Petra Church International Ministries

John 8:31-3631To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[b] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" 34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.Galatians 5:13-2613 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want.18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.26 Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other. Jesus is our Freedom! Misuse of our Freedom in Christ Legalism LicensePurpose of Freedom in Christ

John 8:31-31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[b] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Importance of Freedom Notion of Freedom Enemy of Freedom Jesus, the source of Freedom Jesus, the process of Freedom Jesus, the completion of Freedom

John 15:15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. Summer 2023 - Growing deeper, wider, and higher Personal Relationship vs. Kingdom Partnership Our Participation in Kingdom Partnership 1. Praying for the gospel ministry 2. Producing the disciples of Christ Our Attitudes Toward Kingdom Partnership 1. Being passionate about the gospel 2. Being proactive for the gospel 3. Being protective of the gospel

Mark 16:1515 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (NIV) Psalm 67:1-2 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us 2 that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. (NIV) Summer 2023 - Going deeper, wider, and higher Worldly Christians vs. World-Class Christians Becoming World-Class Christians 1) From self-centeredness to community-centeredness 2) From local to global 3) From temporal to eternal 4) From excuses to explorations

Isaiah 40:3, 28-313 : A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." 28: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Summer 2023 - Going deeper, wider and higher Going Higher 1. Our Calling Prepare for the Lord's coming 2. Our Ministry - Gospel Ministry Proclamation & Demonstration 3. Our Hope His Personhood His Power His Plan

Matthew 28:19-2019 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 9:37-38“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”John 20:21“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” Purpose of Salvation Personal Relationship Kingdom Partnership Power of Prayer Pray & Go Practice of Obedience Word & Deed Speak & Stand

Hebrews 6:12 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Summer 2023: Maximum Maturity a. Urgency b. Commitment c. Sacrifice d. Accountability Path of Going Deeper a. Intensive Bible Study b. Intimate Prayer c. Intentional Lifestyle The Reward of Going Deeper a. Inexhaustible Treasure b. Infinite Power c. Incomprehensive Peace d. Inseparable Communion

Matthew 16:18…and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Colossians 3:15, 1715 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful… 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. May: "Focus on the Family" Month Church Family Family Vision Family Benefit Family Responsibilities Family Expectations Receive Give Submit

Proverbs 12:7The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. (Proverbs 12:7, NLT)1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.5:8Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. May: "Focus on the Family" Month What is Family? How can we bless our family? 1. Be faithful in seeking the truth 2. Be faithful in serving the family. 3. Be faithful in submitting to the Holy Spirit's work.

Ephesians 6:1-3Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. May: "Focus on the Family" Month Dynamics of Family Relationships To Children To Parents Reality Check

Proverbs 12:7The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. (Proverbs 12:7, NLT) I Tim 5:85:8Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. May: "Focus on the Family" Month What is Family? Definition of Family Purpose of Family Direction of Family Operation of Family Prayer of Family

I Corinthians 15:55-5855 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Philippians 3:10-1110I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. The Power of Resurrection The Process of Resurrection Resurrection of Spirit Resurrection of Mind Resurrection of Body Living in the Power of Resurrection 1. Live in Victory 2. Live with Discernment 3. Live with Hope

I Corinthians 15:55-5855 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Philippians 3:10-1110I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Introduction The Meaning of Resurrection Confirmation Completion Condition The Essence of Resurrection - New Creation The Power of Resurrection 1. We live fearlessly in victory 2. We live joyfully with thanksgiving. 3. We live unswervingly in faith. 4. We live fully for the Kingdom

I Corinthians 15:55-5855 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Philippians 3:10-1110 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Easter Experience Crucifixion Burial Resurrection Our Response Repent Be Patient Believe

Matthew 28:1-1028 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Luke 24:30-3530 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread Easter Experience Crucifixion Burial Resurrection Encountering the Risen Lord

Mark 11:15-1915 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. Palm Sunday/Passion Week Problems Rebuke Cleansing

Mark 5:1-20 5 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a]2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.”13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well.17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Living Faith The Brokenness of Man1. Unclean (vv. 2-3) 2. In Bondage (vv.3-4) 3. Hurting (v.5) 4. Dead (vv.2-3, 5) The Restoration of Jesus1. Jesus cleanses. (v.8)2. Jesus sets free. (vv.6-13) 3. Jesus restores. (v.15) 4. Jesus redirects. (v.19)

