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PATIENCE VS. HURRY2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.JAMES 1:2-45-7 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, but oddly, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed on where he was for two more days. After the two days, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”JOHN 11:5-7 (MSG)17-20 When Jesus finally got there, he found Lazarus already four days dead. Bethany was near Jerusalem, only a couple of miles away, and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother. Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house.21-22 Martha said, “Master, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died…JOHN 11:21 (MSG)“I want a shortcut to life - I was raised on the microwave and VISA and Amazon Prime and instant messaging and TV and on demand. The world at my fingertips. I want it all, and I want it all right now. But there are no shortcuts to life. You can’t microwave character. It’s more like a tree that you grow slowly, one season after another. There are summer-like seasons where you can pluck joy off the limbs, where your life is dripping with growth and abundance. And there are winter seasons, where life feels slow and empty. The best trees are the ones that stay rooted and just keep at it.”JOHN MARK COMEROUR CULTURE CELEBRATES HURRYHurry Sickness: a behavior pattern characterized by continual rushing and anxiousness. 2. A malaise in which a person feels chronically short of time, and so tends to perform every task faster and to get flustered when encountering any kind of delay. 3. A continuous struggle and unremitting attempt to accomplish or achieve more and more things or participate in more and more events in less and less time. Burnout: a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.Every single person has to rest. You’ll either rest because you chose to or you’ll be forced to slow down through burnout.The average age of burnout in America is 32.GOD IS NOT IN A HURRY.15 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. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.1TIMOTHY 1:15-16“God is more concerned with your long-term character than your short-term happiness. And he’s more willing to sacrifice the one to get the other.” JOHN MARK COMERHURRY REACTSHURRY BLURS OUR JUDGEMENT29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.GENESIS 25:32-34“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” DALLAS WILLARD“For many of us, the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.”JOHN ORTBERG Patience: the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.Hypomone (patience): steadfastness, constancy, and endurance; in the NT, it is the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferingsBIBLICAL PATIENCE IS NOT WAITING, IT’S TRAINING.I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.PATIENCE RESPONDS PRAYFULLY19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.JOHN 5:19PATIENCE TRUSTS THERE’S A PURPOSE4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.JAMES 1:4 PATIENCE SEES PEOPLEBecause God will never be able to use people who are too busy for people.

This week, Maddy Brown continues our series looking at the way of PEACE vs. the way of ANXIETY.

This week, Pastor David continues our series on the Fruit of the Spirit by talking about JOY vs. DESPAIR

Galatians 5:16-26THE WAY OF LOVE VS. THE WAY OF SELFISHNESSLOVE VS. SELFISHNESS, JOY VS. DESPAIR, PEACE VS. ANXIETY, PATIENCE VS. HURRY, KINDNESS VS. HARSHNESS, GOODNESS VS. BROKENNESS, FAITHFULNESS VS. COMPROMISE, GENTLENESS VS. ROUGHNESS, AND SELF-CONTROL VS. APPETITES.DANGER O1: THE FRUIT OF A GOOD PEOPLEDANGER 02: THE FRUIT OF GOOD PEOPLE AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT ARE THE SAMEFRUIT GROWS18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident:GALATIANS 5:18-1922 But the fruit of the Spirit is…GALATIANS 5:22Fruit isn’t achieved by working, but is birthed by abiding, and sustained through connection.David Guzik5 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.MATTHEW 15:5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.ROMANS 8:5FRUIT SHOWSFruit shows US what/who were are connected to and shows OTHERS what/who we are connected to.FRUIT FEEDSThis fruit is grown IN US, but it’s grown FOR OTHERS.WORLD-SHAPED LOVEBut understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self,2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5THE FRUIT OF WORLD-SHAPED LOVE IS SELFISHNESS“We don’t worship Satan, we worship ourselves using the metaphorical representation of the qualities of Satan. Satan is the name used by Christians for that force of individuality and pride within us.”ANTON LAVEY (Founder of the Church of Satan)THE ROOT OF A WORLD-SHAPED LOVE: “I NEED LOVE.”Back in the thirteenth century, the king of Sicily, Frederick II, conducted a diabolical experiment intended to discover what language children would naturally grow up to speak if never spoken to. He thought it would be either Hebrew, Greek, Latin or Arabic. Some things are just obvious, right? So King Frederick the Great took babies from their mothers at birth and placed them in the care of nurses who were forbidden to speak in their hearing. But a second rule was imposed, as well: the nurses were not allowed to touch the infants. To his great dismay, Frederick’s experiment was cut short, but not before something tragically significant regarding human nature was revealed. As you may have guessed, the babies grew up to speak no language at all because they died. In the year 1248, an Italian historian named Salimbene di Adam recorded, with an air of scientific observation, “They could not live without petting.” The babies literally died for want of touch.Astounding! Modern medicine calls this phenomenon, “failure to thrive.” For some reason, we humans flourish under the influence of love and we gradually die without it.Modern science is now proving through controlled studies that human beings are literally engineered for love. We are made for love, as if our DNA contains the message, “You must love and be loved in order to survive.”THE FREDERICK EXPERIMENTCHRIST-SHAPED LOVETo love well in a time of selfishness, we have to be loved well.JON TYSONTHE ROOT OF CHRIST-SHAPED LOVE: “I AM LOVED.”8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 JOHN 4:8-10Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.EPHESIANS 3:17-19 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.ROMANS 5:8THE FRUIT OF A CHRIST-SHAPED LOVE IS SELFLESSNESSTherefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.EPHESIANS 5:1-2“The Biblical concept of agape love involves giving of yourself for the benefit of another, even at your own expense. Biblical love is defined by passionately and righteously seeking the well-being of another. Biblical love is an act of the will and not just a fuzzy feeling in the stomach. That’s why God can command us to love one another. Love really has nothing to do with whether you feel loving at a particular moment. It has to do with the need of the person being loved, not the feelings of the one doing the loving.” TONY EVANS

Spiritual Integrity: is the quality of being honest and having strong biblical principles, or biblical uprightness. It is a personal choice to hold oneself to consistent biblical standards.1. Spiritual Integrity is Foundational to the call on our life.Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.2. Spiritual Integrity is whole and complete.Proverbs 11:3 The Integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.3. Integrity protects transparency over image.1 Samuel 16:7 Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the Heart.Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in Integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths gets found out.1. Have an up-to-date personal walk with God.Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Romans 12:2- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.2. Be accountable to the authority over your life.Hebrews 13:17- “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not grief, for that would be unprofitable to you.Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Do YOU Know?39 Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to [m]Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world.”JOHN 4:39-42“We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure.JOHN 4:42“There is a difference between believing in Jesus based off of what someone has told you about Him, and you experiencing a relationship with Jesus for yourself.”42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world.”JOHN 4:42God is not interested in a relationship with you based off of what OTHERS HAVE SAIDDO YOU KNOW JESUS FOR YOURSELFMYTH #1: JESUS CAME TO MAKE MY LIFE EASIER.13 Jesus answered and 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 shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”15 The woman *said to Him, “[d]Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw water.JOHN 4:13-14The response of the Samaritan woman was logical, yet not spiritual. She wanted to avoid the work of coming to the well every day. It was as if she responded, “Jesus, if you want to make my life easier and more convenient, then I’m all for it. Give it to me!”DAVID GUZIKMYTH #2: JESUS DOESN’T HAVE STANDARDS15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” 16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”JOHN 4:15-18MYTH #3: I NEED TO CLEAN UP MY LIFE FIRSTJESUS SEEKS YOUJESUS EXPOSES SINJESUS COVERS ALL SINJESUS ASKS FOR ALL OF YOU

