His Spirit on us. The Holy Spirit is able to fill up our hungry and dry hearts. When our souls are refreshed it's like water is being poured onto a thirsty land. How do you get a fresh flow? You ask for it.2. Deal With The DeathGenesis8:6-12 “Then it came about at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the water was abated from the face of the land; but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, so she returned to him into the ark, for the water was on the surface of all the earth. Then he put out his hand and took her, and brought her into the ark to himself. So he waited yet another seven days; and again he sent out the dove from the ark. The dove came to him toward evening, and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth. Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again.”Ravens = unclean animals - symbolize the ways of the world, cunning and deceptive.So when Noah let’s the raven out… there were plenty of dead surfaces for that raven to land on and consume… there were dead bloated bodies floating around… there were dead limbs, dead animals… all sorts of dead stuff… So the raven found a place to rest on the dead.But when Noah first lets out a dove, it came back, because it says: “the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot” Olive Tree - Symbolizes JesusDove - Symbolizes Holy Spirit - mild, true and gentle.The raven is able to find a home amongst the carnage, while the dove is looking for a renewed earth. The raven surveys the remains of destruction from God's judgment, while the dove returns with a sign of God's grace and restoration. - A.W. TozerThe dove (a picture of the Holy Spirit) would not land on the death!Sin is death! Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin” do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.John 16:13 He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.#1 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through The WordJohn 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and check this out bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. #2 The Holy Spirit speaks to us through PeaceColossians 3:15 Let the peace of God rule In your heart. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understandin

Acts 1:4And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father… The Promise of The FatherIsaiah 9:6-7For unto you a child is born, unto you a son is given… Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.. The prophets not only prophesied about a promised child but also about the promised indwelling and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel 36:26-27And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.God will put His Spirit IN YOU was a radical, radical thought. John 20:19-22Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”1 Peter 3:18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, Jesus died in His body but was raised from the dead- he was made alive by the Holy Spirit. The resurrection was the work of the Triune God. And if we are going to experience resurrection life, we need The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Romans 8:11If 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.Joel 2:28-29And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.Ezekiel said God is going to put his Spirit in people. Joel said God is going to pour out his Spirit on people. Lee CummingsIt was as if God was saying, "I'm going to pour it out in such a way that nobody is going to escape dry. I'm not just going to pour it out on David. I'm not just going to pour it out in My Temple. I'm going to pour it out on the whole earth. It's going to be young men and old men. It's going to be men and women. It's going to be rich and poor. Everyone is included. There will be no gender differences. No economic distinctions. No age limits. All flesh. I'm going to pour out My Spirit on all flesh.”John 1:26-27, 33-34John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”Baptism - To submerge, to overwhelm, to saturate, to take something under the water. Acts 1:4-5And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”Luke 24:49And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.Acts 2:2-4, 12-17When 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 divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…THIS IS THATLee CummingsThe believers were supernaturally endued with unearthly power, spiritual dynamite, and divine anointing. Similar to Samson's incredible strength, David's power as king, Moses' ability to perform miracles, and the many othe

God has more for you. Charles SpurgeonWithout the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.Warren W. WiersbeIt is futile for us to try to serve God without the power of the Holy Spirit. Talent, training, and experience cannot take the place of the power of the Spirit.Acts 1:4And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” The early believers looked to, depended on, interacted with and spoke about the Holy Spirit all the time. A. W. TozerIf the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference.God has more for you. John 14:16-18And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper,that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. #1 The Holy Spirit Is A Person Dirkie Van Der SpuyIt is impossible to understand the working of the Holy Spirit without first knowing Him as a Person. Like Christ, the Person of the Holy Spirit is living and eternal.AMEN ERIK PICTURE#2 The Holy Spirit Is GodActs 5:3-4But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.John 14:16And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, Allos One of the very same kind; same character; same everything; nearly a duplicate. A.W. TozerThe Holy Spirit is epitome of love, kindliness, geniality, warm attractiveness and sweetness. He is the sweetest, most understanding and wonderful Teacher in the world, and He never panics anybody. It is sin that does that.”#3. The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper John 14:26But the Helper, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.John 15:26“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. John 16:7Nevertheless 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 depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:12-1312 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. Paráklētos Para - along side and Kletos - to walk It is to your advantage that I go away; That words parakeets means ComforterCounselorAdvocateIntercessorStrengthenerAnd StandbyThe Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Comforter Psalms 16:8-9 TPTBecause you are close to me and always available my confidence will never be shaken for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment. My heart and soul explode with joyfull of glory! Even my body will rest confident and secure. The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your CounselorCounselor A person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems John 16:13When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 17:17Thy word is truth.LOGOSOf the moral precepts given by God, the sayings of God”He will tell you things to come. The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your AdvocateRevelation 12:10“the accuser of the brethren”The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Intercessor Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.The Holy Spirit want to help you by being your Strengthener Ephesians 3:16“…to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]."Romans 8:11"But if the Spirit of Him (God) who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwe

Acts 1:14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.Acts 2:42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. “Prayer is where the action is.”1. Prayer is where the friendship is.2. Prayer is where the camaraderie is.CS Lewis: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You, too? I thought I was the only one.3. Prayer is where the power is.2 Timothy 3-5But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.Acts 4:31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.4. Prayer is where the LEGACY is.

1. We can't settle2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.Ephesians 3:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Matthew 17:2As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. 4 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”2. We have the difference2 Kings 6:25And there was a great famine in Samaria; and indeed they besieged it until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and one-fourth of a kab of dove droppings for five shekels of silver. 2 Kings 7:1Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’ ”2 Kings 7:3Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” 2 Kings 7:9Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 3. Make a difference 1. Start small. Luke 16:10 NLT“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.Colossians 3:23Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants “do it with all their heart” 2. Start closeActs 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”3. Start Now 2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.PLUS ULTRA = More Beyond

Part of what we wanted to capture in the Voyager message was this great longing we feel.-Annie DruyanThere is a lack of passion in the Bride.The Bridegroom left on a journey just before the wedding, and the Bride cannot act as if thingsare normal. If she loves Him, she will ache for His return. Saving faith says, "Thy kingdom come!Come back, O precious Bridegroom. Come, reign as King. Come, vindicate your people. Come,marry your Bride.” If she loves him she will ache for his return. She will ask for His Kingdom tocome. She won’t be lured to sleep by the world. Or caught in the act of adultery with anotherlover. -John PiperStorge - Familial Love. Like the love a mother has for her child.Philia- Brotherly Love. Like how you love your brothers and sisters in Christ.Agape - Unconditional, Selfless Love. Like how Christ loves us.Eros - Passionate, Burning Love. Like how a groom loves his bride.In the world, we find EROS without AGAPE.In the church, we find AGAPE without EROS.Plan 1: The Squelch DietThe shutting down of any and all indulgence of desire.Squelch = forcefully silence or suppressTo squelch our desires is to hinder our seeking.To ignore our longings is to ignore the one who can fulfill our longings.John 1:35-39 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesuswalked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’stwo disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following.“What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “whereare you staying?” “Come and see,” he said.Behind all of our misdirected desires, there is a legitimate desire God put there and wants tosatisfy.What’s needed to progress on the journey of the Christian life is DEPTH of desire, not DEATHof desire. -Christopher WestWhat if instead of training yourself to ignore longings, you let your longings train you?Plan 2: Fast Food DietThe promise of immediate gratification through indulgence of desire.If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewardspromised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desire not too strong, but tooweak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition wheninfinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to make mud pies in a slum becausehe cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easilypleased. -C.S. LewisThose on the fast food plan are trying to suck infinity out of finite things.Plant 3: The BanquetThe promise of eternal gratification through indulgence of desire.Song of Songs 2:4 He brought me to his banquet hall and raised the banner of love over me.Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, afeast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.Luke 22:14-15 When it was time to eat the Passover meal, Jesus and the apostles were at thetable. Jesus said to them, “I’ve had a deep desire to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.Jesus knows the dilemma of desire, and he speaks to it in nearly everything he says. He knowsthat ecstasy is not an option; we are made for bliss, and we must have it one way or another.-John EldredgePsalm 63:1-8O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, asin a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips willpraise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul willbe satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when Iremember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you havebeen my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; yourright hand upholds me.For I have seen You I've beheld Your glory. And I am ruined For there is none to compare. And Ilong to know You And the depths of Your love That always leave me Time and time again,undone. -Jeremy FosterRuined & UndoneGod will never do anything with us till he has first of all undone us. -SpurgeonAnd the more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule andorder, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild. -G.K. ChestertonPsalm 81:10For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouthwide, and I will fill it with good things.Psalm 23:5You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cupoverflows.Psalm 34:8Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!Psalm 78:29 They ate and were filled; the Lord gave them what they wanted; they were notdeprived of their desire.Song of Songs 5:1 ...Eat, O friends, and d