Mark 7:24-3024 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre, He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet.26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Living Faith Cry of a Mother (vv. 25-26) Challenge from the Savior (v. 27) Crumbs of the Table (vv. 28-29)

Mark 10:46-5246 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Living Faith 1. Need for Mercy Hopeless Helpless Purposeless 2. Cry for Mercy Cry in Desperation Cry in Faith Cry in Persistence 3. Receiving Mercy Jesus wants to serve you Jesus wants to bless you Jesus wants you

Mark 9:14-2914 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. Living Faith 1. Priority of Faith 2. Pleasure from Faith 3. Power of Faith 4. Prayer & Faith

Luke 7:1-107 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this,5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”6 So Jesus went with them.He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Living Faith The Centurion's Faith 1. His faith was courteous (Luke 7:6) 2. His faith was confident (Luke 7:7) 3. His faith was comprehensive (7:8) Jesus' Response (Luke 7:9-10) Our Response

Luke 8:22-2522 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Living Faith How do you navigate life by faith? 1. Hold onto the word of God 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” 2. Remember God is in control 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. 3. Expect opposition in life.23 A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 4. Activate your faith! 24 He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

Mark 2:1-172 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” IntroductionLiving Faith The Condition of a Paralytic1. Physical Paralysis – Urgent Need 2. Spiritual Paralysis – Ultimate Need The Power of Jesus1. He has the power to know our hearts 2. He has the power to heal our physical sickness 3. He has the power to forgive our sins The Faith of Four Friends1. Their faith was confident 2. Their faith was compassionate 3. Their faith was contagious Our Witness

Mark 5:21-3421 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet.23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”24 So Jesus went with him.A large crowd followed and pressed around him.25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak,28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Living Faith We shall live by faith, not by sight The desperation of a sick woman Physical Deterioration Social Isolation Financial Destitution Spiritual Deprivation The action of her faith Internal Response External Response The compassion of Jesus Healing and Restoration Our Actions of Faith

James 2:14-26What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, you have faith; I have deeds?Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Living Faith: "We live by faith, not by sight."What Faith is Not 1. Faith is not just a talk. 2. Faith is not just a feeling. 3. Faith is not just a thought. 4. Faith is not just knowledge. Faith is ACTION!22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. Abraham and Rahab James vs. Paul Conclusion 2 Corinthian 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you unless of course, you fail the test?”James 1:22 “do not merely listen to the word and deceive yourselves. Do what it says”

Romans 10:17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Living Faith 2023 "We live by faith, not by sight." How can we grow Living Faith? Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. The Concept of Word John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. God's Word Your Word Their (People's) Word Our (church's) Word

2 Corinthians 5:5-7 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.7 For we live by faith, not by sight.Hebrews 11:1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Living Faith 2023"We live by faith, not by sight." 1. Faith must be built upon the promise of God. 2 Cor 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2. Faith must be activated in the present. 3. Faith must be shown through the life James 2:18 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. ”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 4. Faith must be tested. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5. Faith will be rewarded by God. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Revelation 2:10 Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

2 Corinthians 5:5-7 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.7 For we live by faith, not by sight. "We live by faith, not by sight."Our Identity: Faith defines who we are Romans 3:22 "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe."Our Quality: Faith determines how we are Romans 1: 17 "The righteous shall live by faithfulness." Our Duty: Faith directs what we do Galatians 5:7 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Ephesians 2:8, 10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Corinthians 5:5-7 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.7 For we live by faith, not by sight. Faith Family Faith Work (Career) Faith Ministry

Matthew 2:1-12After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Celebrating Jesus The meaning of Christmas The purpose of Christmas False Reactions to Christmas Proper Reactions to Christmas

Matthew 1:1-17This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, 7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, 8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, 9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiahand his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.12 After the exile to Babylon:Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, 15 Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary,and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. Celebrating Jesus: the reason for Christmas Season Importance of Genealogy God the Promise Keeper God the Grace Giver God the Heavenly Father Our Response

