New Song Church OKC

“Worship Must Be Stronger Than Idolatry”Idolatry is the worship of idols?Idolatry the worship of someone or something other than God as though it were God.Worship - To kneel, to bow, to lay face down in reverence. Worship Is Kingship ExpressedRomans 1:18-25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not worship him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.Idolatry is a DisorderRomans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not worship him as GodExodus 20:3 You shall have no other Gods before me. Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else An Idol is anything we place above God in our life…Tim KellerAnd idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. We think idols are bad things, but that's almost never the case. The greater, the good, the more likely we are to expect that it can satisfy our deepest needs and hopes. Anything can serve as a counterfeit God, especially the very best things in life.David Foster WallaceIn the day-to day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling reason for maybe choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things, if they are where you tap real meaning in life, then you will never have enough, never feel you have enough. Worship your own body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly, and when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally plant you. Worship power, you will end up feeling weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to numb you to your own fear. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart, you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out. On one level, we all know this stuff already - The trick is keeping the truth up front in daily consciousness." A disordered life leads to an “out of order” life. John 15:5 apart from me you can do nothing1. Idols DeceiveRomans 1:21-22 They became futile in their thinking, 22 Claiming to be wise, they became foolsIdols function as counterfeitsJeremiah 29:13 “You will find me when you seek me with ALL your heart.” You’re as close to God as you choose to be. James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.WHEN YOU KNOW THE REAL YOU CAN SPOT THE FAKE2. Idols DisconnectRomans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurityActive wrath of God The passive wrath of God is God backing away to allow people to experience the results of their rebellion. Romans 1:24 Therefore God gave them upProverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.1. 1. RepentActs 3:19 Repent, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,MetanoiaMeta = change | Noia = mindTo repent means, I change my mind.Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind1. 2. Take An Aggressive Stance Against IdolsDeuteronomy 12:3 Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.Take An Aggressive Stance Against Idols1. It’s Important To God2. It’s Important To You3. It’s Important To The Church

God is calling his people to resist the division, impotency, and compromise rampant within the western church via faithful discipleship. Those who will rise to the occasion and live with devotion and conviction no matter the cost. Join us this fall as we purpose to reclaim Jesus’ vision for his church. You have to be stronger than these tormentors that you find everywhere today. - Bonhoeffer Conviction must be stronger than Compromise. Hebrews 10:32-39 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 11:24-27 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. Hebrews 11:26 His eyes looked with wonder not on the immediate, but on the ultimate—faith’s great reward! Ultimate must be stronger than Immediate.Holy Anticipation must be stronger than Cheap Gratification. Wonder in Faith’s Great Reward must be stronger than the Glitter of Temporary Gains attained through Compromise. Moses refused to compromise for status.It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. How important is status to you?How convinced are you that faith’s great reward is better than _____? Moses refused to compromise for fleeting pleasure.He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. Sin has its moments. But the moments are momentary. Better to lean into daily moments of suffering with Christ by choosing ultimate over immediate than to stuff suffering into a closet until it’s so full it comes spilling out all over your life and the lives of those closest to you. 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable. Momentary Sinful Pleasure leads to shame, emptiness, darkness, and destruction. Momentary Suffering leads to weight of glory beyond all measure, transcendent splendor, and endless blessedness. Momentary Suffering > Momentary Sinful Pleasure Ultimate must be stronger than Immediate. Holy Anticipation must be stronger than Cheap Gratification. Wonder in Faith’s Great Reward must be stronger than the Glitter of Temporary Gains attained through Compromise. This is the end—for me, the beginning of life. - Bonhoeffer

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (MSG) You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s sheer genius, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. 2 I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.Luke 7:33-34 (NKJV) “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Is Jesus a friend of sinners? 1. Levi, a tax collector. Luke 5:27-28 (NLT) Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.He is now known as Matthew = Yahweh’s gift He became one of the 12 disciples. He wrote one of the gospels, Matthew.Luke 5:29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. When you meet Jesus you want to tell people!Matthew experienced and believed Jesus was a friend to sinners.2. Judas. The betrayer of JesusMatthew 26:49 (NKJV) Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Judas learned too late that Jesus was a friend to sinners.3. MeJesus befriended me when I was at my worst.Paul deals with the subject of how we are supposed to treat sinners.1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NLT) When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.So we are called to be friends of sinners but not compromise. We want to be friends to sinners so that that they may be transformed and restored back to God. Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.Daniel 12:3 (NLT) Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.John 4…Jesus shows us the process.The story of the woman at the well.3 Things we can do to Reach Sinners John 4:3 (NKJV) He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 And He must needs go through Samaria. He prayed and was led to go to Samaria.1. Pray and go where you’re led.John 5:19 (NLT) So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.We can’t be led by peoples needs.Jesus was led to the right person.Pray! Ask God where and to who he wants you to go.2. Make friends John 4:13-15 EXB Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so I will never be thirsty again and will not have to come back here to get more water.” We are called to love people into the kingdom. 3. Look for an opening to go in for the killThe Holy Spirit will give you wisdom and empower you supernaturally if you will step out.This woman was transformed and the whole city heard her story. There is nothing like winning someone to Christ!So, what did Jesus do when he encountered sinners?He befriended them.He loved them.He ate with them.He related to them (built relational equity.)He corrected them from a heart of love. He saved them!1 Timothy 1:15 (NLT) This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”--and I am the worst of them all.

Dealing with injMyth #1: Being Angry Is Always Wrong Ephesians 4:26 Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Myth #2: Anger Is Beyond My Control Joshua 24:15 choose this day who you will serve. Mark 3:1 Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them (pharisees) were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, the pharisees, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. Now check this out 5 He looked around at them notice these next 2 words in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 1. Jesus Favors Restoration Over ReligionMatthew 21:12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.2. Jesus Flips Tables, Not PeopleMatthew 21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.Matthew 18:4 Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray,Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. 3. Jesus loves the people and levels the playing fieldColossians 3:11 In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.Jesus Christ is an equal opportunity savior.

How did Jesus respond to doubters? How should we respond to doubters? What did Jesus do that enabled him to respond the way he did? Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”Matthew 14:31-32 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.His Response was Immediate His Response was TangibleHis Response was Honest & ChallengingHis Response was FatherlyMatthew 14:22-23 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.Jesus was jealous for time spent alone with His father. In the midst of His great ministry to others, He did not- He could not- neglect prayer. Want to do what Jesus did? Be jealous for time spent alone with God. Matthew 11:2-6 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”His Response was AcknowledgmentHis Response was Displaying Grace & PowerHis Response was Staying on MissionAs more and more people deconstruct and wrestle with doubt, the Church must stay focused on doing what we are called to do: Ministering to the Lord and seeing Christ formed in people. Want to do what Jesus did? Know who Christ is in you. Study Jesus. Isaiah 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;Will you let these beautiful attributes of Christ be formed in you? Will you reach out to those bruised and burning out and be a source of strength and refreshment for them?