Our salvation doesn’t automatically keep us from being mean, jealous, hateful, or angry. It’s only as we ask the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, only as we yield our nature to His nature, only as we seek to be His representatives on this earth in every relationship we have that we’re going to move beyond pride into the behaviors that establish peace. - Charles Stanley John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, allos - means one of the very same kind; same character; same everything; nearly a duplicate. Better Balance; Power and Practices Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Because of Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, living for God is not something you have to live up to in your own strength; it’s something you live out from with someone you live out with.When God initiates the new covenant, It does not happen in a temple in Jerusalem; It happens in the people.The sobering truth is that the greatest hindrance to the growth of Christianity in today’s world is the absence of the manifest presence of God from the Church. - Richard Owen RobertsActs 2:4 the Spirit enabled them.The truth is that God never fathered His Church apart from the Holy Spirit. We should be anointed with the Spirit. We are led of the Spirit. We are taught by the Spirit. The Spirit, then, is the medium—the divine solution—in which God holds His Church. - AW Tozer2 Timothy 3:5 They will do things to make it look as if they are Christians. But they will not receive the power that is for a Christian. Keep away from such people.In most Christian churches the Spirit is quite entirely overlooked. Whether He is present or absent makes no real difference to anyone. Brief reference is made to Him in the doxology and the benediction. Further than that He might as well not exist. Our neglect of the doctrine of the blessed Third Person has had and is having serious consequences. For doctrine is dynamite. It must have emphasis sufficiently sharp to detonate it before its power is released. The doctrine of the Spirit is buried dynamite. Its power awaits discovery and use by the Church. The power of the Spirit will not be given to any mincing assent to pneumatological truth. The Holy Spirit cares not at all whether we write Him into our creeds in the back or our hymnals; He awaits our emphasis. - AW Tozer1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.“Ultimately, each church will be evaluated by only one thing – its disciples. Your church is only as good as her disciples. It does not matter how good your praise, preaching, programs, or property are; if your disciples are passive, needy, consumeristic, and not radically obedient, your church is not good.” - Neil Cole“The general human failing is to want what is right and important, but at the same time not to commit to the kind of life that will produce the action we know to be right and the condition we want to enjoy. This is the feature of human character that explains why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We intend what is right, but we avoid the life that would make it reality.”― Dallas WillardWe need teaching We need fellowship We need to break bread together We need prayer to be a lifestyle We have to reject the “presto” view of spiritual growth Ephesians 5:18 be filled with the Spirit, 1 Timothy 4:8 Train yourself in godliness.POWEREncounterPassionAnointingBreakthroughManifestationsUrgency,Crowds GiftsPRACTICESFormation Discipline Faithfulness Process Skills SustainabilityCommitment Health Character being transformed devotionaldiscipleship classes blocks conference School of The Spirit Series

Advent = coming or arrival John 14:27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Peace is a signature move of JesusLuke 2:13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”The announcement of the presence of Jesus on the scene was accompanied by a declaration that Peace is now on the scene and available.Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Hebrews 7:17“a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek” Melchizedek = “king of peace” Ephesians 2:14For he himself is our peacePeace is a signature move of JesusThe Peace Jesus gives is not defined by the absence of something but by the presence of someone.Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Mark 4:38But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.Mark 4:38“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”Mark 4:40“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”John OrtbergPeace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat.The presence of Jesus allows us to have peace no matter what else is going on around us. Alexander MacLarenPeace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.Who are you inviting into your life? Real peace is only found in the presence of Jesus! John 16:33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.Revelations 22:20The one who gives this testimony says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Peace is a person!Ephesians 2:14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostilityJohn Lennon“All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance”