2 CHRONICLES 2:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” POINT 1: HUMILITY IS THE FIRST STEP IN HEALING • 1 Peter 5:5, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” POINT 2: REPENTANCE IS THE SECOND STEP TO HEALING Definition of repentanceintransitive verb : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life : to feel regret or contrition : to change one’s mind • Acts 3:19, “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” • John 16:23-24, “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. WHEN YOU PRAY AND ASK IN JESUS NAME, YOU GET INSTANT ACCESS TO THE THROWN OF JESUS, THE THROWN OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER! POINT 3: GETTING OTHERS TO PRAY WITH YOU IS THE THIRD STEP IN HEALING. • Matthew 18:19, “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.” POINT 4: THE FOURTH STEP IN PRAYING FOR HEALING IS HAVING FAITH THAT JESUS HEALS! • Matthew 4:23, Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. • Psalms 103:3, “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” • Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” • GOD DOESN’T MAKE US SICK, BUT HE DOES USE OUR SICKNESS TO GET OUR ATTENTION AND REDIRECT US, TO GET US BACK ON THE PATH. • John 11:4, But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” •Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” •Philippians 1:12, “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.”

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 1 PETER 4:7As Disciples of Jesus we are called to fill the gaps we see in life through prayer.7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. MATTHEW 6:7-8“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.MATTHEW 6:7-8(MSG) LEARNING TO LISTEN“Prayer is conversing, communicating with God.”DALLAS WILLARDPRAYER GOES BOTH WAYSSo Jesus explained himself at length. “I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.JOHN 5:19-20GOD TALKS TOOMy sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.JOHN 10:27 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. PSALM 32:825 And in the fourth watch of the night[d] he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 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. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” MATTHEW 14:25-28 FOUR VOICESMy voiceThe enemy’s voice People’s voicesGod’s voiceHOW TO DISCERN THE VOICE OF GODGOD’S WRITTEN WORDIf you want to become familiar with the voice of God in your life then you MUST become familiar with God’s word.GOD’S SPIRITAnd I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.JOHN 14:16-17When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.JOHN 16:13 LOGOS: the written word of GodRHEMA: the specific word of God for youWhen you are reading the bible on your own, you are reading Logos, or the sayings of Jesus. At times, you get much more than the mere words. This is when you get the Rhema word. This is like Eureka for the scientist involved in an experiment or discovery. It is not that a Rhema word can come to you only when you are reading the bible. It can come to you as a revelation while driving the car, walking in the garden, or even while sleeping and dreaming. This is like God talking to you directly. This could be the word giving you a direction and peace of mind. A Rhema word brings joy and excitement along with it.“Just then three men showed up at the house where I was staying, sent from Caesarea to get me. The Spirit told me to go with them, no questions asked. So I went with themACTS 11:11GOD’S WISDOM“You don’t always need to know the mind of God when you know the heart of God.”GOD’S PEACE And let the peace from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your mindsCOLOSSIANS 3:15LOWER THE NOISE“It’s not legalism; it’s love.” It [silence] allows us to hear the gentle God whose only Son “shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice above the street noise” (Matt. 12:19). It is this God who tells us that “in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).DALLAS WILLARDUNMUTE GOD“When you stop obeying, you put God on mute.”FOLLOW THE SIGNS OTHER PEOPLE

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.1 PETER 4:7SEEKING GOD FOR REVIVALAfter his death, he presented himself alive to them in many different settings over a period of forty days. In face-to-face meetings, he talked to them about things concerning the kingdom of God. As they met and ate meals together, he told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but “must wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me.He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”ACTS 1:2-5, 7-8These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky.ACTS 1:9-11When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.ACTS 2:1-438-39 Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”40 He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”41-42 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.ACTS 2:38-42 They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.ACTS 2:46-47 18-20 They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.”ACTS 4:18-20 Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.ACTS 5:12-16 “We don’t have to talk God into wanting to move. He’s waiting for us.” - Jon Tyson WHAT IS GOD WAITING FOR?US TO WANT HIM“Most people view Jesus as the step ladder into their destiny. He wants to kill YOUR destiny and He wants to resurrect HIS through you. You are going to discover your calling through HIS calling.” - Corey RusselUS TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father2 Chronicles 34:3 US TO TRUST HE CAN DO IT THROUGH US

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.1 PETER 4:7CALL TO PRAYERPRAYER is the first and most important thing we can do as believers yet tends to be the first thing we neglect to do.“WE’D RATHER DO THINGS FOR GOD THAN SPEND TIME WITH GOD.” Most Christians view prayer as “something I SHOULD do”, rather than “something I GET to do”. It would of course be a rather low-voltage spiritual life in which prayer was chiefly undertaken as a discipline, rather than as a way of co-laboring with God to accomplish good things and advance His kingdom purposes.” Dallas WillardWE MISS OUT ON THE POWER OF PRAYER WHEN WE SEE IT AS A CHORE.5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.MATTHEW 6:5-6Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”MATTHEW 6:1JESUS MODELED CONSISTENT, PERSISTENT, AND INTIMATE PRAYER.After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.MATTHEW 14:23It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.LUKE 6:12 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.MARK 1:35PRAYER IS RELATIONAL“Prayer is conversing, communicating with God.”Dallas Willard“It is criminal for people to gather together in the name of a God they don’t talk to.”DR. MATTHEW STEVENSON“Prayer is not the thing. God is the thing and you get to Him through prayer.”JON TYSON9 Pray then like this:“Our Father in heaven,MATTHEW 6:9It was very unusual for the Jews of that day to call God “Father” because it was considered too intimate. It is true that God is the mighty sovereign God of the universe who created, governs, and will judge all things – but He is also to us a Father.David GuzikPRAYER IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE“You are in a spiritual battle. If you are ignorant or ignore that fact, you probably aren’t winning the battle.”For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.EPHESIANS 6:12“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.”C.S. LEWIS, Screwtape Letters12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince[c] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels,[d] came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.[e] 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”DANIEL 10:12-14 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.JAMES 5:16 PRAYER IS WHAT KEEP US GOINGCast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;he will never permit the righteous to be moved.PSALM 55:22