1. The Demanding Person 2. The Disapproving Person 3. The Deafening Person 4. The Destructive Person 5. The Delicate Person 6. The Demeaning Person 1. Come CorrectLuke 5:16 Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray Do you have slip away time?1. 2. Refuse to be offended.2. Matthew 11:2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” John 1:29 “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this Jesus is the Son of God.”Matthew 11:4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”“God, give me a soft heart and a tough hide.” Hurt people hurt people. Proverbs 19:11, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” 3. Always take the high roadJesus didn’t argue with peopleLuke 4:28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. those who persecute you;Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.4. Forgive before they apologizeLuke 23:34 Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” Colossians 3:13, “You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” “make allowance” = cut people some slack.

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s sheer genius, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did.Temptation Effects EveryoneTemptation - to entice Temptation is a tool used by the devil, to try to Entice You Into A Life Of Sin, to Entice You with sinful thoughts that lead to sinful actions.Hebrews 4:15 Jesus… was tempted in every way” Temptation Doesn’t Equal SinHebrews 4:15 Jesus… was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. It is not the temptations you have, but the decision you make about them that counts. - Billy GrahamTemptation Is A DragJames 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. SanctificationJames 1:14 each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. “Dragged Away” - to draw out, to pull you out from under a covering…Enticed - to be lured by baitMatthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” #1 He was tempted in appetitesAppetites don’t lead, truth leads! Does truth bow to appetites or do appetites bow to truth? Matthew 4:5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” #2 He was tempted in approvalWhose approval really matters to you? Where you look for approval is where you give your allegiance. Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took Him the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Luke 4:5 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.Eventually#3 He was tempted to accelerateMatthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For say this with me one more time: it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.The primary battlefield where the devil will challenge us with temptations is in our minds.John 8:32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”The freedom you need from temptation is found in the word of God and in the work of Jesus.#1 We submit our minds to God’s Word.Isaiah 59:19 When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Remembrance - to cause to remember, to recall to mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We tear down arguments and every presumption idea that is exalted against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought and we make it obedient to Christ. Captive - taking by forceObedient - to listen under We take temptations and we bring them under the scrutiny of the Word of God and the more we choose to do it, the more freedom we will have in our mind and in our life. #2 We partner with the overcomerHebrews 2:17-18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. “is able” - have all the power or authority to achieve the desired actionAid - to run to give relief and comfort for the purpose of assisting the person in need. Romans 10:13 everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in our time of need Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Obtain - to claim something for yourself, to take ahold of something that you can use.

Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV)“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”PICTURE THIS: THE STORIES OF THE TREASURE AND THE PEARL“A kingdom is the governing influence of a king over his territory, impacting it with his personal will, purpose, and intent, producing a culture, values, morals, and lifestyle that reflect the king’s desires and nature for his citizens.” - Dr. Myles MonroeRomans 14:17 (ESV)For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.We must recognize the value of the Kingdom in order to see it as treasure.Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” The Kingdom is hidden in plain view.For us to see the value of the Kingdom, our minds must be set on the right things. Romans 12:2 (NIV)Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.HOW TO BE A TREASURE HUNTER1 - Get the right information. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2 - Have the right attitude.Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.3 - Move into action.Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.When your mind is set on things above and not on earthly things, you are empowered to determine the cost of your pursuit. Luke 14:28-30 (NLT)“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’”We’re building the Kingdom of God here on this earth.Revelation 11:15 (NIV)The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”The Merchant is a model of how Jesus functions in the Kingdom.Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT)Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.KINGDOM CONCEPT:A KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE GUIDES WHAT YOU VALUE.

Religion pushes us to try to attain and yet fall short, while the Kingdom gives us freedom from performance because we operate from identity.A STORY OF IDENTITYLuke 10:25-37 (NIV)On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”All our efforts to do good or make the right decisions will always fall short outside of the Kingdom. PICTURE THIS: THE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN“How do YOU read it?”Romans 12:3 (NLT)Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (ESV)Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.Seeing oneself as sufficient through God moves us from a have-to attitude to a get-to attitude.FOUR REVEALING RESPONSES1 - Lens of InterpretationLuke 11:33-36 (NLT)“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”Our ultimate calling is to minister to people.Jeremiah 17:10 (BSB)I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.Times that reveal our light: 1 - In times of crisis 2 - In times of need 2 - Heart of PossessionProverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.Giving away creates gain in the Kingdom.James 2:18 (NLT)Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”3 - Willingness to Sacrifice 1 John 3:16-18 (NLT)We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.If we function on excuses, the right time to help will never come because availability to help requires sacrifice.4 - Consistency of Action“We are what we repeatedly do.Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”Will DurantConsistency speaks to how you want to be known.1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT)If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s se

LUKE 11:5-13 (NIV)Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Relationship is the groundwork for persistence.PICTURE THIS: THE STORY OF THE FRIEND AT NIGHTEffective prayer is persistent and borne out of relationship.THE FOUR BUILDING BLOCKS TO RELATIONSHIP1 - ExpectationWhen your prayers are based on knowing about Jesus instead of knowing Jesus, you lose the will to persist. 2 - IntentionMatthew 19:21 (NIV)Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”If you don’t know your intentions, how can you know when your answer arrives?3 - MotivationLove seeks to give.Lust seeks to get.4 - TrustTrusting in the Lord is believing in God’s ability, God’s wisdom, and God’s goodness.Psalm 37:5 (NLT)Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.You are persistent when you know who He is and His ability and goodness to provide.James 1:6-8 (NLT)​​But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.KINGDOM CONCEPT:AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP CREATES PERSISTENT PRAYER.

LUKE 12:13-21 (NIV)Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”ECCLESIASTES 9:10-12 (NKJV)Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift,Nor the battle to the strong,Nor bread to the wise,Nor riches to men of understanding,Nor favor to men of skill;But time and chance happen to them all.For man also does not know his time:Like fish taken in a cruel net,Like birds caught in a snare,So the sons of men are snared in an evil time,When it falls suddenly upon them.Sometimes the reason we pray amiss is because imbedded in our request is a desire to have possession that we might find meaning and identity in it. The sum total of our existence is not measured by the things we possess, but by who possesses us. PICTURE THIS: THE STORY OF THE RICH MANPsalm 14:1 (NIV) The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”…Luke 12:31 (NLT)Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.The way in which we seek the Kingdom is determined by how we use our opportunities.HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY1 - Have FaithLuke 22:31-32 (NKJV) - And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”2 - Study2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.3 - Sharpen the SawEcclesiastes 10:10 (NLT) - Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.4 - Always Work Unto the LordColossians 3:23-24 (NIV) - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.5 - Look for the Opportunity the Storm BringsActs 21:23 (NLT) - But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”KINGDOM CONCEPT:1 - SEE THE OPPORTUNITY2 - SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

Brandon WidmanThe Truth That Set Me Free: Realizing God is not looking for you to chase after religion, He is looking to have a relationship with us as His sons and daughters. Revelation 3:15-16I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Galatians 5:13“For you were called to freedom brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. John 15:4“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.”Liza SandersThe Truth That Set Me Free: The Bible is absolute, and God can help your unbelief and disbelief.Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to moneyJames 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.Dominique CaseyThe Truth That Set Me Free: When will you be obedient? James 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.How do you want me to do this, and when do you want me to do this?James 1:3For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.We go through these traumatic things in life and find ways that will fill us up until we can no longer be mobile to do the will of the Father.