Luke 2:6-11So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.The Good News of Great JoyJoy is a good feeling in our soul when a longing is fulfilled. Charlie BrownI just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.Advent is the expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and cheerful preparation of God breaking into our lives in all moments, all places, and all times- past, present, and future. Ebenezer ScroogeI will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS PASTMatthew 1:1The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Christoper WrightThe Old Testament tells a story that Jesus completes.Abraham to DavidDavid to ExileExile to MessiahThe Messiah had come and with this bright and morning star dawned a new day, a new law, a new temple, a new sacrifice, a new creation. Galatians 3:8-9What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.The Blessing Abraham received = Right Standing with God through Faith. We experience The Joy of Christmas Past when we identify with our spiritual ingrafted history. THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTWe experience The Joy of Christmas Present when we seek to fulfill our Father’s longing. James 1:18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.A First Fruits Creature Is:Set-apartOn DisplayPreview of the Future HarvestContinuing the Ministry of JesusTHE JOY OF CHRISTMAS FUTUREWe experience The Joy of Christmas Future when we look ahead to the second coming of Jesus. Revelation 21:1-7Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.God is so full of mercy that his most characteristic action is to come down from the throne and, in person, wipe away every tear from every eye. -NT WrightAdvent is the expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and cheerful preparation of God breaking into our lives in all moments, all places, and all times- past, present, and future.

Advent is a time to celebrate, a time to anticipate, and a time to participate.God expressed His love to the world through Jesus. John 3:16 (ESV)“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”Isaiah 9:6 (NJKV)“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”We celebrate the gift of Jesus, we anticipate being with Jesus, and we participate in imaging the love of Jesus to the world.Philia - brotherly affection Eros - romantic loveStorge - love for familyAgape - the God kind of love1 - God’s love is unconditional. 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.”God demonstrated His unconditional love in the moment man fell. He had already set in motion His redemptive work.Romans 5:8 (NIV)“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”2 - It takes God to love like God. Conditional love is only given as long as the condition continues to be met. Agape is pure and cuts across anything.God sent His Son to us because He crossed all barriers.He paved and showed us the way of love. 1 John 4:16-18 (NIV)“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God is in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”As we celebrate the Advent season, we have the opportunity to express love right where people are, without condition. 3 - Love lays it all downSong of Songs 5:2-7 (NIV)“I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My beloved is knocking: ‘Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.’ I have taken off my robe— must I put it on again? I have washed my feet— must I soil them again? My beloved thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. I arose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the bolt. I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer. The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!”We cannot properly anticipate wrapped in the layers of this world, keeping our comforts.Psalm 130:6 (NIV)“I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”Advent draws our hearts to the reception, celebration, and reflection of God’s love.

Advent - adventus = arrival.Advent is about recognizing what God, through Jesus, has done, is doing, and will do.N.T. WrightChristmas has become cozy. Advent calls us to stay awake.Hope, Love, Joy and Peace1. We Look Back In Celebration John 1:14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.John 1:14The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.God is often working in ways that we can't seeLouie GiglioEven if we don't see it, God is always working underneath the surface, behind the scenes and orchestrating His plans and purposes.Romans 8:32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?Celebrate Now! Isaiah 45:15Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior God.Romans 8:32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?2. We Look Forward In Anticipation John 14:1“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.Revelation 22:12-13“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”Revelation 22:17The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.”Revelation 22:20He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Timothy KellerGod's Kingdom is present in its beginnings, but still future in its fullness.Billy Graham“The second coming of Christ will be so revolutionary that it will change every aspect of life on this planet. Christ will reign in righteousness. Disease will be arrested. Death will be modified. War will be abolished. Nature will be changed. Man will live as it was originally intended he should live.”Find Your Comfort In Jesus Matthew 11:28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.1 Peter 5:7Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.Casting - epiriptō = to throw something on on someone else. 3. We Join In Participation St. Bernard of ClairvauxAdvent prepares not just for the first coming of Christ to Israel, or even the second at the end of time. There is a third coming between these two in which Jesus comes in spirit and power for our rest and consolation. Luke 2:10“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! When Jesus was born in the manger, hope was born in the manger.Matthew 28:20Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.When Jesus was born in the manger, hope was born in the manger. Revelations 3:20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.Henri NouwenThe Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the LordWhen Jesus was born in the manger, hope was born in the manger.