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.HEBREWS 12:1-11There is a danger that you will mis-live - that despite all your activity, despite all the pleasant diversions you might have enjoyed while alive, you will end up living a bad life. There is, in other words, a danger that when you are on your deathbed, you will look back and realize that you wasted your one chance at living. Instead of spending your life pursuing something genuinely valuable, you squandered it because you allowed yourself to be distracted by the various baubles life has to offer.WILLIAM IRVINETherefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,HEBREWS 12:1GOD HAS A RACE FOR ME TO RUN24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 271 CORINTHIANS 9:24-277 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?GALATIANS 5:77 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.2 TIMOTHY 4:7GOD’S RACE FOR ME REQUIRES TRAINING2-4 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.JAMES 1:2-413 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.JAMES 1:13-15GOD USES PAIN TO TRAIN US // THE ENEMY USES PAIN TO TEMPT US3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ROMANS 5:3-4TRAINED FOR ENDURANCE // TEMPTED TO COMPARISON“Comparison is the thief of joy”THEODORE ROOSEVELTEndurance: bearing hardship; STAYING POWER.TRAINED FOR CHARACTER // TEMPTED TO CORRUPTIONCharacter: conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong.Corruption: dishonestyTRAINED FOR HOPE // TEMPTED TO FEAR“FEAR IS FAITH IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.”Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, “THROW OFF” (SANCTIFICATION)“LOOK UP” (ABIDING)“RUN WITH” (COMMUNITY)

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.ROMANS 5:2-5 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you…16 “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. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair[d] and wash your face. 18 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.MATTHEW 6:1-6 & 16-18 THE PAIN OF SECRECY.“As believers, we are a part of an upside down Kingdom. Instead of making sure everybody sees the best parts of our lives and then hiding or masking away the worst parts of us; we are called to bring to light the worst parts of us through CONFESSION and hide the best parts of us through HUMILITY.”“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” - The Chautauquan“Hate is just as good as love. I’d rather someone hate me than not know who I am.” - Burberry ErryWE ALL HAVE A DESIRE TO BE GREAT.“I’M ONLY GREAT IF SOMEONE CARES.” - The Enemy“GREATNESS IS ACHIEVED WHEN YOU ARE SEEN, VALUED, AND APPLAUDED BY PEOPLE.” The World“What else is the praises of men but a little stinking breath? These have their reward.” - TRAPP 20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked.She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”MATTHEW 20:20-28GREATNESS IS ACHIEVED BY SERVING“God is not trying to move you from greatness to servanthood. He wants to move you TO greatness THROUGH servanthood.” - Pastor Josh“Anybody can be great because anybody can serve.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.GREATNESS IS MOTIVATED BY WHAT GOD SEES, NOT WHAT PEOPLE SEESERVE GOD IN SECRET6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time1 PETER 5:6GREATER LEVELS OF GREATNESS REQUIRE GREATER LEVELS OF HUMILITYTHE GREATNESS WE CRAVE IS MET BY BEING SEEN, VALUED, KNOW, AND APPLAUDED BY GOD.

This week, Erik Williams walks us through the PAIN of CONVICTION & CONFESSION and helps us to see that these are actually invitations from God into the freedom He's called us to.

NO PAIN, NO GAINEndure: suffer (something difficult or painful) patiently; to remain in existence…2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.ROMANS 5:2-5PAIN IS THE NORMAL AND NECESSARY PROCESS WE GO THROUGH IN ORDER TO GAIN GOD’S BEST.Most every Christian wants to develop character and have more hope. These qualities spring out of perseverance, which comes through tribulation. We may wish to have better character and more hope without starting with tribulation, but that isn’t God’s pattern and plan. I would rather have God just sprinkle perseverance and character and hope on me as I sleep. I could wake up a much better Christian! But that isn’t God’s plan for me or for any Christian.Therefore we say – soberly, reverently – we say about tribulation, “Lord, bring it on. I know you love me and carefully measure every trial and have a loving purpose to accomplish in every tribulation. Lord, I won’t seek trials and search out tribulation, but I won’t despise them or lose hope when they come. I trust Your love in everything You allow.”GUZIKMATURITY IS NOT OUTWARD APPEARANCE; IT’S A CONDITION OF THE HEART.19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the Lord. 22 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.” Samuel then said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.”1 SAMUEL 8:19-22 There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.1 SAMUEL 9:1-2“We are surrounded by adult men who, in actuality, are nothing more than teenagers, still trying to find their way, hurting and abusing those around them, all while thinking it’s some kind of amusing game.” JON TYSON12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. HEBREWS 5:12-14SPIRITUAL BABIES VS. SPIRITUAL TEACHERSBabies need to be fed, teachers can feed themselvesBabies can’t handle meat, teachers can handle tough truthBabies can’t handle discomfort; teachers experience discomfort but have an understanding that it will eventually passBabies have zero concern for others, a teacher’s main focus is serving othersBabies have no ability to discern, teachers can discern what’s right and wrong; what’s beneficialTHE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR MATURITY IN CHRIST IS YOUR, “YES.”6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 SAMUEL 16:6-7 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest,[a] but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers.1 SAMUEL 16:11-1312 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.PHILIPPIANS 1:6 “Where is there an instance of God’s beginning any work and leaving it incomplete? Show me for once a world abandoned and thrown aside half formed; show me a universe cast off from the Great Potter’s wheel, with the design in outline, the clay half hardened, and the form unsha

This week, we got to hear from some of our students family who served in Puerto Penasco, Mexico about all that God did in them and through them!

Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. HEBREWS 13:1-8SAME FAITH.THERE’S A CERTAIN FAITH GOD IS INVITING US INTO70% of teens trust influencers more than traditional celebrities.86% of women use social media for purchasing advice 82% of People Trust Social Networks to Guide Purchasing DecisionsPurchase Intent Increased by 5.2x by Influencers on Twitter 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. BEING A DISCIPLE IS NOT AN EASIER LIFE, BUT IS THE BEST LIFE.“IF YOU ARE BORED WITH YOUR FAITH, I PROMISE GOD BORED WITH YOUR FAITH TOO.” - Jon TysonFAITH GOALS:SACRIFICE17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. HEBREWS 11:17-19 The discipline of sacrifice is one in which we forsake the security of meeting our needs with what is in our hands. It is total abandonment to God, a stepping into the darkened abyss in the faith and hope that God will bear us up.DALLAS WILLARDBut how nourishing to our faith are the tokens of God’s care in response to our sacrifice. The cautious faith that never saws off the limb on which it is sitting never learns that unattached limbs may find strange, unaccountable ways of not falling.DALLAS WILLARD“It’s probably not sacrifice if you FEEL like doing it.”OBEDIENCE

This week, Pastor Eman continued our series talking about the power of the word of God and why we should prioritize spending time with Jesus THROUGH His word.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. HEBREWS 13:5-826 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[l] in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[m] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ROMANS 8:26-28SAME SPIRITRejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. ROMANS 8:26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.JOHN 14:2WE ARE TRYING TO DO A GOD-SIZED JOB WITHOUT GOD-SIZED TOOLS. Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts (or tools), especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-2For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-2MYTH 01. YOU ARE FLUENT FROM THE STARTMYTH 02. YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.1 CORINTHIANS 14:14MYTH 03. YOU WIILL GET A DEMON11 If a son asks for [e]bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”LUKE 11:11-13MYTH 04. SOME PEOPLE HAVE IT AND SOME PEOPLE DON’T 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues,1 CORINTHIANS 14:5Why did Paul wish you all spoke with tongues? No doubt, because he knew the value of it in his own life. Paul was able, when in the spirit he spoke mysteries, to unburden his soul before God in a way beyond human language and intellect. He could pray, praise, and intercede beyond his ability to understand and articulate. Paul wanted every Christian to know this same blessing.GUZIKWHEN WE PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, WE ARE BUILT UP4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, 1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-210 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. EPHESIANS 6:10-18 WHEN WE PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, WE ARE UNIFIED At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words. 2 As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia[a] and settled there.3 They began saying to each other, “Let’s make bricks and harden them with fire.” (In this region bricks were used instead of stone, and tar was used for mortar.) 4 Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”5 But the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building. 6 “Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other.”GENESIS 11:6(ONE, Unified in vision, community, language) “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech,that all of them may call upon the nam