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”and does them = "practices them", "acts on them", "follows them", "obeys them". It’s easy to have an information surplus and an obedience deficit. Obedience to Jesus is central to the way of the Kingdom. Matthew 7:24 I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock“house” = your entire life. The wise person builds the entirety of their life on the bedrock of Jesus' teachings.John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble In this world, you will have trouble. But take Heart I have overcome the world. overcome - a victory rooted in the past that continuously effects the present and the future. Matthew 7:26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”God’s word wait on human action so that we're walking by faith not just talking by faith Mark 7:13 You make void the word of God for your tradition2 Timothy 4:3 The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.Mark 4:35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Mark 4:38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”Mark 4:39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? Now look at this, Jesus says: How is it that you have no faith?”Mark 4:35 He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Rain = Loss Or DisappointmentFlood = The World Wind = The Devil, Demonic Forces

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.It’s possible to live a worry free life.Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. 1. Worry is about you and worry is about later.Worry is something that happens, when we become fixated on usWithout God You Are Not Enough!2 Corinthians 12:9 But he [God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on meMatthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 2. Know Your ValueValue is not determined by those who set the price. Value is determined by those who choose to pay it.Matthew 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And who of you by being worried can add a single cubit to his stature”3. Worry Doesn’t Add UpWorry does not take away tomorrow's troubles but it does take away today's peaceYou cannot by obsessing influence what you have no control overMatthew 6:28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Worry projects a future absent of God and God’s help.Walking By Faith means we believe God will be present in my future“Oh, You little Faithers you”4. Worry Is A Trust FallProverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.Matthew 6:31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? 32 For the pagans run after all these things, Recognize, God Knows What’s Up?Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 5. Seek First God’s KingdomWhen you're tempted to borrow from tomorrow, and worry, look for a way to participate in what God is doing today. Philippians 4:6 “Never worry about anything. Instead in every situation let God know what you need in your prayers and in your requests.” Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,

Matthew 6:19-24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.The Gospel of Materialism - “The more you have, the happier you will be”“In the Western world, materialism has become the new, dominant system of meaning. Atheism hasn’t replaced cultural Christianity; shopping has. - Jean Baudrillard"We must shift America from a needs based culture, to a desires based culture, People must be trained to desire, to want new things even before the old thing has been entirely consumed. We must shape a new mentality in America. Man's desires must overshadow his needs." - Paul Mazur The amount Americans spend in a single weekend of shopping is more than half of the total they give to churches in an entire year.Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities. - Mark Twain1. Heart Is Where Your Treasure IsMatthew 6:19-24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. You can’t take it with you but you can send it on ahead!Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Heart - the fountain and seat of thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors, the fountain and seat of understanding and intelligenceWhen we build our life around stockpiling treasure in earthly possessions, our heart will be anchored to this present world. 2. What You See Is What You GetMatthew 6:22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!Earthly treasures can darken your eyes3. Choose Your Master Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.Mammon - money, wealth, or possessions, "that in which one trusts"Mammon promises us identityMore money is not the answer in your lifeA generous man has a generous planMalachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Tithe = 10%Malachi 3:8-9 "Begin by being honest. Do honest people rob God? But you rob me day after day. "You ask, "How have we robbed you?' "The tithe and the offering–that's how! And now you're under a curse–the whole lot of you–because you're robbing me. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (MSG) 6-7 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.

Matthew 6:16-18 And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.If your motive for fasting is the praise of men, your reward is nothing more than stinking breath. WHAT is Biblical fasting? Fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. - PiperWe are so satisfied by three meals a day plus snacks that our appetite for heaven evading earth is dulled. We need to be aware of the danger in finding comfort in food because a comfortable Christian always settles for so much less than what God has for them. 3 types of fasts: 1. Absolute fast. When water and food are given up completely for a short time. 2. Normal fast. When you take in liquids, but stop eating food. 3. Partial fast. Refraining from certain categories of food. WHY should we fast? 1. The spiritual purpose of fasting is to reveal our dependence on God. Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in him a source beyond food. - WillardNo drink is as wonderful as thirst. No food is as wonderful as hunger.No food is as wonderful as hunger because hunger leads us to Jesus- the bread of life. Hunger sets the stage for God. Dependence on God will result in a deeper connection with God through prayer. 2. The spiritual purpose of fasting is to dethrone our flesh. Flesh = human impulses springing from desire. More animal than spiritual. Corrupt desires that sin introduced into our very appetites and instincts. Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (the corrupt desires sin introduced to your appetites). For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.Fasting is a way to turn your body into an ally in your fight with the flesh rather than an adversary.- John Mark ComerRefrain from gluttony and thou shalt the more easily restrain all the inclinations of the flesh. - Kempis Fasting files a restraining order on your flesh while reordering your longings and loves. Fasting is one of God’s great tools for reorienting our longings away from the flesh and back toward God. All of us have deeply ingrained patterns, dopamine reward mechanisms, and neural pathways centered around a need for physical satisfaction. Fasting breaks these default connections and reorients us toward a greater food: intimacy with and enjoyment of God. - Tyson 3. The spiritual purpose of fasting is to experience breakthrough. HOW do I practice fasting?Practice Fasting Systematically

Matthew 7:7-12 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! The world at its worst needs the church at its best, and a praying church is a church at its best. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.A praying church is a praying church because the people that make up that church are praying people.“There is not a church, chapel or mission on earth where you cannot have a revival, provided there is a nucleus of faithful people who will hold on to God until it comes.” - Dr R. A. TorreyWe Underestimate Prayers Power We Underestimate Satans Strategy to keep us from prayer Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray”Private prayer leads to public power.James 5:16 The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful and effective.Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—If the devil can’t make you bad, he will make you busy. If you aren’t consciously committed to important things, then you are unconsciously committing yourself to unimportant thingsMatthew 7:7 (AMP) “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” 1. ASKMatthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; Prayer is a declaration of dependency.Prayer Establishes WithnessIt’s impossible to do life for Jesus without doing life with Jesus.Genesis 4:25-26 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” 26 And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.Revelations 3:20 Behold, 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.2. SeekMatthew 7:7 seek, and you will find;Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. You Can’t Handle It YetHe’s Hiding It From The EnemyHebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see what we see in the physical did not come from anything that can be seen.3. Knock Matthew 7:7 knock, and it will be opened to you.“It's child's play" Dominion = The ability to rule, to have control, to dominate, to subjugatePsalm 115:16 The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the children of men.Psalm 138:2 You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above Your name!Prayer gives God earthly license for heavenly interference. 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.God will not intervene, until He hears his bride intercedes.The world at its worst needs the church at its best, and a praying church is a church at its best.