New Song Answers Weekend - Transformation Expressed - Pastors Tonderai and Ashley Bassoppo-Moyo - November 19th & 20th, 2022As those practicing the way of Jesus, we are called to sacrificial mission. This is the outward expression of the inward transformation process at work within us. That the whole world might know, we are on mission to be a city on a hill, the light of the world.TRANSFORMATION EXPRESSED 1 - Sacrificial mission is the outward expression of our inward transformation. If there is no sacrificial mission, if there is no pouring out, if there is no outward expression of the inward transformation - we live an incomplete picture of the Gospel.2 - Sacrificial mission requires living from the well. Matthew 25:23 (NIV)…”Well done, good and faithful servant…” “The extent of our sacrifice coupled with the depth of our joy displays the worth we put on the reward of God.” - John Piper 3 - Sacrificial mission requires your life.Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”John 12:24 (NIV)“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” A seed has to die in order for it to produce fruit. Romans 6:5-7 (NKJV)“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Romans 15:18 (NLT)“Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.” Expressed transformation reveals a life given over to the Lord. 4 - Sacrificial mission expresses Kingship. “Missions exists because worship doesn't….When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever.” - John Piper The mission of the Kingdom is to bring others in that they, too, may come to know and express His Kingship in their lives. Matthew 5:14 (ESV)“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” We are citizens of a different Kingdom - and a mark of our citizenship is the way we live. John 15:8 (ESV)“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” Fruit bearing is proof of transformation. We have been entrusted with the Gospel, representing His Kingdom, and reflecting the official position of Heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Mark 15:15 (ESV)“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” Matthew 28:18-19 (NIV)“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…’” John 20:21 (ESV)“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” Luke 24:47 (NLT)“It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’’’ 5 - Sacrificial mission turns the world upside down. Acts 20:24 (NIV) “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 17:1-6 (ESV)Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also….’”Luke 10:2-3 ESV“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore

Psalm 40:1-3I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.Acts 13:22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.1 Samuel 13:14The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.Acts 15:16-17‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’1. Expressive Worship on display2. Blood Sacrifice Was Introductory1 Corinthians 6:19Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 2 Samuel 6:1David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. 2 He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart 2 Samuel 6:6When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.1. God’s Presence Is Hosted Not Handled 2 Samuel 6:8Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah 9 David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 2. Our God Concept Must Be CorrectIf you see God the wrong way, you’re going to have a hard time relating to Him in worship the right way.Revelation 12:9“the Devil, Satan, deceives the whole worldGod is not the cause of your pain! Matthew 11:28Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Overlook Fear2 Samuel 6:16But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him. 2 Samuel 6:20When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” 21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.Proverbs 29:25Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.Snare - a hook designed to capture you by the nose. Eugene Peterson, A Year With JesusThe Christian who cares only for God’s approval lives free of the tyranny of conformist pressures, relaxed under the steady direction of the God who loves us and gives himself for us. Those who try to please the world by their behavior very quickly find themselves under the unkind surveillance of a thousand critics.Galatians 1:10Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.Who are you out to please?Psalm 150:6Let everything that breathe sing praises to the Lord!

God created you to be great.We were created to bear the image of greatnessThe process of the path produces the power for the platform.Matthew 20:20-21Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”Matthew 20:22“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. Matthew 20:22“Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” Matthew 20:25Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Matthew 20:26Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”.God is not trying to move you from greatness to servanthood. He wants to move you to greatness through servanthood.Servanthood Is The Path To The Greatness Of God In Our LifeDr. Martin Luther King Jr.“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.”Matthew 20:28Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”.God is a servant.1. Jesus served big needs2. Jesus served small needs3. Jesus served ugly needsMatthew 25:40Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.4. Jesus served serversLuke 9:12“Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”God is master of disguise.