ACTS 16:16-34 It would have been easy for Paul and Silas to escape thinking God provided another miraculous jailbreak. But to them, the lives of others were more important than their own personal freedom and comfort.In not escaping, they showed tremendous discernment. The circumstances said, “escape.” But love said, “Stay for the sake of this one soul.” They were not guided merely by circumstances, but by what love compelled.DAVID GUZIKFREEDOM IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF DIFFICULTYFREEDOM IS BEING WITH GODGOD USES FREEDOM TO: INVITE US INTO RELATIONSHIP33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.ACTS 16:33-344 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.EXODUS 19:3-4REVEAL WHAT IS REALLY INSIDE USREFINE WHAT OUR FOCUS SHOULD BESearch me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts![c]And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting![d]PSALM 139:23-24GIVE GOD YOUR SUMMER

This week Pastor Jackson closes out our series on testimonies with four New Song Students as they share stories about the goodness of God in their life!

This week, Pastor Jackson sits down with New Song Students leader Garis Diffee to talk about evangelism and being used by Jesus to grow the family of God.

This week Pastor Jackson sits down with Hannah Williams, a three year leader at New Song Students, as she shares her story about the goodness of God in her life.

This week, Pastor Eman kicked off our brand new series with a message on the power of YOUR testimony and why you should share it!

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?ROMANS 2:1-4PURITY IS EVERYTHING. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.MATTHEW 5:8 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.COLOSSIANS 3:518 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.1 CORINTHIANS 6:18-20Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.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 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again 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.9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”11 “No, Lord,” she said.And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”JOHN 8:1-119 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10 SEXUAL PURITY APPLIES TO EVERYONE AND ITS GOD’S HEART FOR EVERYONE.2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.PSALM 16:2“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”11 “No, Lord,” she said.And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”JOHN 8:1-1122 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.2 TIMOTHY 2:22WE DON’T FIGHT SEXUAL SIN, WE RUN FROM ITWE DON’T ARRIVE AT PURITY, WE RUN IN IT.22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.11 “I regret[c] that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me…1 SAMUEL 15:11WE RUN IN PURITY WITH OTHERS.Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.2 TIMOTHY 2:22

Don’t Chance it. Change it. Sovereign - God has absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure.God’s sovereign plan involves our involvement.1. We facilitate change with our wordsGenesis 17:2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.Genesis 17:4-5 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.Genesis 17:15-16 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.”Abram = father of many Abraham = father of many NATIONSSarai = my lady or my princessSarah = THE princess of a multitude Genesis 17:17 Lol. lol. lol.Romans 4:17-18 Abraham was first named “father” and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do but on what God said he would doWhat is NOT in your life right now- that God has promised you? 2. We facilitate change through prayerJames 5:17-18 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours [with the same physical, mental, and spiritual limitations and shortcomings], and he prayed intensely for it not to rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its crops [as usual].

12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.PHILIPPIANS 3:12-21Politics: the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. The Purpose of Human Government.The commendation of goodThe punishment of evil The maintenance of peaceThe protection of the oppressedPOLITICS IS ATTEMPTING TO SET THE STANDARD FOR MORALITY.POLITICS IS ATTEMPTING TO SET THE STANDARD FOR MORALITY AND GOD GIVES US THE STANDARD FOR MORALITY.When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman.ROMANS 2:14-1615 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians,MATTHEW 22:15-1616 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.[b] 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” MATTHEW 22:16-1718 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.[c] 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.MATTHEW 22:18-22DISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO BE DUAL CITIZENSYou should have more in common with a believer in another country than you do with an unbeliever in your own country.JON TYSONDISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO GIVE GOVERNMENT HONORLet every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ROMANS 13:1-2 HOW DISCIPLES PARTICIPATEVOTE“If you have the privilege of being a Christian in a Democracy, you are called to be consistent as a Christian in your voting and serving your country.”NATHAN FINOCHIOPRAYFirst of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2HUMBLE CONVERSATIONSBut avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.TITUS 3:9 DISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO GIVE GOD HOPEFor kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.PSALM 22:28 JESUS IS LORD.

16 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” JOHN 3:16-218 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”LUKE 15:8-10IS HELL REAL?And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.JOHN 1:14TRUTH IS ALWAYS IN TENSIONAnd many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. DANIEL 12:2For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?PSALM 6:517 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God.PSALM 9:1720 The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.EZEIKIAL 18:20 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. JOHN 14:613 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.MATTHEW 7:13-1441 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.MATTHEW 25:41Jesus did not present this story as a parable, and in no other parable did Jesus actually name an individual (as the poor man is here named). We have every reason to believe that Jesus gave us an actual case in history, one He knew from His eternal perspective.DAVID GUZIK19 “There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. 20 But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was lying at his gate. 21 He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man’s table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side.[d] The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 ‘Father Abraham!’ he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!’25 “‘Son,’[e] Abraham said, ‘remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.’27 “‘Father,’ he said, ‘then I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28 because I have five brothers—to warn them, so that they won’t also come to this place of torment.’29 “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said. ‘But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’31 “But he told him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”LUKE 16:24-31GOD TELLS THE TRUTH BECAUSE HE LOVES18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.JOHN 3:18GOD GIVES YOU THE CHIOCE BECAUSE HE LOVESThe presence of this tree – the presence of a choice for Adam – was good because for Adam to be a creature of free will, there had to be a choice, some opportunity to rebel against God. If there is never a command or never something forbidden there can then never be choice. God wants our love and obedience to Him to be the love and obedience of choice.DAVID GUZIKGOD MAKES A WAY BECAUSE HE L

“A gray area is meaning that exists between two extremes. This is an analogy to the area of color that exists between black and white. Gray areas result from ambiguity and rich variations that naturally occur in language, culture, events, information, objects, environments and people. The ability to think in grey areas is a basic element of intelligence.” - John Spacey13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 1 PETER 3:13-17THIS IS NOT A SERIES ABOUT ANSWERS. IT’S A SERIES ABOUT FAITH.For we live by faith, not by sight.2 CORINTHIANS 5:7I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.EPHESIANS 3:16-17DOUBT CAN BE A STUMBLING BLOCK OR A STARTING BLOCK. JESUS CAN HANDLE YOUR QUESTIONS.“MY TRUTH"Postmodernism: the understanding/belief that there is no such thing as ABSOLUTE TRUTH. Truth belongs to the individual and is only experiential.SELECTIVE PERCEPTIONJesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. JOHN 14:6JESUS IS THE TRUTH THAT EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR“Many people had sarcastically scrawled, “Baby, don’t hurt me.” A few were philosophical and flowery, including a quote from Proust and on from Plato. But no one had a real answer. Not really. It was a simply question. Was that room as lost as I felt? Those pages showed nothing but an empty abyss, and I wondered if anyone really had an answer that would satisfy… In all our films, songs, and art, we worshiped love, but no one could define it. Really? This is it?… Years later I would read C.S. Lewis’s words that described what I experienced: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”… I started to have a sense that there HAD to be a higher love that corresponded to my desire for intimacy.”DAVID BENNETTAnd you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.JOHN 8:32HIS WORD IS THE STABILITY EVERYONE HOPES FOR 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”MATTEW 7:24-27