Matthew 6:1-4 1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. - Matthew 6:1-4“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed”1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. - Matthew 6:1-41 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. - Matthew 6:1-41 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:1, 44 that your charitable deed may be in secret - Matthew 6:1-425 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. - Romans 2:25-29KINGDOM GENEROSITY WANTS TO BE SHOWN TO SOMEONE NOT SEEN BY OTHERS2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, - Matthew 6:2-3“It is not having a standard that makes someone a hypocrite; it is falsely claiming to live by that standard when you in fact do not, or when you have a double standard that makes one a hypocrite.” - David GuzikBut when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, - Matthew 6:3Sometimes putting on the nature of christ is taking off the nature of our flesh“Keep the thing so secret that even you yourself are hardly aware that you are doing anything at all praiseworthy. Let God be present, and you will have enough of an audience.” - Charles Spurgeon1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. - Matthew 6:1-4misthos - the fruit naturally resulting from toils and endeavorsapodidōmi - 1. to give back, restoreapodidōmi - 1. to give back, restore 2. to deliver, to give away for one's own profit what is one's own, to sellTHE REWARD ISN’T THE REASON, IT’S THE RESULT_01 PLAN TO BE GENEROUS_02 ASK FOR HELP“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” - John 13:35 _03 OFFER TO HELP

Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the body is in its blood.ANGERMatthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’Before murder finds action through someones hands, anger finds accommodation in someone heart.Matthew 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.Matthew 5:23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.LustMatthew 5:27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.Matthew 5:29 If your right eye causes you to [sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.DivorceMatthew 5:31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.ManipulationMatthew 5:33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.“Why do people swear oaths? They do it to impress others with their sincerity and reliability and thus gain acceptance of what they're saying and what they want. It is a method for getting their way. It is simply a device of manipulation, designed to override the judgment and will of the ones they are focusing upon, push them aside, rather than respecting them and leaving their decisions and actions strictly up to them.” - Dallas WillardSpin Doctor - ____________.RetaliationMatthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.1 Peter 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.Love Your EnemiesMatthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.The grace of God is not an excuse to dismiss away the transformation God wants to bring in your life.Perfect = __________.The only Jesus some people will ever see is the Jesus they see in youThe will of God is always possiblePhilippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”It is very hard indeed if you have not been substantially transformed in the depths of your being, in the intricacies of your thoughts, feelings, assurances, and dispositions, in such a way that you are permeated with love. Once that happens, then it is not hard. What would be hard is to act the way you acted before. When Jesus hung on the cross and prayed, “Father, forgive them because they do not understand wh

Matthew 7:28-29 (paraphrase) When Jesus finished his message, the crowd applauded and exclaimed, “This is the best teaching and he’s living every word of it! Jesus is awesome! I want to be his disciple!” The aim of the sermon is to help people come to hopeful and realistic terms with their lives here on earth by clarifying, in concrete terms, the nature of the kingdom into which they are now invited by Jesus’ call: “Repent, for life in the kingdom of the heavens is now one of your options.” - Willard Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you- until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. unless our righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. How did Jesus fulfill the Law? The sermon on the mount is the Speech of a KING. Kings were to be living embodiments of the law who instructed through both teaching and example what it meant to follow the law. As the king goes, the nation goes. Jesus is the Davidic King who becomes the Living Law. - Patrick Schreiner INSIDE OUT PIC Jesus did not come to set the Law aside; He came to bring the Law to life! Does the Law need to be central to my life?The Law is not the source of rightness, but it is forever the course of rightness - Willard The Law sends us to Jesus to be justified, because it shows us our inability to please God in ourselves. But after we come to Jesus, He sends us back to the Law to learn the heart of God for our conduct and sanctification. - Guzik How does one go beyond/surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees? Matthew 23:1-3 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. Matthew 5:20 (paraphrase) Unless our approach to goodness goes far beyond the religious respectability of the scholars and teachers of the law — not focused merely on doing the right actions, but on relying on God to work in your heart to develop true inner goodness — then you can’t participate in the life-giving flow of God’s eternal kingdom. 1 We quit relying on OUR “righteousness.” Philippians 3:9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self- achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. Do I have any righteousness that I think can be called my own? VIRTUE CHART PIC 2 We adjust our aim. If your aim is keeping the law, you are going to keep breaking the Law. Our aim must be Jesus. Aiming to keep the Law will not change your nature. Only knowing Jesus can change your nature. Ephesians 4:21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So, if you want to know the Lord Jesus Christ, you must live with him. First he must himself speak to you, and afterwards you must abide in him. He must be the choice Companion of your morning hours, he must be with you throughout the day, and with him you must also close the night; and as often as you may wake during the night, you must say, ‘When I awake, I am still with thee.’ - Spurgeon

Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NKJV)Matthew 5:13-16 - You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (NKJV)THE FUNCTION OF SALT1. Salt is just salt.Luke 14:34-35 - Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear (NKJV)2. When we exist on the earth, we help life to blossom.Genesis 39:5-6a - From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat! (NLT)3. When we exist on the earth, we help fruit to grow. 4. When we exists on the earth, we prevent bad growth.Genesis 18:32 - Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten. (NKJV)THE KRYPTONITE OF SALTIt must have greater quantityIt must have presenceTHE FUNCTION OF LIGHTIt exposes John 3:19-21 - And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. (NKJV)It revealsPsalms 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (NLT)HOW CAN LIGHT FAIL?

The Beatitudes are attitudes a believer should display.Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Blessed: a joy which has its secret within itself, a joy which is serene and untouchable. A self-contained joy which is completely independent of all the changes of life.Blessed = joy untouchable. Beatitude Believers are untouchable.01. Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Poor in spirit - Admitting spiritual bankruptcy and having a humble and honest attitude toward self. Romans 12:3 Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. John 15:5 “apart from me you can do nothing.”02. Blessed are those who mourn. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance Repent - to turn away from sin. comforted - to call to one's side, call for, summon 03. Blessed are the meek. Mathew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Meekness is not weaknessMeekness = Power under controlPrautes 04. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousnessMatthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.Righteousness is a necessityRighteousness - to be right with God, right with self, and right with others. Holiness and Wholeness that begins in your inner self. 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.05. Blessed are the merciful.Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.06. Blessed are the pure in heart.Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.Pure Heart = Singleness of heart. An unmixed, undivided heart. 07. Blessed are the peacemakersMatthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. The Source Of Peace Is God.Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in himIsaiah 9:6 “prince of peace” Hebrews 6:10 “the high priest according to the order of Melchizedek” Melchizedek = king of peaceIsaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. 08. Blessed are those who are persecuted Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Romans 5:8 God demonstrates his own love to us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Luke 23:44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.The final works of Jesus from the cross were to declare trust and to offer surrender.Taking things into our own hands, doesn't seize our destiny, It actually sabotages it.Our life in our hands is out of control.2 Corinthians 1:9 We had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God.#1 Jesus Trusts God’s HeartHe Trusts God Because He Knows God.Psalm 31:5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.Luke 23:46 “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ”You’re going to have a hard time trusting God with your life if you don’t know Him.Jesus didn’t die on the cross so that he could be your religion. He died on the cross so He could have a relationship with you.Psalm 31:4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.#2 Jesus Trusts God’s HandsLuke 23:46 “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ”Jesus trusts that the hands of God will catch Him… so He surrenders His life.Paratithēmi - to surrender, it means to willingly hand over, to deposit something valuable in a safe place. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God;God is a great catcherIt’s from the release that you can experience the resurrection.