“Secret Place Must Be Stronger Than Public Place”Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SECRET PLACE!Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.The secret place is where you get alone with God and spend time in fellowship with Him.When you prayMartin Luther“As it is the business of tailors to make clothes, and the business of cobblers to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray!Prayer - to offer a devout petition of praise or thanks to God, to enter into spiritual communion with God.Prayer is not a monologue at God, it's a dialogue with God.Psalm 25:14 AMPThe secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.Psalms 25:14 TPTThere's a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of Yahweh, where they sit near him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises.YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SECRET PLACE!The secret place is where you get alone with God and spend time in fellowship with Him.Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SECRET PLACE!On average, Americans check their phones 262 times per day—that's once every 5.5 minutesOn average, people spend 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phones per day.71% of Americans say they check their phones within the first 10 minutes of waking up.74% of Americans feel uneasy leaving their phone at home.48% of people say they feel a sense of panic or anxiety when their cell phone battery goes below 20%.45% say that their phone is their most valuable possession.43% use or look at their phone while on a date.YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SECRET PLACE!Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openlyThe Fruit On Display Exists Because Of The Root Hidden AwayJeremiah 17:5-6Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.Jeremiah 17:7-8“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”Jesus lived a show and tell life. Colossians 1:15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.Luke 5:15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.Luke 5:16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.Lonely = erēmos - solitary, deserted places, secret placesSecret strength from God in the public place, comes from secret time with God in the private place.Luke 5:17And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.The power of the Lord was present for Jesus to heal fulfill his purpose after he pulled away and spent some private time in the secret place with God.In the Secret place, you access the reward of the protection of God. Psalm 91:1He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Psalms 32:7Lord, you are my secret hiding place, protecting me from these troubles, surrounding me with songs of gladness!In the Secret place, you access the reward of the peace of God. Psalm 139:13,15-16For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.In the Secret place, you access the reward of God. Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Jeremiah 29:13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SECRET PLACE!The secret place is where you get alone with God and spend time in fellowship with Him.YOU NEED TO GET TO THE SECRET PLACE!

How can a people with so many time-saving devices live such lesuireless lives? Addiction is the relentless pull to a substance or an activity that becomes so compulsive it ultimately interferes with everyday life. Matthew 11:28-29Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG)Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Jesus' yoke is better than a bed because a power nap is not what we need to find rest for our souls; we need a new framework for life. St. AugustineOur hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.REST MUST BE STRONGER THAN EXHAUSTION Mark 2:23-27One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?"..... And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Sabbath | Shabbat | To Stop & DelightJustin Whitmel EarleySabbath is a whimsical rebellion against the idea that work is the only important thing in the world. Ruth Haley BartonSabbath keeping is the linchpin of a life lived in sync with the rhythms that God himself built into our world, and yet it is the discipline that seems hardest for us to live. Sabbath keeping honors the body's need for rest, the spirit's need for replenishment and the soul's need to delight itself in God for God's own sake. Rich VillodasSabbath keeping is a weekly twenty-four-hour period of unhurried delight with no have-tos or ought-tos, resulting in deep rest and renewal. 1. 2. 1. The Sabbath (24-hour period of unhurried delight) was made for man. 3. 4. 2. Man was not made for the Sabbath. Genesis 2:2-3By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. The commands were to be a way of life that showed the rest of the world what redeemed people look like and how redeemed people live their lives. SABBATH is a way to show the rest of the world what redeemed people look like and how redeemed people live their lives. If you go against the grain of the universe, you get splinters. Non-stop work due to Oppression or Non-stop work due to Obsession. Either way, being a slave to work is a destructive way to live. Walter BrueggemannPeople who keep the Sabbath live all seven days differently.Framework for Sabbath 1. Resisting Work What steps do you need to take to set aside an entire 24-hour period committed to resisting work and resisting thinking about work? 2. Resting & Worshipping You may already be taking a day off. Great! But why not go all the way? 3. Pleasure Stacking Dan AllenderThe Sabbath is an invitation to enter delight. The Sabbath, when experienced as God intended, is the best day of our lives. Without question or thought, it is the best day of the week. It is the day we anticipate on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday- and the day we remember on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Sabbath is the holy time where we feast, play, dance, have sex, sing, pray, laughs, tell stories, read, paint, walk, and watch creation in its fullness. Few people are willing to enter the Sabbath and sanctify it, to make it holy, because a day of full delight and joy is more than most people can bear in a lifetime, let alone a week. John Mark ComerIf you're new to the Sabbath, a question to give shape to your practice is this: What could I do for 24 hours that would fill my soul with deep, throbbing joy? That would make me spontaneously combust with wonder, awe, gratitude, and praise? As with God's grace, the Sabbath is never a reward; it's a gift.