Saint vs. ChristianWe are saints; meaning we are disciples and if disciples it means we believe and if we believe then were are made Holy and how we are made Holy is in accepting the message of Christ in His fullness and understanding that apart from Him we are nothing but only in Him do we find identity, strength, meaning and life.Faith. the works for the saints.The faith then that we profess is not grounded in hollow philosophies or fanciful anecdotes but rather deepened in knowledge with wisdom and spiritual understanding.Faith in Jesus not faith in faithTo have faith in Jesus means we know Him and trust Him to be The Way, The Truth, and The Life to everything that concerns us. Faith is not The Way, The Truth, and the Life Jesus is.HOW TO STAY ROOTEDSEEKIf then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1FOCUSSet your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2SACRIFICEPut to death therefore what is earthly in you:[b] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. - Colossians 3:5DEPENDPut on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:12-17THE HEART OF A ROOTED LIFEWhen you do these things, you will find yourself:Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.Colossians 4:2-5PrayingBeing VigilantGratefulPraying and Supporting MinistryBeing WiseRedeeming the timeSpeaking

9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority;COLOSSIANS 2:9-1024 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.COLOSSIANS 1:24-29 THE POINT IS MATURITY (message title)Maturity: the state, fact, or period of being mature.Mature: fully developed physically; full grown. Having reached an advanced stage of mental or emotional developmental characteristics of an adult.JESUS IS THE FOCUS; MATURITY IS THE GOAL.Emotional Reasoning: letting your feelings guide your interpretation of reality. “I feel depressed; therefore, my life is not working out.”Catastrophizing: focusing on the worst possible outcome and seeing it as most likely. “It would be terrible if I failed.” Overgeneralizing: perceiving a global pattern of negatives is based on a single incident. “This generally happens to me. I seem to fail at a lot of things.” Dichotomous Thinking: viewing events or people in all-or-nothing terms. “I get rejected by everyone,” or “it was a complete waste of time.”Negative Filtering: focusing almost exclusively on the negatives and seldom noticing the positives. “Look at all the people who don’t like me.” Discounting Positives: claiming that the positive things you or others do are trivial, so that you can maintain a negative judgement. Labeling: assigning global negative traits to yourself or othersMind Reading: assuming that you know what people thinking without having sufficient evidence of their thoughts.IMMATURITY/MATURITY IS NOT A RESULT OF WHO YOU ARE.13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say 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 replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock[b] I will build my church, and the gates of hell[c] shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[d] in heaven.”20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord![e] This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance[f] to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”MATTHEW 16:13-23Jesus exposed how Peter came into this satanic way of thinking. He didn’t make a deliberate choice to reject God and embrace Satan; he simply let his mind settle on the things of men instead of the things of God, and Satan took advantage of it. Peter is a perfect example of how a sincere heart coupled with man’s thinking can often lead to disaster.DAVID GUZIKIMMATURITY/MATURITY IS NOT A RESULT OF WHO YOU ARE. IT’S A RESULT OF HOW YOU THINK.Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.ROMANS 12:21. MATURITY IS NOT AUTOMATICTo them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.COLOSSIANS 1:27CHRIST IN YOU, not Christ (at church), not Christ (in me, Paul), not Christ (in them), not Christ (in theory). Your hope for maturity is Jesus in YOU. Maturity STARTS with Jesus in YOU. 2. MATURITY IS A PROCESS And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[e] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[f] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.2 CORINTHIANS 3:18(TRANSFORMED GRAPHS) 52 And Jesus gr

Colossians 2:1-5 “For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery — Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable. For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.” 2. Our faith is meant to be an active faith 3. JESUS PERIOD 4. Heresy means an a opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth 5. “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk IN him, being rooted and built up IN him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the spiritual elements of the world, rather than Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. You were also circumcised IN him with a circumcision not done with hands, but by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, when you were buried WITH him in baptism, in which you were also raised WITH him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive WITH him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them IN him.” 6. “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the spiritual elements of the world, rather than Christ.” 7. Philosophy 8. Tradition 9. Supernatural 10. Gospel literally means “Good News” 11. Any gospel other than the true Gospel, is no gospel at all! 12. “In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.” 13. “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him,” 14. Faith in Jesus Christ isn’t the front door to Christianity, its the whole house 15. “being rooted and built up IN him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.” 16. Live Christmas tree—(split screen) 17. Dead Christmas tree—(split screen) 18. Tornado aftermath pic 19. Jesus is Enough 20. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” 21. “In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” 22. “For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ,” 23. “He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.” 24. “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.” 25. Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” 26. Alternatives just don’t cut it 27. Philosophy 28. Tradition 29. “Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.” 30. “These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ.” 31. “You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” 32. It’s not Jesus plus—it’s Jesus PERIOD! 33. Supernatural 34. “Let no one condemn you by delighting in false humility and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind.” 35. “All these regulations refer to wh

GOD’S WORD IS ENOUGH. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.2 Timothy 3:16-17 For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and YOU have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.Colossians 2:9 THE JOURNEY OF FAITH.Paul wrote because there were problems among the Christians in Colossae…DAVID GUZIKEVERY FAMILY NEEDS DIRECTION. EVEN HEALTHY FAMILIES.Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.1 Peter 5:8Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.1 Timothy 4:16 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.2 John 1:8 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant.[b] He is a faithful minister of Christ on your[c] behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Colossians 1:3-14PRAY. SAY.STAY. This letter – full of love and concern, written to a church Paul had neither planted nor visited – shows the power of Christian love. Paul didn’t need to see or meet or directly know these Christians in order to love them and be concerned for themDAVID GUZIKThe fullness is in Jesus Christ. Not in a church; not in a priesthood; not in a building; not in a sacrament; not in the saints; not in a method or a program, but in Jesus Christ Himself. It is in Him as a “distribution point” – so that those who wanted more of God and all that He is can find it in Jesus Christ.DAVID GUZIKOUR VEHICLE IS JESUS.Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,To the saints and faithful brothers[a] in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.Colossians 1:1-2OUR ROADMAP IS JESUS.15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.Colossians 1:15the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26-27OUR DESTINATION IS MATURITY IN JESUS.28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.MATTHEW 13:44-46GOD’S KINGDOM IS YOUR GREATEST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY. GOD’S KINGDOM IS GOD’S FAMILY. GOD’S KINGDOM IS A GROWING FAMILY. GOD’S KINGDOM IS A FAMILY WHERE GOD LEADS.WE DON’T JUST EXIST FOR THE PEOPLE HERE. WE EXIST FOR THE PEOPLE NOT HERE YET.WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST INTO THE KINGDOMGOD SAYS SO.Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria.JOHN 4:1-427 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?”… 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. JOHN 4:27,34YOU ARE GOD’S PLAN TO REACH PEOPLEINVESTING INTO THE KINGDOM FILLS YOU UP34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes harvest?’ Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. JOHN 4:34WHAT KEEPS US FROM INVESTING?WE DON’T KNOWWORDLINESS15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”LUKE 12:15-21WE MISUNDERSTAND ETERNAL TREASURES19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.MATTHEW 6:19-21WE AREN’T SEEING THE OPPORTUNITYLook, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. JOHN 4:34