John 19:28-30 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:TetelestaiCharles Spurgeon —“An ocean of meaning in a drop of language, a mere drop. It would need all the other words that ever were spoken, or ever can be spoken, to explain this one word. It is altogether immeasurable. It is high; I cannot attain to it. It is deep; I cannot fathom it. IT IS FINISHED is the most charming note in all of Calvary’s music.01. A Finished AssignmentJohn 6:38 I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 4:34 My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.FRESCO 01FRESCO 0202. A Finished SacrificeSin creates a debtHebrews 9:12 Christ entered the Most Holy Place [Holy of Holies] once—and for all time. He did not take with him the blood of goats and calves. His sacrifice was his own blood, and by it he set us free from sin forever.Colossians 1:14 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins”03. A Finished TransactionTransaction - an exchange between two or more peopleLiterally - actually, not exaggerating or being metaphorical. Ephesians 2:8 it is by grace you have been saved, through faith Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.BEATER CAR PIC BUGATTI SLIDEJohn 10:10 - “I came that you might have life”“Life” - Zoe Life - A full life, an enjoyable life, a rich and satisfying life.2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.You give God your mess, and He through Jesus gives you His best.04. A Finished Season2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.Jesus was the greatest finisher of all time.

JACK HAYFORD“He is bringing His final sermon - a message of all time, to be proclaimed from the elevated pulpit of His cross…” JOHN 19:28-3028 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.MARK 15:21-2321 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. F.F. BRUCE“The wine would be the sour wine or posca (water, wine, and vinegar) used by Roman soldiers. In Mark, Jesus declines the drink, apparently without tasting, desiring to suffer with a clear mind.”DIVINE PROVIDENCEProvidence: foresight or making provision beforehandJOHN 19:2828 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. PSALM 69:20-2120 Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. 21 They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.The time of His birth (Daniel 8 & 9).He would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)He would be born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12) He would be mocked. (Psalm 22:7,8)He would be crucified. (John 3:14) (pointing back to Moses lifting up the serpent for healing in Exodus) He would be pierced. (Psalms 22:16)He would die with the wicked, but He would be buried with the rich. (Isaiah 53:9)JOHN 19:2829 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. PSALM 51:7“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”DIVINE HUMILITYJACK HAYFORD“… the one reason Jesus asked for something to drink had to do with what He was about to say. The biblical setting made that unmistakably clear. As the Word incarnate was about to bring his final sermon - a message for all time, to first be proclaimed from the elevated pulpit of His cross - He needed to clear His voice. The announcement to follow was not to be muttered or choked but trumpeted so that all mankind throughout all history would be able to hear it. But to prepare for that moment, He needed help.” JAMES 5:13-1613 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. DIVINE THIRSTMATTHEW 20:20-2220 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?”MATTHEW 26:39And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”MARK 10:38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”JOHN 18:11So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”JESUS’ THIRST WAS TO DO THE WILL OF GODST. AUGUSTINE“The Samaritan women at the well found the Lord thirsting, and by him thirsting, she was filled. She first found him thirsting in order that he might drink from her faith. And when he was on the cross, he said, ‘I thirst,’ although they did not give him that for which he was thirsting. For he was thirsting for them.”OUR GREATEST THIRST IS KNOW GOD AND TO DO THE WILL OF GOD.JOHN 4:13-1413 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[b] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Matthew 27:45-54 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”When Jesus spoke He made statements…. Luke 23:44 there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed.failed - to cease, to stop God himself turned out the lights! 2 corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.The hosts of heaven veiled their faces from the fearful sight. Inanimate nature expressed sympathy with its insulted and dying Author. The sun refused to look upon the awful scene. Its full, bright rays were illuminating the earth at midday, when suddenly it seemed to be blotted out. Complete darkness, like a funeral pall, enveloped the cross. "There was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour." There was no eclipse or other natural cause for this darkness, which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars. - Ellen Gould White, 1898This darkness was a visible sign that God the father had turned his back on God the son and was pouring out his immense judgment for the sin of the world on his sinless son.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 were healed. Matthew 8:17 “He took our sickness and bore our diseases.”Isaiah 52:14 But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man. Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”On the cross, Jesus became, as it were, an enemy of God whowas judged and forced to drink the cup of the Father’s fury. He didit so we would not have to drink that cup. - David GuzikPsalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Psalm 22:16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. Psalm 22:18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.Maddua - looks backwards after an event and seeks the cause of the action.Lama - looks forward and seeks a demonstration of purpose Matthew 27:51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.SLIDE PICTURE OF TEMPLE COURTS “It is not a slight rent through which we may see a little; but it is rent from the top to the bottom. There is an entrance made for the greatest sinners. If there had only been a small hole cut through it, the lesser offenders might have crept through; but what an act of abounding mercy is this, that the veil is rent in the midst, and rent from top to bottom, so that the chief of sinners may find ample passage!” - Charles SpurgeonMatthew 27:52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”John 12:32 “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”Jesus is not a confused son asking God to explain why this is happening to Him; He’s a focused Savior asking God to demonstrate purpose to the people He is dying to save.Sin is significant.Romans 6:23The wages of sin is deathRomans 3:23For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GodGod Is Just.God Is LoveIsaiah 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 were healed.

John 19:25-27 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.But standing by the cross of Jesus.Luke 2:34-35 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."Around the cross there flows a river of compromise. Everyone around is strangely exposed. -Kenneth BaileyPhilippians 3:7-11 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.Suffering with Christ is not about being sick and starving. It's not about some irritation in life. It is about saying that no matter what this costs me, I will follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, and strength because there is nothing worth more than knowing him! John 19:25-27 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.Matthew 12:46-50 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."The family of God transcends earthly familial criteria.Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. God adopted us IN LOVE, not out of obligation. Romans 8:14-17 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.Under Roman adoption, the life and standing of the adopted child changed completely. The adopted son lost all rights in his old family and gained all new rights in his new family; the old life of the adopted son was completely wiped out, with all debts being canceled, with nothing from his past counting against him any more. - GuzikBehold is more than just a casual look. It means to make a careful study. To fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care.When we attend church, we shouldn't just be looking to make some friends; we should be BEHOLDING the family of GOD.