Evangelism & GenerosityActs 2:41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Evangelism is proclaiming and living the good news of salvation found through Christ aloneActs 2:42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Proskartereō - being dedicated to some activity despite difficulty Ephesians 5:25Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.The church is people Ekklesia - out-calling, a called-out congregationActs 2:43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Generosity is living a life that matches the giving nature of God by outrageously and joyfully giving of our time our treasures and our talents to help bring heaven to earth Acts 2:46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Evangelism and generosity go hand in handGenerosity is an attitude of love that flows from our hearts into the actions of our life. Mother Teresa“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.”Without generosity the Gospel is grounded.The greatest enemy to Generosity in your life is fear.Generosity is living a life that matches the giving nature of GodJohn 3:16For God so loved the world, that He gave his only SonYou look like God when you are generous. Ephesians 5:1-2Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.Matthew 10:7As you go, proclaim this message:‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Proverbs 11:25Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.#1 Be Generous With Your Time Ephesians 5:15-16 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.#2 Be Generous With Encouragement Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death.“Power of the tongue” = under the direction, or control of. ENCOURAGE“to put courage in”… “to lift the spirit”Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.#3 Be Generous With HonorRomans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. #4 Be Generous With Your ForgivenessEphesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.The key to forgiveness is not forgive and forget it’s forgive and remember. John 15:13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.#5 Be Generous With Your AssistanceMartin Luther - “A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”#6 Be Generous With Your Stories1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you haveAnna Grace TaylorYour story could be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison. Don’t be afraid to share it.#7 Be Generous With Your MoneyLuke 12:32Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.John 10:10My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Privilege a special right, advantage, or immunity, granted or available only to a particular person or group. Not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance.Spiritual Privilege is the assumption that because I have been faithful, obedient, or “good” in certain aspects of my faith; I am entitled to certain advantages or am immune to experiencing certain disadvantages. LUKE 11:37-4237 As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table.[l] 38 His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. 39 Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! 40 Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? 41 So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. 42 “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,[m] but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.1. 1. Spiritual privilege pacifies conviction2. 3. 2. Spiritual privilege kills integrity LUKE 11:39-4039 Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness!DAVID GUZIK If these religious leaders were as concerned about cleansing their hearts as they were about their hands, they would be more godly men. We often want to look to a ceremony or a ritual to cleanse us, instead of the sacrificial work of God on our behalf. 3. Spiritual privilege blinds us from seeing what’s really importantLUKE 11:42 42 “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,[m] but you ignore justice and the love of God.DAVID GUZIKTheir tithing was meticulous and noteworthy; but hypocritical because it served to sooth the guilt of their neglect of the justice and love of God. It is both possible and common to be distracted with relatively trivial matters while a lost world perishes. 4. Spiritual privilege leads to a facadeLUKE 11:40-4140 Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? 41 So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.DALLAS WILLARD“The discipline of sacrifice is one in which we forsake the security of meeting our needs with what is in our hands. It is total abandonment to God, a stepping into the darkened abyss in the faith and hope that God will bear us up. Our need to give is greater than God’s need to receive, because he is always well supplied. But how nourishing to our faith are the tokens of God’s care in response to our sacrifice. The cautious faith that never saws off the limb on which it is sitting never learns that unattached limbs may find strange, unaccountable ways of not falling.”God does not just call us to sacrificial living; He honors it.WE SACRIFICE OUR PRIDE ON THE ALTAR OF PERCEPTIONLUKE 14:8-118 “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 9 The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! 10 “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. 11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”WE SACRIFICE OUR MONEY ON THE ALTAR OF PROVISIONLUKE 21:1-4While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.[a] 3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”DAVID GUZIKThe widow challenged the mindset that says, “I’ll give when I have more.” The widow had virtually nothing, yet was a giver. This means that we can all please God with our giving just as much as the richest man can please God with his giving. Whatever we give sacrificially to God, He sees it and is pleasedWE SACRIFICE OUR PLANS ON THE ALTAR OF CONTROL GENESIS 15:17-1817 After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that dayJOHN MARK COMERGod makes Abraham fall into a deep sleep, and in it, Abraham sees a vision of God, in the image of a “smoking fire-pot,” walking through the animals all by himself… It’s God saying that even if Abraham and