IT’S NOT DEVOTION UNTIL I’M ALL IN. 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.JOHN 14:15-17 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.MATTHEW 10:39 YOU WERE MADE TO GO ALL IN36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered…LUKE 7:36-50 HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M DEVOTED?HAS IT COST ME SOMETHING?LID: FEAR OF LACK25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? MATTHEW 6:25-26 2. HAVE I GONE PUBLIC?It was bold for a woman with a sinful reputation to come into the house of a Pharisee, but she was willing to do anything to express her love for Jesus. DAVID GUZIKLID: FEAR OF MAN 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.JOHN 12:41-433. AM I COMMITEDCommitment is healthiest when it is not without doubt but in spite of doubt.Rollo MayLID: FEAR OF DISAPPOINTMENT Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.PROVERBS 3:5-6 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.PSALM 51:16-17

VISION IS THE INTENDED DIRECTION OF OUR LIFE IN WORDS.FILLED UP. POURED OUT.22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”JOHN 6:25-28 (ESV)1. WE THINK WE CAN EARN IT.28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”JOHN 6:28 (ESV)For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,ROMANS 3:23 (ESV)10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. JAMES 2:10-11 (ESV)2. WHEN WE THINK WE CAN EARN IT, WE BEND THE RULES IN ORDER TO GET THE SAME RESULTS.I CAN NEVER DO ENOUGH WORK.28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” JOHN 6:25-28 (ESV)THE ONLY WORK YOU ARE CALLED TO IS BELIEVING.32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull,[e] they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”[f] And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.[g]35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”LUKE 23:32-42 (ESV)Jesus answered the second criminal far beyond his expectation. The thief on the cross had some distant time in mind; Jesus told him today. The thief on the cross asked only to be remembered; Jesus said “you will be with Me.” The thief on the cross looked only for a kingdom; Jesus promised him Paradise.DAVID GUZIK

MATTHEW 1:18-23GOD WITH US. PERIOD.OMNIPOTENCE: all-powerfulOMNISCIENCE: all-knowingOMNIPRESENCE: all-present7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!PSALM 139:7-8GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US BUT WE AREN’T ALWAYS WITH HIM. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.PSALM 16:11And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”EXODUS 33:14Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.JAMES 4:850 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.MATTHEW 27:50-51The veil was what separated the holy place from the most holy place in the temple. It was a vivid demonstration of the separation between God and man. Notably, the veil was torn from top to bottom, and it was God who did the tearing.DAVID GUZIKGOD IS WITH US IN OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,[a] of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.LUKE 1:5-13GOD IS WITH US IN OUR LIMITATIONS30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel[f] forever; his Kingdom will never end!”34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.LUKE 1:30-35 GOD IS WITH US IN OUR ORDINARY39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.LUKE 2:39-40Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.PSALM 100:4

JAMES 5:13-18 PRAYER IS…OUR VIEW OF PRAYER DETERMINES HOW WE PRAYMost Christians view prayer as “something I SHOULD do”, rather than “something I GET to do”. It would of course be a rather low-voltage spiritual life in which prayer was chiefly undertaken as a discipline, rather than as a way of co-laboring with God to accomplish good things and advance His kingdom purposes.” Dallas WillardWE MISS OUT ON THE POWER OF PRAYER WHEN WE SEE IT AS A CHORE. 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.MATTHEW 6:5-6Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”MATTHEW 6:1JESUS MODELED CONSISTENT, PERSISTENT, AND INTIMATE PRAYER.After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.MATTHEW 14:23It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.LUKE 6:12 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.MARK 1:35IF JESUS HAD A POWERFUL PRAYER LIFE, SO CAN I.PRAYER IS RELATIONAL9 Pray then like this:“Our Father in heaven,MATTHEW 6:9It was very unusual for the Jews of that day to call God “Father” because it was considered too intimate. It is true that God is the mighty sovereign God of the universe who created, governs, and will judge all things – but He is also to us a Father.David GuzikPRAYER IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE“You are in a spiritual battle. If you are ignorant or ignore that fact, you probably aren’t winning the battle.”For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.EPHESIANS 6:12“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.”C.S. LEWIS, Screwtape Letters12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince[c] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels,[d] came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.[e] 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”DANIEL 10:12-14 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.JAMES 5:16 PRAYER IS WHAT KEEP US GOINGCast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;he will never permit the righteous to be moved.PSALM 55:22

NUMBERS 11:4-6COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS. In the disciplines of abstinence, we abstain to some degree and for some time from the satisfaction of what we generally regard as normal and legitimate desires. “Normal” desires include our basic drives or motivations, such as those for food, sleep, bodily activity, companionship, curiosity, and sex. But our desires for convenience, comfort, material security, reputation or fame, and variety are also considered under this heading… Keep in mind that the practice of abstention does not imply that there is anything essentially wrong with these desires as such. DALLAS WILLARDAbstinence is not a punishment from God. It’s a gift that helps you discover who/what is first in your life.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 EXODUS 20:2-6YOU BELONG TO GOD.“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”JEREMIAH 1:5“An idol is anything that we put over God and look towards to meet our needs.”IDOLS ARE COUNTFIET COMFORTS. John Calvin says, “THE HUMAN HEART IS AN IDOL FACTORY.”In fasting, we abstain in some significant way from food and possibly from drink as well. This discipline teaches us a lot about ourselves very quickly. It will certainly prove humiliating to us, as it reveals to us how much our peace depends upon the pleasures of eating.DALLAS WILLARDAs Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’[e]”20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.“There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard[f] to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”MARK 10:17-25COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS KEEP ME FROM FOLLOWING JESUS“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.MATTHEW 6:24COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS KEEP ME FROM HEARING JESUSBut seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew 6:33WHEN WE GIVE UP COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS, WE RECEIVE TRUE COMFORT. ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’Isaiah 44:28