Luke 23:32 There were also TWO OTHERS, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. Luke 23:35-43 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, REMEMBER ME when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”God wants us to help others who are experiencing the same pain we are in.Hebrews 2:17-18 MSGThat’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.1. 1. Distracts us from our own needs2. 2. Helps us to see the solution 3. 3. Keeps things in perspectiveIsaiah 58:10-11 Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.2 Corinthians 1:3-43 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all COMFORT. 4 He COMFORTS us in all our troubles so that we can COMFORT others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. “Even spiritual comforts are not given us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may be distributed, or become instruments of help to others.”Jesus answered the second criminal far beyond his expectation.Psalm 40:2 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.Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.John 14:1-2 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

“Money can't buy life.” - Bob Marley"Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something." - Pancho Villa"I'm going to the bathroom to read." - Elvis Presley"Tomorrow, I shall no longer be here."- Nostradamus"Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow." - Steve Jobs"Okay, let's roll." - Todd BeamerLuke 23:32-34 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.Luke 6:27-28 But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. “Forgiveness is the greatest miracle that Jesus ever performs. It meets the greatest need; it costs the greatest price; and it brings the greatest blessings and most lasting results.” (Wiersbe) We live as if the God-human gap is actually much smaller than it really is. (Wilhoit) 01. You can’t give what you haven’t received.THE ONLY WAY GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU IS IF YOU DON’T DESIRE FORGIVENESS!You will never be able to radically forgive others if you don’t receive the radical forgiveness of Jesus.02. You can forgive what is not perceived.“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”Jesus recognized the blindness of His enemies.03. An unforgiving heart is not relieved.“The world despises this theology because it thinks anger is necessary to fuel the struggle for justice, and that forgiveness will dissipate that anger. The Christian disagrees and replies, “No. I will forgive and I will struggle for justice. I may still be angry, but my struggle for justice will be purified by forgiveness and thereby become more effective.” Kenneth Bailey Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover the prisoner was you.-Corrie Ten Boom04. Apart from God it’s unachieved.2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.If you think it’s impossible to forgive someone, you are limiting the grace of God.

Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold1. God Created Us From CommunityGenesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.We were created in the image of community2. God Created Us For Community3. Outside of Community = Not GoodGenesis 2:18 “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”4. Satan Hates Community1 Peter 5:8 your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Community requires continued intentionality#5 I Am Called To Connect To The ChurchActs 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. God was adding new people, not to a system but to a family.46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day = BIG GROUP46 met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity= SMALL GROUPS#1. Groups connect us to the “one anothers”. The primary activity of the church in the new testament was one-anothering with one another. #2. Groups Enlarge Our View Of God#3. Groups help us heal and be healedJames 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.#4. Small Groups Create Big Impact #5. Groups bring out the best in usHebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

John 8:13-18 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”The testimony and decisions of Jesus were valid because he was not alone. God was his witness. Before we act, decide, judge, or testify, we need to make sure we can say I am not alone. I stand with Jesus and the Father who sent him.I AM NOT OF THIS WORLDJohn 8:23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.We are sent INTO the world, but not of it.Sometimes we are so focused on the world we are NOT OF that we lose sight of the world that we ARE OF.Born From Above - to be interactively joined with a dynamic, unseen system of divine reality in the midst of which all of humanity moves about- whether it knows it or not.The damage done to our practical faith in Christ and in his government at hand by confusing heaven with a space in distant or other space, or even beyond space, is incalculable. Of course God is there too. But instead of heaven and God also being always present with us, as Jesus shows them to be, we invariably take them to be located far away and, most likely, at a much later time- not here and not now. And we should then be surprised to feel ourselves alone? - WillardRomans 8:5-6 The carnal attitude sees no further than natural things. But the spiritual attitude reaches out after the things of the spirit. The former attitude means, bluntly, death: the latter means life and inward peace.I AM NOT SEEKING GLORY FOR MYSELFJohn 8:48-50 The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?” “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself;Jesus’ desire to honor God and his personal humility disproved any charge of demonic possession. Since those who have Satan as their spiritual parent will have some of the characteristics of Satan, they will have an evident pride and self-seeking – things that were and are absent in Jesus. - Guzik Jesus didn’t have to seek his own glory because he knew that there is one that seeks it for him.

WE DON’T JUST EXIST FOR THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM. WE EXIST FOR THE PEOPLE NOT HERE YET.JOHN 15:1-17“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.WHAT JOHN 15 DOES FOR US. 1. INFORMS USISAIAH 5:1-2My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines;he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it;and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.“Stinking or worthless thing; or stink-berries.” JEREMIAH 2:20-21“Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed you and tore away the chains of your slavery,but still you said, ‘I will not serve you.’ On every hill and under every green tree, you have prostituted yourselves by bowing down to idols.But I was the one who planted you, choosing a vine of the purest stock—the very best. How did you grow into this corrupt wild vine?JESUS IS THE TRUE VINE.YOURSELF (PRIDE) or SOMETHING ELSE (IDOLS).We must be rooted in Him (not in Israel) if we will bear fruit for God. In the New Covenant community, our first identification is in Jesus Christ Himself, not in Israel or even in the church as such.GUZIKJOHN 15:22 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.BEING CONNECTED TO JESUS WILL GUARANTEE FRUIT AND PRUNING. THE FRUIT BEING PRODUCED IS NOT STUFF.JOHN 15:12-14 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.2. ENCOURAGES USJOHN 15:3-53 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,WHEN I’M CONNECTED TO JESUS, IT’S NOT A MATTER OF “IF” BUT “WHEN”.3. HUMBLES US“All our sap and safety is from Christ. The bud of a good desire, the blossom of a good resolution, and the fruit of a good action, all come from him.”JOHN TRAPP4. WARNS US JOHN 15:5-65 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.The phrasing Jesus used here was important. He didn’t say, If anyone does not bear fruit he is cast out. He said, if anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out. He knows who abides and who does not, and this can’t be perfectly discerned by our outward estimation of fruit.DAVID GUZIKJESUS IS WHAT WE WILL NEVER BE.

John14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. It’s possible to have a troubled life but an untroubled heart.John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know. “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” C.S. LEWISPhilippians 3:20 Our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there.Love prepares a place place - abiding placeHome is GodJohn 14:4 And where I go you know, and the way you know. John 14:5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool; you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. - C.S. LewisJohn 14:6 No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus Is The Way To GodJesus is the Truth Of God John 14:9 He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.Jesus gives us a clear picture of who God is. John 8:4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.Luke 7:13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”Luke 7:14 “Young man, I say to you, get up!” Jesus Is The Life Of GodHabakkuk 1:13 Before your holy eyes sin may not be seen, and you are unable to put up with wrong; Matthew 27:45–46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”.