Matthew 16:13-1713 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?”he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.John 1:14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Celebrating Jesus: the reason for Christmas Season His Identity: Who is Jesus? John 1:1-5; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:14-16Jesus the Savior Jesus the Teacher Jesus the Lord Jesus the Champion

Hebrews 6:12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Importance of Finishing An example of Solomon Three Things about Faith 1. Faith is expressed through patience. 2. Faith is not reactive but proactive. 3. Faith does not tolerate loose-end. Paul's Faith: I Corinthians 9:24-27 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. 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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. How can we finish strong? 1. Keep remembering the promise of God! 2. Keep believing in the power of God! 3. Keep pursuing the plan of God! Finish Strong and Thrive 2022!

I Thessalonians 5:16-18,Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Thanks-LivingI Thessalonians 5:17-18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."Six Benefits of Thanksgiving 1. Gratitude helps us to see God 2. Gratitude draws us near to God 3. Gratitude deepens our faith 4. Gratitude enriches our life 5. Gratitude puts us in God's will 6. Gratitude glorifies God

Psalm 95:1-7Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Thanksgiving and Faith I Thessalonians 5:17-18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."Review: why we are not thankful Focusing on God => Thanksgiving Three Reasons why we are thankful 1. His Provision: what God has given 2. His Providence: what God has done and is doing and will do 3. His Presence: who God is

Psalm 95:1-7Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Heart of Complaining Why are we not thankful? (3 Reasons) Luke 17:11-1911Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." 1. Self-focused-ness 2. Forgetfulness 3. Faithlessness Our Response: 1. God-centered-ness 2. Self-awareness 3. Faithfulness

Psalm 85:1-61 You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2 You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.[b]3 You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.4 Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Passion for Jesus Warning: 3 Dangerous States Coma Complaint Complacency Revival Remember Recommit Refill

I Corinthians 15:1010 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Halloween or Reformation Review Grace Discovered Grace Lived

John 1:16-1716 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Introduction Grace Defined Grace Revealed Grace AcceptedGrace Exercised Grace Expanded

Psalm 119:9-16"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." How can we stay focused? How can we continue to faithfully seek the Lord? SEEK (v10) I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. HIDE (v11) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. ASK (v12) Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. SPEAK (v13) With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. MEDITATE (v15) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. DELIGHT (v16) I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. The Lifestyle of Faith: How do we live by faith? Attitude of Rejoicing Attitude of Praying Attitude of Thanksgiving

James 5:19-2019 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James' Final Remarks 1. All Christians could wander from the truth 2. All Christians should bring people to the truth Conclusion

James 5:13-1813 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. Christian Lifestyle (13-14) Troubled? Happy? Sick?Prayer Lifestyle Confidence in Faith Confession of Sin Consistency with Righteousness

James 5:7-127 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise, you will be condemned. James: Practical Christianity The Lord's Coming (v7) Patience (Vv.7-9) Perseverance (Vv.10-12)

James 4:1-1213 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. What is life? (v. 14) A New Attitude (Vv. 15-16) What should we do? (v. 17)

James 4:1-124 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? Conflict: Our Reality Cause: Our Problem Cure: Our Hope

JAMES 3:13-1813 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Demonstration of Wisdom Earthly Wisdom vs. Heavenly Wisdom Earthly Wisdom (vv.14-16)Heavenly Wisdom (vv.17-18) Getting True Wisdom

JAMES 2:14-2614 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Faith and Deeds (14-17) What Faith is NOT (18-20) 1. True faith is not inactive. 2. True Faith is not invisible 3. True faith is not intellectual Examples of Faith: Abraham and Rahab (21-25) True Faith is ACTIVE. (26

James 3:1-121 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. "True Religion" (1:26-27) Controlled toward self Controlled Tongue (v.2) Power of Tongue 1. Power to change the course of our life. 2. Power to destroy our life. 3. Power to reveal our true self. Change of Tongue 1. Heart Transformation 2. Holy Spirit Empowerment 3. Habit Development Conclusion

James 1: 26-2726 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Practical Christianity God's gift: The word of the truth How do you become doers of the word? Reception of the word (19-21) Response to the word (22-25) How do we live out the word? "True Religion" (26-27) 1. Controlled toward self 2. Compassionate toward others 3. Confirmed toward God Conclusion