Nothing on earth has greater potential to change lives and carry out His kingdom work in your community, than your local church.There’s nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. No other organization on earth is like the church. Nothing even comes close.BILL HYBELBeing disconnected from the local church, for whatever reason, is a dangerous way to live. Not only do these “ lone rangers” miss out on the blessings of functioning within the context of the body of Christ, but like lone sheep away from the safety of the flock and the watchful care of the shepherd, they are vulnerable to predators of every sort.NANCY LEIGH DEMOSSHusbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…EPHESIANS 5:25JESUS GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR A CONNECTED FAMILYGOD’S PRESENCE 8 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.EXODUS 25:2215-16 Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?”EXODUS 33:15-16GOD’S POWER 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[f] in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”MATTHEW 18:18-20 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.PSALM 92:12-13 GOD’S PEOPLE25-26 The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.2 CORINTHIANS 12:12-26 (MSG)26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.2 CORINTHIANS 14:26JUST BEING CONNECT TO THE BODY OF CHRIST ISN’T ENOUGH. Some people think of the church as a pyramid, with the pastor at the top. Others think of the church as a bus driven by the pastor, who takes his passive passengers where they should go. God wants us to see the church as a body, where every part does its share.DAVID GUZIKSedentary: (of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactiveTHE BODY WAS DESIGNED TO BE ACTIVEI AM MEANT TO BE AN ACTIVE PART IN FELLOWSHIP

Galatians 2:20The world says we need to conquer/dominate others, but God says to serve others (Matthew 20:28)The world says we need to take from others and receive, but God says to give to others (Luke 6:38)The world says to put yourself first/be selfish, but God says to put others first, be selfless (Philippians 2: 3-4)The world says you need to speak/act first, but God says to listen first (James 1:19)The world says you need to compare yourself to others, but God says to encourage/support others, to cheer them on. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)The world says to seek revenge, but God says to forgive others and pray for them (ephesians 4:32). The spiritual discipline of submission. Submission: the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.“And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” -Matthew 10:38-39Mark 4:1-20 “We walked through this passage recently.”Mark 4:1-20 MSG#1 KNOW YOUR IDENTITY KNOW YOUR IDENTITY IS NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO BUT WHO YOU ARE, BECAUSE WHO YOU ARE WILL DETERMINE WHAT YOU DO AND WHEN YOU KNOW WHOSE YOU ARE, YOU’LL KNOW WHO YOU ARE#2 EMBRACE YOUR IDENTITY Romans 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.#3 FOCUS ON YOUR IDENTITY Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.#4 MEDITATE ON HIS WORDJoshua 1:8 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.#5 AUTHENTIC, GENUINE (REAL) PRAYERPhilippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Spiritual Disciplines: things we do in order to reorient our life, habits, and routines in a way that feeds our spirit more than our flesh.Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.JOHN 14:12MATTHEW 4:1-11IF JESUS OVERCAME TEMPTATION, I CAN OVERCOME TEMPTATIONJOHN 13:3-5IF JESUS SERVED OTHERS, I CAN SERVE OTHERS. LUKE 9:40-43IF JESUS HEALED AND SET OTHERS FREE, I CAN HEAL AND SET OTHERS FREE.MATTHEW 26:38-39IF JESUS FOLLOWED GOD NO MATTER WHAT, I CAN FOLLOW GOD NO MATTER WHAT.52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. LUKE 2:52 “And in this truth lies the secret of the easy yoke: the secret involves living as he lived in the entirety of his life - adopting his OVERALL life-style. Following “in his steps” cannot be equated with behaving as he did when he was “on the spot.’ To live as Christ lived is to live as he did ALL his life.”DALLAS WILLARD27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.1 CORINTHIANS 9:27DISCIPLINES OF ABSTINENCE (starving your flesh)DISCIPLINES OF ENGAGEMENT (feeding your spirit)For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.ROMANS 8:6But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.ROMANS 13:14Whatever I FEED will eventually grown. Whatever I STARVE will eventually die.DISCIPLINES OF ABSTINENCE (starving your flesh)Solitude and Silence Fasting FrugalityPurity SecrecySacrificDISCIPLINES OF ENGAGEMENT (feeding your spirit)Study Worship Celebration Serving Praying FellowshipConfession SubmissionFor the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.ROMANS 6:23GRACE IS NOT OPPOSED TO ACTION. IT’S OPPOSED TO EARNING. 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”MATTHEW 11:28-30THERE’S A WEIGHT WE CARRY (whether it’s from Jesus or not)“To depart from righteousness is to choose a life of crushing burdens, failures, and disappointments, a life caught in the toils of endless problems that are never resolved… The cost of discipleship, though it may take all we have, is small when compared to the lot of those who don’t accept Christ’s invitation to be a part of his company in ‘The Way’ of life.”DALLAS WILLARD2. IT’S NOT, ONE SIZE FITS ALL3. IF THE YOKE IS HARD AND HEAVY; IT’S NOT FROM JESUS If your yoke is hard and your burden is heavy, then we can say that it isn’t His yoke or burden, and you aren’t letting Him bear it with you. Jesus said it plainly: My yoke is easy and My burden is light.GUZIK

IN THE DARKINTEGRITY IS A BIG DEAL TO GOD. Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.BILLY GRAHAMIntegrity: the state of being whole and undividedReputation is who everybody THINKS you are. Integrity is who you REALLY are. 25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,[i] and then the outside will become clean, too.27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.MATTHEW 23:25-27INTEGRITY IS REINFORCED IN THE DARK AND INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED IN THE DARK. OUR INTEGRITY IS EASIER TO KEEP THAN TO RECOVERIntegrity is NOT perfection.INTEGRITY IS NOT BEING AFRAID TO CONFRONT WHAT’S IMPERFECT.INTEGRITY KNOWS GOD SEES EVERYTHING“This is a great principle which is applicable to every age. You and I ought to live our lives in the light of the fact that we are to stand in the presence of Christ. Note that I didn’t say in the light of the COMING of Christ but in the light of the PRESENCE of Christ.”J. Vernon McGee2. INTEGRITY KNOWS EVERYTHING WILL EVENTUALLY BE REVEALED. 19 Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. 20 So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. GENESIS 39:19-21 17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.LUKE 8:173. INTEGRITY KNOWS EVERYTHING BUILDS23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,COLOSSIANS 3:23WHEN I LIVE A LIFE OF INTEGRITY, I AM UNDER SUPERNATURAL COVERING.

COUNT THE COST. 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone[i] who sins against me? Seven times?”22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven![j]MATTHEW 18:21-22“If you are trying to keep count, you’re missing the point.”“Forgiveness is the Culture of Heaven” - Mark Driscoll Forgive: to release; cancel a debt FORGIVENESS IS NOT: APPROVALFORGIVENESS IS NOT: AUTOMATIC RECONCILIATIONTRANSANCTIONAL FORGIVENESSUNILATERAL “ONE-WAY” FORGIVENESSJesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.MATTHEW 18:21-22In this, Jesus recognized the blindness of His enemies in His prayer. This did not excuse the guilt of those who put Jesus on the cross; but Jesus set His enemies in the best possible light in His prayer to the Father. We must pray with the same heart, after the same pattern. - GUZIK32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.EPHESIANS 4:32WE’VE BEEN FORGIVENUn-forgiveness is always hypocritical.2. IT FREES USCOUNT THE COST

#1) COMPARISON KILLS CONTENTMENTPhilippians 4:11-12 For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.He stepped out of contentment and into comparison. #2) COMPARISON STEALS PERSPECTIVE#3) COMPARISON DESTROYS OUR COMMISSIONIt steals, kills, and destroys.JONH 10:10 10 The enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.ROMANS 12:4-8For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.Comparison didn’t just hurt him, it hurt other people. When a comparison problem becomes a competition problem it results in a collaboration problem. PSALM 139:13-1413 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Do you believe He formed you?Do you believe He knit you together?Do you believe you are wonderfully made?Do your words align with this?Does your soul know very well?

Parables are not simply teachings on what the Kingdom of God is LIKE; they are an invitation into Kingdom LIVING.We know that God is Spirit and is neither male nor female. Yet in the Scriptures we are told that the believer is “born of God”. Here John uses female language to describe the relationship between God and believers. Similarly, when Jesus addressed God as “Father,” he used a male metaphor/title to help us understand the nature of God. Scripture uses male and female images to enrich our understanding of God, who is Spirit and thereby beyond male and female.”Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Kenneth E. Bailey“WE DON’T JUST READ PARABLES; JESUS EXPECTS US TO LIVE THEM OUT.”LUKE 19:11-26Whenever Jesus told a parable, He was communicating ETERNAL TRUTHS in a way that made sense to an ANCIENT AUDIENCE. CONTEXT UNLOCKS MEANING.FIRST ASSUMPTION: The Parable Of The Talents and the Parable Of The Pounds are the same.SECOND ASSUMPTION: These two parables are all about being responsible with what we have. Herod the Great made a trip to Rome in 40 B.C. seeking a Roman appointment as king, and his son, Archelaus, made a similar journey in 4 B.C. to argue his case against his half-brother Antipas. Jesus used a political scene familiar to his audience as the background for this parable.Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Kenneth E. BaileyJesus is the Nobleman.REVELATION 17:14REVELATION 19:16JOHN 18:37Worldly culture is the enemy of the NoblemanJOHN 1:10-13MATTHEW 12:30Christians are the servantsO Lord, surely I am Your servant,I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid,You have loosed my bonds.PSALM 116:16The pounds represent the Great CommissionSuch is the real world of this parable. King Herod’s trip to Rome was successful; he received kingly power. His son Archelaus made the same trip and was banished. No one knows how such a perilous journey will end. The nobleman wants to know, “Are you willing to take the risk and openly declare yourselves to be my loyal servants (during my absence) in a world where many oppose me and my rule.” … It will be easy to declare yourself publicly to be my loyal servants when I return. I am more interested in how you conduct yourselves when I am absent and you have to pay a high price to openly identify yourself with me. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Kenneth E. BaileyDO PEOPLE KNOW WHICH KING YOU ARE LOYAL TO?“Christ never contemplated the production of secret Christians, - Christians whose virtues would never be displayed, - pilgrims who would travel to heaven by night, and never be seen by their fellow-pilgrims or anyone else.” SpurgeonJESUS IS INVITING US TO GO PUBLICJESUS MORE CONCERNED WITH YOUR EFFORT THAN YOUR SUCCESS.If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, 23 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

WTF: Where’s The Faith?Faith is important to God. 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.HEBREWS 11:6God is ALWAYS clear about what’s important to Him.4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 Faith: trusting in and acting from what God says instead of what we can seeFAITH DOES NOT STOP AT TRUSTING IN GOD. IT MOVES INTO ACTING ON WHAT GOD SAYS.INTELLECTUAL AGREEMENT + TRUST = FAITH. FAITH WILL ALWAYS SEEM A LITTLE CRAZY.IT’S NOT FAITH IF YOU CAN SEE IT1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.HEWBREWS 11:1-2THE FACTS THAT WE WANT ERODE THE FAITH WE NEED.14 At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”17 Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.19 Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.[d]”MATTHEW 17:14-20OUR FAITH CAN OPEN DOORS. OUR LACK OF FAITH CAN CLOSE THEM TOO. 20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.[d]”MATTHEW 17:14-20The faith that we must have has more to do with what kind of faith it is than with how much faith there is. A small amount of faith, as small as a mustard seed (a very small seed), can accomplish great things if that small amount of faith is placed in the great and mighty God. - GUZIK THE PLACEMENT OF OUR FAITH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR AMOUNT OF FAITH.HOW TO GROW FAITH:START WITH GOD; NOT USDETERMINE TO OBEY LEAVE THE RESULTS WITH HIM

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,ROMANS 1:16“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you (the book of Luke), most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”LUKE 1:1-4 (NIV)Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.LUKE 1:1-4 (ESV)27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.JOHN 10:27 (ESV)God is always talking.“I HAD A FEELING”.“And if what you see is all you see, Then you do not see all there is to be seen” - Kirk FranklinNUMBERS 22:21-31“Sometimes the message God is giving us is loud and clear, but we don’t recognize God in the message.”“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.LUKE 1:1-4 (NIV) God wants YOUR VOICE! God wanted LUKE’S VOICE!“The Gospel of Luke is a carefully researched and selective presentation of the person and life of Jesus. The book was written to strengthen the faith of believers and challenge the misconceptions of unbelievers, especially those from a Greek background. Luke’s profession as a medical doctor gives his Gospel a unique focus on Jesus’ humanity and the role of Christ as the suffering servant.”IF YOU DOWNPLAY THE PURPOSE OF YOUR VOICE, YOU DOWNPLAY THE VOICE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE. It takes faith. “Luke was able to write the word because he was acquainted with the Word.”So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.ROMANS 10:17 (NKJV)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.ROMANS 12:2 (ESV)

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with[b] water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”ACTS 1:4-51 CORINTHIANS 2:10-16 Essential: of the utmost importance: basic, indispensable, necessary.Indispensable: absolutely necessaryTHE HOLY SPIRIT IS ESSENTIAL.When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.ACTS 8:14-17 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.[a] 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.“No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked.And they replied, “The baptism of John.”4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues[b] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.ACTS 19:1-7WE’VE MADE THE HOLY SPIRIT OPTIONAL WHEN JESUS SAYS HE’S ESSENTIAL.“Being a disciple without receiving the Holy Spirit is like discovering you have a sickness, going to the doctor for a diagnosis, and leaving without the prescription.”14 But the person without the Spirit[f] does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him;THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS ME SEEFor who knows a person’s thoughts[d] except his spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.1 CORINTHIANS 2:11-12THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A GIFT“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,ROMANS 1:16SIT DOWN. BE HUMBLE.This reveals Paul’s heart. In a sophisticated city like Rome, some might be embarrassed by a gospel centered on a crucified Jewish Savior and embraced by the lowest classes of people – but Paul is not ashamed. - GUZIKSIMPLE IS POWERFUL.1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be[a] the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.[b] He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege[c] and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.ROMANS 1:1-516 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.JOHN 3:16 “The gospel is not advice to people, suggesting that they lift themselves. It is power. It lifts them up. Paul does not say that the gospel brings power, but that it is power, and God’s power at that.” - MORRIS23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.ROMANS 3:23Jesus showed us what it really means to be HUMAN.“I’m not a sinner because I sin, I sin because I’m a sinner.”“If missing the mark is the fruit of sin, then the root sin is PRIDE.”5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[a]6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 PETER 5:-7The fix to our sin problem is not trying to SIN LESS, its receiving grace from Jesus to be SINLESS.The Fix Is God’s Ferrari Grace“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”1 PETER 5:5The Key To God’s Ferrari Grace Is Humility