THE NATURE OF RESURRECTION1 - WITHOUT DEATH, THERE IS NO NEED FOR RESURRECTION.Genesis 2:16-17 - And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 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.” Psalm 19:7-11 - The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 119:9 - How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. John 15:3 - You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 2 - WHAT GIVES POWER TO DEATH IS SIN.John 10:18 - No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Word of God incarnate - making this declaration:I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFETHE NEED FOR RESURRECTION1) MARTHAJohn 11:1 - 1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. John 11:3-5 - 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:17 - 17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.John 11:20-28John 11:38-44DEADNESS OF UNDERSTANDINGProverbs 3:51 Corinthians 13:12Proverbs 21:2 Matthew 10:41Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life to UNDERSTANDING2) MARYJohn 11:1-5John 11:17John 11:20John 11:28-29John 11:32-34DEADNESS OF FAITHLuke 10:39Hebrews 10:38Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life to FAITH3) THE DISCIPLESJohn 11:1John 11:6-16DEADNESS OF REVELATIONMark 4:35-41Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life to REVELATION4) THE JEWSJohn 11:1John 11:17-19John 11:28-29John 11:31John 11:32-37John 11:38John 11:41-46DEADNESS OF BELIEFJohn 1:12-13Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life to BELIEF5) LAZARUSJohn 11:1John 11:3-4John 11:11 - 11John 11:17 - 17John 11:38-39John 11:43-44DEADNESS OF LIFERomans 11:29Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life to LIFEHebrews 9:27John 11:25-26Hebrews 3:15

Psalm 100:3 We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.The level that you thrive at as a sheep is dependent on the quality of the shepherd you have in your life.Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.1. HE PROVIDESPsalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. God wants to be my personal right now shepherd.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousnessHe Makes2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Contentment and Peace.He MakesHe Restores3 He restores my soul;He Leads3 He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:2. HE PROTECTS4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. He Is With Us In The Battle4 I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me.A good shepherd carried a rod and a staffHe Blesses Us In The Battle5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He Refreshes Us In The BattleYou anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.3. HE PROMISES6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.GoodnessMercyEternal LifeFollow = Chase1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.Isaiah 53:7 He was led as a lamb to the slaughterJohn 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

John 10:1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.John 10:7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.Doors are very common#1 Doors Represent Transition & Access From Death To True Life John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.Ephesians 2:5 Even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.‭‭John‬ ‭10:9‬‬ “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”1pasture = true life23From Law To GraceJohn 10:1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Because of Jesus, we can walk with faith and hope, through the door (Jesus) that is framed by grace and access the presence of God where we can find salvation and true life for this life and for the life to come.‭‭John‬ ‭10:9‬‬ “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”pasture = growth and increase#2 Doors Create Security & ProtectionYour acceptance with God is not based on your productivity! Jesus is the door of security and protection#3 Through Doors We Welcome The first important act of self-denial for 21st-century followers of Jesus may be to say no to being too busy to be a disciple. — Thomas OordMatthew 5:16 Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.Jesus made you new through Christ so you could be a part of the solution! Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, and to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?#4 Out Of Doors We Go‭‭John‬ ‭10:3‬‬ To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.⦁The door (Jesus) is the only way to life.⦁⦁John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life, no one come to the father except through me.⦁⦁Acts 4:11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”⦁John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”1 John 1:5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you:**I will talk a second and then have the rest of the verse below come up**God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.Genesis 1:1-4 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.1. Light Brings Order to ChaosJohn 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him… In him was life, and the life was the light of men._The light of Jesus brought order to the creation of the world._The light of Jesus brings order to anyone who is a new creation in Christ.Before The Light of Jesus:FORMLESSEMPTYMEANINGLESSDISORDEREDFILLED WITH DARKNESS2. Light Overcomes Darkness1 John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.“Darkness does not have the ability to suppress or to hold the light under its domain.”3. Light GuidesActs 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the great storm continued to batter us, we abandoned all hope of being saved.Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.“I am the light of the world… Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”4. Light RevealsJesus, The Light of the World, reveals truth.Acts 9:3-6 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”“Secret” Sin will be revealed in one of three ways:1 Off ramp of confession2 God in His mercy will out you3 God will turn you over to your sin to be destroyed by it (Romans 1:24)Jesus is the light in which we see God.“He will be the light in which you see mountains and valleys and oceans and rivers and trees and animals and people. Nothing will be the same again when you have him as your light. Everything looks different in the light of Christ. Yes, even earthquakes and tsunamis and suffering and death. Until his light fills the earth as the waters cover the sea — until it banishes sin and sickness and pain and earthquakes to the outer darkness — until then, even now, his light will help you bear the sorrows of darkness. It will be a soft glow to comfort you in your lonely room after the devastating loss. It will be a lamp on your troubled path. It will reveal the wise and loving face of God behind every frowning providence.” - Piper5. Light ShinesJohn 12:36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.The light of Jesus brings order to chaos. As light-bearers, we do the same. The light of Jesus overcomes darkness. As light-bearers, we do the same. The light of Jesus guides. As light-bearers, we do the same.The light of Jesus reveals. As light-bearers, we do the same.

Actions lead to reactions. The power of a circumstance in my life’s future is more dependent on my reaction to it than on the circumstance itself.escape less than angry jealous fearful chained reactions. 1. The FallGod Is The Source Of Life Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.Acts 17:28 In him God we live and move and have our being Isaiah 59:2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.In every person there is this innate understanding that we are not apart from God together as we should be. 2. The CrossLuke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Psalm 107:14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.2 Corinthians 5:19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,Matthew 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”boisterous = gusty Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”Matthew 16:17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are [an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”Matthew 26:33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Matthew 26:34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.The Keys To Renewed Reactions:1. Training2. Salvation3. Freedom 4. Assignment 5. Holy Spirit

The Definition of Identity1 Thessalonians 5:23 - May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Man is a spirit, who has a soul, and lives in a body.SPIRIT _ pneumaGenesis 2:7 -Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. God is spiritJohn 4:24 - For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. Proverbs 20:27 - The spirit of a person is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life - Life speaks to identityBODY _ somaBody is the temple1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - 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? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. Ecclesiastes 12:7 - For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. Flesh has desiresGalatians 5:17 - For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Romans 7:7 - What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” Romans 12:1 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.SOUL _ psycheWill, intellect, emotions – soulMatthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 16:26 - For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 10:39 - Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Problem of SinRomans 7:24-25Hebrews 4:12The Journey to Personal IdentityWHO YOU ARE1 - You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus2 Corinthians 5:212 - You are a land of delightMalachi 3:123 - You are blessed in the heavenly places with every spiritual blessingEphesians 1:34 - You are a royal priesthood a people belonging to God1 Peter 2:95 - You are fearfully and wonderfully madePsalm 139:13-146 - You are not tempted beyond what we can bear1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. 7 - No weapon formed against you is able to prosperIsaiah 54:172 Corinthians 4:7Life is asking you - who are you?

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.Behold = to make a careful study of.“Very few people today find Jesus interesting as a person or of vital relevance to the course of their actual lives.” - Dallas Willard“We need to return to the idea that we have to put thought into God’s Kingdom and how it works. We accept that someone spends years becoming a dentist or even more years training to become a surgeon, but we do not accept that we need to spend years giving serious thought to the nature of the soul, the nature of God, who Jesus was, and how it all works. In early periods of the church, it was assumed you would devote your whole life to understanding the fullness and complexity of God’s Kingdom. Yet this rarely happens in churches today. Understanding anything important requires major effort. Understanding Jesus’ teaching is more important than learning algebra, which takes a great deal of effort, yet most Christians have never put the same amount of effort into understanding Jesus’ teaching that they’ve put into solving algebraic equations.” - Dallas WillardTransformation is in the eye of the beholder of Jesus. PRACTICING THE WAY OF JESUSA people who practice the way of Jesus. A people who routinely do what Jesus said was best. A people who not only have faith in Jesus, but have the faith of Jesus.A people who behold Jesus and learn how to live their life as He would live it if He were them. A people who are being transformed into the image of Jesus.A people who will not sip when there is a pool to plunge into. How Do We Practice The Way of Jesus?1.Enjoy Being with Jesus.“I believe the most prevalent and tragic misunderstanding that afflicts contemporary western Christianity is that we make a vow to submit our life to Christ, but then spend 99 percent of our time excluding him from our awareness. We make him Lord over our life in theory, but we do not make him Lord over most of the moments that make up our life. The fact is, if we can’t discern God’s presence in our day to day lives, it’s unlikely that we’ll find him at a revival. We may find a lot of excitement, great speakers, superb music, and maybe even see signs and wonders, but unless a person learns to find God as much in the ordinary as in the exciting, the exciting will do nothing more than serve as a momentary distraction.” - Greg BoydHow Do We Practice The Way of Jesus?2. Apprentice Under Jesus.An apprentice or a disciple is someone who has decided to be with another person in order to become capable of doing what that person does or to become what that person is. Jesus is the expert on how to live in God’s Kingdom and how to advance the Kingdom here on earth. “We are learning from Jesus to live my life as he would live my life if he were me. I am not necessarily learning to do everything he did, but I am learning how to do everything I do in the manner that he did all he did.” - Dallas WillardHow would Jesus live the life I have been given through the time, place, family, neighbors, talents and opportunities that are mine?How To Apprentice Under Jesus:Ask | Live In His Word | DecideDo I really intend to be a lifelong student of Jesus?Do I really intend to do and be all the high things I say I believe in?Have I decided to do them?When did I decide it?How did I implement that decision?How Do We Practice The Way of Jesus?3. Walk as Jesus WalkedStop trying and start training. We can’t walk like Jesus walked unless we train as Jesus trained. A Spiritual Discipline is an activity undertaken to make us capable of receiving more of God’s life and power.

“I Am” = ego eimi John 6:25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for bread that spoils, but for bread that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Bread = strength, nourishment, provision, supply and purpose.Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground…Genesis 19:3 Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.Sauce was not designed to satisfy.Zoe life = God kind of life“Most men die at 27, we just bury them at 72” - Mark TwainJohn 6:27 Do not work for bread that spoils, but for bread that endures to eternal life,What is bread that spoils?ReligionPoliticsJohn 6:35 Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 1. You have to believe in Jesus John 6:35 “whoever believes in me”John 6:29 “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.2 You have to go to Jesus John 6:35 “Whoever comes to me”The Key To the Manna Miracle - They Had To Go Get It!

Merry Christmas!James 4:13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.Look here, you who say, … “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.”Proverbs 6:4 Don’t put it off; do it now!Joshua 24:15 Choose this day whom you will serve,Eternity has already started for youLuke 2:11 For unto you is born today in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.Christmas is the celebration that Hope is on the scene.

If your relationships aren’t right, you aren’t right. It’s not enough to just be right in information, we must also be right in heart.James 4:1-2 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Quarrels (Polemois) - Long term hostility; long standing argumentFight (Maxache) - Short-term battles; disputes1. PRIORITYPhilippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.2. Possessions James 4:2 You want what you don’t have…3. Pleasures James 4:3 …you want only what will give you pleasure.4. PeopleJohn 12:43 For they loved human praise, more than the praise of God.5. Position / Power James 4:2b You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.conceited - empty glory #1 Realize How Destructive Fighting IsEphesians 4:31 Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike for others should have no place in your lives. 2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and patient with the people.Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.#2 Stop Expecting Of People What Only God Can Give.“you complete me”James 4:3 You do not have because you do not ask God. “When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.” ― C.S. LewisWe find real completion only in God. Psalm 37:4–5 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.#3 Choose Humility Over Prideful Anger James 4:6 As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God.Proverbs 13:10 Pride leads to conflict.opposes - a full frontal resistance… to set yourself in battle formation against someone…James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. lift you up - to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity.#4 Recognize The Real Source Behind The FightJames 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:8 #5 Get God's Perspective And Presence James 4:7-10

James 3:13-18 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.Godly Wisdom is knowing what God wants you to do, understanding why he wants you to do it and then doing it. James 3:13 Worldly Wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. The World- A system of ideas, values, moral practices, and social norms that are integrated into the mainstream and eventually institutionalized in a culture corrupted by the twin sins of rebellion against God and the redefinition of good and evil.Worldly Wisdom is EarthlyTo be earthly is to be temporal.Worldly Wisdom is UnspiritualTo be unspiritual is to be alive to your desires and lusts but deadened to The Spirit of God. Worldly Wisdom is DemonicTo be demonic is to be influenced and approved by Satan’s Kingdom. John 17:13-19 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.”James 3:15-16 Fruit of Worldly Wisdom:JealousySelfish AmbitionJealousy is a desire for another’s gifts, possessions, position, or achievements.Who are you jealous of? Why are you jealous of them? Selfish ambition evaluates everything by the world’s standards (temporal, animalistic, and demonic) and makes personal gain life’s highest goal. What is driving you? Do people feel used by you or loved by you? James 3:17-18 Pure Fruit of Godly Wisdom:Peace LovingGentle at all TimesWilling to Yield to OthersFull of MercyGood DeedsValues All PeopleSincerity James 1:5 Prayer for Wisdom:Our Generous Father In Heaven, I ask you for Godly wisdom.I want to know what you want me to do and understand why you want me to do it. Help me apply the understanding you give me, so it leads to a beautiful life.Godly wisdom is found in your Word. Help me prize and esteem wisdom, to desire and cherish her. Create in me a heart that seeks wisdom like silver and searches for her like hidden treasure.Surround me with wise walkers and seasoned talkers. Make my ear attentive. Help me spot worldly wisdom and grant me an adverse reaction to its earthly, unspiritual, and demonic nature. Reveal to me any jealousy or selfish ambition lurking in my heart so I may repent. I count it all joy to be considered by the world a fool for Christ. May Godly wisdom produce a harvest of righteousness in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Tame That TongueProverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.James 3:1My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:3-6Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.James 3:3-65 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.James 3:3-6The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 1. Words Are Sneaky StrongJames 1:26Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.2. Words Can Corrupt YouJames 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Defiles = corrupt.Numbers 13:30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”3. Words Are Untamable By YouJames 3:7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil,full of deadly poison. Luke 12:11-12“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” James 3:9-12With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.James 3:9-1211 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yieldsboth salt water and fresh. 4. Words Are Double Sided Deuteronomy 30:19“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse.5. Submit Your Words To God’s WordProverbs 3:1The words of God giveth life.Proverbs 4:22For they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. John 6:63The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life W.A.I.TWhy Am I Talking Ephesians 6:17And take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God“Word” = Rhema“the Spoken Word Of God Uttered by a voice”Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is alive and powerful.It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword