Vincennes First Church of God

ForeShadow

Part I; March 17, 2024

“Joseph”

Framework Facilitates Forgiveness; Forgiveness Facilitates Freedom

Genesis 45:4-8, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! (NLT)

John 9:2-3, And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. (ESV)

John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. (NLT)

Divine Dreams Sustain us in our Suffering  

Genesis 37:20, “Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” (NLT)

Romans 5:3-5, Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)

Genesis 39:21, But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love.  (NLT)

Hebrews 12:2, 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. (ESV)

Legacy

Part III; March 3, 2024

“Leviticus 19”

If God is Not Lord of All – Then He is Not Lord at All – Leonard Ravenhill

We Make Jesus Lord of Our Lives By:

Removing What Undermines our Loyalty to God

Leviticus 19:4, Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God. (ESV)

Understanding that Input Equals Output

Leviticus 19:5-7, “When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted. It shall be eaten the same day you offer it or on the day after, and anything left over until the third day shall be burned up with fire. If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is tainted; it will not be accepted. (ESV)

Being Intentionally Generous

Leviticus 19:10, You shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God. (ESV)

Choosing Honesty over Deceit 

Leviticus 19:11-12, “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (ESV)

Having Tongues that Promote Peace not Division

Leviticus 19:16-18, You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (ESV)

James 3:6, The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire. (NIV)

Legacy

Part II; February 25, 2024

“John 15”

The Ability to Bear Fruit:

Requires the Right ______________

John 15:4, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (ESV)

Matthew 22:36-38, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.(ESV)

Requires God’s ____________

John 15:5, I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV)

Grows Our Spiritual _________

John 15:6, If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 4:17-18, So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (ESV)

Is All About __________

John 15:9-11, As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (ESV)

Matthew 22:37-40, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (ESV)

Legacy

Part I; February 18, 2024

“Nehemiah”

Holiness Begins with Brokenness and Ends with Passion

Nehemiah 1:4-9, When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands,

listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. (NLT)

2 Kings 22:11-13, When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.” (NLT)

Read – Confess – Surrender – Repeat

To Follow God, You Need a Sword and a Shovel

Nehemiah 2:18-19, They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” (NLT)

Nehemiah 4:17, Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. (ESV)

Ephesians 6:17, 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. Stand therefore… having taken the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (ESV)

God’s Calling Builds the Kingdom through Unity

Nehemiah 6:16, And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts. (NIRV)

 “Battle Against Mediocrity”

February 11, 2024

Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. John 14:11-12 (ESV)

What keeps us mediocre? What barriers keep us from reaching high and dreaming big? 

Fear of Failure 

Complacency

Being Overwhelmed  

Lack of Resources 

Cynicism

Skepticism

Jesus says we are capable of greater things, what does that mean?

Greater is About Attitude Not Opportunity 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

Greater is Achieved with Divine Power Not Human Strength

You crave something that you do not possess, so you murder to get it. You desire the things you cannot earn, so you sue others and fight for what you want. You do not have because you have chosen not to ask. And when you do ask, you still do not get what you want because your motives are all wrong—because you continually focus on self-indulgence. James 4:2-3 (Voice)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Greater is Defined by Eternal Impact Not Worldly Success

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11 (ESV)

Ascend

Part IV; February 4, 2024

“Seeking Generation”

Psalm 24:3-6, Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. 

Why Do We Seek God: We Seek God Because We Realize We Need Him

John 15:5, I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV)

2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (KJV)

When Do We Seek God: It’s Our Turn to Seek God for Ourselves

Esther 4:14, If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.” (Voice)

Hebrews 11:6, And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (ESV)

How Do We Seek God: We Seek God by Making Him a Priority

Proverbs 3:6, In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. (TLB)

Jeremiah 29:13, You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (ESV)

Genesis 2:25, Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame. (ESV)

Ascend

Part III; January 28, 2024

“Loyal Soul”

Psalm 24:3-6, Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. 

Loyalty is Sustained Through Patience

Exodus 32:1, When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” (NIV)

Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ (NIV)

Loyalty is Expressed in Discipleship

1 Peter 2:21, For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (ESV)

John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV)

Loyalty Begins and Ends with Fear

Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (ESV)

Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (ESV)

John 3:17, 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. (ESV)

Matthew 18:12-13, What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. (ESV)

Ascend

Part II; January 21, 2024

“Pure Hearts”

Psalm 24:3-6, Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. (ESV)

Learn to Look Beyond the Surface of Our Actions

Luke 6:45, The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (ESV)

1 John 1:7-9, If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)

Surrender Your Intentions of Selfish Motivation 

2 Corinthians 11:3, I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (ESV)

James 1:27, Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (ESV)

Filter Your Emotions Through the Word of God

1 John 3:3, And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (ESV)

Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.(ESV)

Psalm 51:10-12, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. (ESV)

Ascend

Part I; January 14, 2024

“Clean Hands”

Psalm 24:3-6, Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean handsand a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. (ESV)

Dirty Hands Reveal Our Need to Be Clean

Romans 7:6-7, now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” (NLT)

Jeremiah 5:25, Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings. Your sin has robbed you of all these good things. (NLT)

Clean Hands Enhance the Spirit’s Work in Our Lives

2 Timothy 2:20-22, In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. (NLT)

Matthew 5:29-30, If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. (ESV)

The Condition of Our Hands Effects Those Closest to Us

Daniel 6:24, Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. (NLT)

Hebrews 12:1-2, 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, 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. (ESV)

People of Christmas

Part VI; December 31, 2023

“The Three Wisemen”

God Cares About the People Far from Him

Luke 19:10, For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (NLT)

Luke 15:7, There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! (NLT)

Jesus is Lord; You Can Either Worship Him or Silence Him

Matthew 2:1-4, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (ESV)

Luke 6:46-49, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (ESV)

Experiencing Jesus Face to Face Will Transform You

Matthew 2:10-12, When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And

being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (ESV)

Matthew 2:16, Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under. (ESV)

1 John 4:16, So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (ESV)

People of Christmas

Part V; December 24, 2023

“Baby Jesus”

Jesus Came to Create a Model For us to Follow

John 3:16-17, For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction. (Voice)

1 John 2:4-6, Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (ESV)

John 14:6, Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (NLT)

The Circumstances of Your Birth Do NOT Determine Your Future

John 1:45-46, Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” 

Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. (Voice)

He Shared in Our Suffering So, We Could Share in His Hope

2 Corinthians 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (ESV)

Luke 23:34, And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (ESV)

People of Christmas

Part III; December 10, 2023

“Joseph”

Matthew 1:18-21, Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (ESV)

It is Amazing What You Can ____________ if You Don’t Care Who Gets the ________ (Harry S. Truman)

1 Samuel 17:42-46, He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. (ESV)

Joseph __________ Jesus; Jesus _____________ Us; So, We Would __________ Others

Ephesians 1:4-5, Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (NLT)

Philippians 2:3-7, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (ESV)

People of Christmas

Part II; December 3, 2023

“Shepherds”

Luke 2:8-11, And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (ESV)

A Courageous Faith Will Draw You Closer to Jesus

Luke 2:15, When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (CSB)

Psalm 119:59-60, I thought about my ways and turned my steps back to your decrees. I hurried, not hesitating to keep your commands. (CSB)

An Active Faith is a Living Testimony

Luke 2:16-17, They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. (CSB)

John 12:9-11, When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. (ESV)

The Shepherd’s Invitation Reveals Value

Matthew 2:2, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (ESV)

Romans 5:6-8, For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (ESV)

Luke 2:13-14, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)

People of Christmas 

Part I; November 26, 2023

“John The Baptist”

Luke 1:15-17, He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.” (CSB)

Are you preparing yourself for the coming of Jesus?

Don’t Focus on What You’ve Done; Focus on What He’s Doing

Ephesians 2:8-10, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (ESV)

Seek Unity Through Compassion

Ephesians 2:14-16, For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. (CSB)

Mark 13:12-13, And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (ESV)

John 13:35, By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV)

Yield Your Heart to be Molded by His Hands

Ephesians 4:17-24, Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (ESV)

Psalm 118:5, I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. (CSB)

Steps to forgiveness

Preparing the Next Generation

Jonah

Part V; November 5, 2023

“Big Picture”

What do we do when God doesn’t do what we expect him to?

Three Questions We Should Ask When Confused:

Is My Current Struggle a Symptom of Spiritual Drift?

Jonah 4:8, When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” (ESV)

2 Samuel 11:1-2, In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. (NIV)

If Gods NOT Moving, What Am I Missing?

2 Corinthians11:3, But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (ESV)

2 Kings 6:17-20, When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (NIV)

Are the Answers I’m Looking for Found Through Faith?

Luke 5:12-14, While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”  (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:7, For we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV)

Jonah 

Part IV; October 29, 2023

“Prejudice”

Jonah 4:2, And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 

Receiving Mercy Should Generate Mercy

Summary -> parable of the unforgiving servant 

Matthew 18:32-33, Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ (ESV)

A proper view of self doesn’t lead to self-loathing – it leads to kindness

Never Let Bias Become Favoritism

2 Corinthians 6:14, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (ESV)

James 2:1-4, My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? (NLT)

Heart is More Important Than Heritage

Luke 10:30-36, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (NIV)

Human hatred does NOT hinder God’s ability to love

Jonah 

October 22, 2023

“Repentance”

Jonah 3:8, People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence.

Repentance Begins with Acceptance and Godly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:8-11, I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. (NLT)

Repentance Requires Ambition Cultivated by Humility

Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (ESV)

2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV)

Micah 6:8, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (NLT)

Freedom From Evil Looks Like Trust NOT Effort

Acts 12:6-8, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands and the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”  (ESV)

Joshua 3:10, 12-13, Today you will know that the living God is among you. Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall.” (NLT)

Jonah 

Part II; October 15, 2023

“Redemption” 

Jonah 3:7-9, And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”

Who is Preaching and Who is Listening

Haggai 1:3-4, Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?

Isaiah 55:3, Listen closely, and come even closer. My words will give life, for I will make a covenant with you that cannot be broken, a promise Of My enduring presence and support like I gave to David. (Voice)

Repentance is Not About Where You Are - It’s About Where You’re Headed

Jonah 2:5-9, The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you  into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay.  Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (ESV)

Romans 7:15-20, For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (ESV)

Never Underestimate God’s Ability to Transform Lives

Matthew 13:3-8, “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 3:6-9, I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. (NLT)

Jonah 

Part I; October 8, 2023

“Uncomfortable”

Jonah 1:1-2, The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me.” (CSB)

Trusting God Can Help You Avoid Being Eaten

Matthew 5:39-45, If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.

If You Don’t Stand for Something, You Will Fall for Anything

1 Peter 4:1-5…7-8, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So, they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead…The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 

Joshua 24:15, And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

If You’re Not Dead, He’s Not Done

James 1:3-4, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 15-18, For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV)

Outlook Determines Outcome

September 24, 2023

“Are You Hungry?”

We feed ourselves with the wrong things.

John 4:7-14 NIV

“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. ) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 

Galatians 5:16-17 NIV

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Our Appetite changes as we grow. 

Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 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! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Our souls are starving for the presence of God.

Psalms 42:1-5 NIV

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalms 107:9

“for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

How can I do better at feeding my spirit?

Professional Christian 

September 17, 2023

“Human Tradition”

Matthew 15:2-3, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (ESV)

God’s Word Exposes Tradition and Reveals Purpose

Acts 15:19, And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. (NIV)

Romans 12:2, Don’t 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. (NLT)

Religion is about Power, Faith is about Service

Luke 14:7-10, Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. (ESV)

Luke 22:49-51, When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (NLT)

Change is about Growth, Tradition is about Comfort

Isaiah 40:8, The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (ESV)

Romans 5:3-5, Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)

Professional Christian

September 10, 2023

“Inside Out”

Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So, you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (ESV)

Be Righteous When No One is Looking

Matthew 6:5-6, “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. 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. (NLT)

2 Corinthians 10:5-6, We are demolishing arguments and ideas, every high-and-mighty philosophy that pits itself against the knowledge of the one true God. We are taking prisoners of every thought, every emotion, and subduing them into obedience to the Anointed One. As soon as you choose obedience, we stand ready to punish every act of disobedience. (Voice)

Live Honestly with God and Man

2 Corinthians 4:1-2, Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. (MSG)

James 5:15-16, And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. (ESV)

To Heal Your Heart, You Have to See Beyond Yourself

Luke 11:41, But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. (NIV)

Romans 15:1-3, So now what? We who are strong are not just to satisfy our own desires. We are called to carry the weaknesses of those who are not strong. Each of us must strive to please our neighbors, pursuing their welfare so they will become strong. The Anointed One Himself is our model for this kind of living, for He did not live to please Himself.(Voice)

Professional Christian

September 3, 2023

“Hurdles”

Matthew 23:4, They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. (ESV)

Accountability is Both Correction and Investment

Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (ESV)

Proverbs 27:17, Iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another. (ESV)

Information Without Compassion Needs to be Silenced

Be More Concerned about the Hammer in Your Own Hand

Matthew 7:3-5, Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (ESV)

You shouldn’t judge the person nailing Jesus’ hand to the cross while you hold the other hammer.

Your Witness Will Always Be Your Greatest Testimony

Matthew 23:13, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. (ESV)

Exodus 20:4, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. (ESV)

Professional Christian

August 27, 2023

“What Matters Most”

Luke 11:42, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. (ESV)

What causes us to neglect the things that matter most?

Busyness                                            Exhaustion

Vanity                                                 Timidity

Ignorance       

Define What matters Most: What is God Calling us to?

Mark 3:1-6, They watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel about… how to destroy him. (ESV) 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3, If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (ESV)

Focus on What Matters Most: The Law is an Indicator NOT a Measurement

Romans 2:28-29, For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (ESV)

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV)

Do What Matters Most: Love Others Like Jesus Loves Us

2 Corinthians 8:7, But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (ESV)

Galatians 6:8-10, For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV)

Evan Brings the Word!

Summer in the Psalms

Part IX; August 13, 2023

They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. They scavenge for food; they growl if they are not satisfied. But I will sing of your strength and will joyfully proclaim your faithful love in the morning. For you have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble. Psalm 59:14-16 (CSB)

Your Diet will Determine Your Disposition

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)

Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:17-20 (NLT)

Continue to Praise God in the Valley

Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.  Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home 

1 Samuel 1:15-19 (NIV)

Let Your Song Become Your Testimony

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” – Buddy the Elf

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 (ESV)

Harmony 

Part VII; August 6, 2023

“Friends and Enemies”

A Good Friend is ___________, 

A Great Friend ___________

Proverbs 27:17, Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (ESV)

Mark 2:4-5, And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (ESV)

“Bad friends compromise your choices; your worst friends stunt your growth”

You Decide the __________ and ___________ of Your Relationships 

2 Corinthians 6:14, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

We Only Have One Real __________

“Those who hate and betray aren’t our enemies, they’re victims of the enemy”

John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (ESV)

Matthew 5:43-45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (ESV)

Harmony 

Part VI; July 30, 2023

“Grief and Joy”

What is Grief? 

Why do I feel this way?

It’s Okay to Wrestle with God

Genesis 32:24-28, And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”  And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (ESV)

John 11:34, Jesus wept. (ESV)

Joy is Found in Jesus NOT in Circumstances

Romans 5:2-5, Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)

Psalm 33:20-22, We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got that’s what we’re depending on. (MSG)

God’s People Become the Visible Way We See an Invisible God

Galatians 6:2, Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

Romans 12:10-12, Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (ESV)

Harmony

Part IV; July 16, 2023

“Humility and Confidence”

Philippians 2:1-8

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

Humility comes from our ­­­________________________

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.  - CS Lewis

Confidence comes ______________

1 John 3:20-21 

For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.

Luke 7:28 

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

The focus should be _________________________

John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less.

Harmony 

Part III; July 9, 2023

“Dust and Divinity”

Genesis 2:7, The Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (ESV)

There is a War Being Waged Inside of Us 

Galatians 5:17, For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (ESV)

Your Choices will Choose Who Wins

Romans 8:5-8, For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (ESV)

Galatians 6:8, Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (NLT)

Let Imperfection Motivate Progress

Philippians 3:12-14, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

When You Fall Short, Rest in Grace

Romans 5:20-21, Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (ESV)

Genesis 1:31, And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (ESV)

Harmony 

Part II; July 2, 2023

“Faith and Works”

Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV)

James 2:17-18, Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.” Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in hand. (MSG)

The Cross is a Monument and a Mission

Matthew 16:24-25, Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (ESV)

Your Faith Should Fuel Your Works

Hebrews 13:20-21, Now may the God of peace who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. (NLT)

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (ESV)

God Doesn’t Need You -- He Wants You

Isaiah 45:7, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.” (NLT)

Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

Harmony 

Part I; June 25, 2023

“Logic and Emotion”

A Balance of Logic and Emotion is the Foundation of:  

Sustainable Relationships 

Logic fails to believe that everyone has value, Emotion fails to create appropriate boundaries 

Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 

Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 

Genuine Hope

Logic fails to believe in the power of the unexplainable, Emotion fails to remember that the valley is only momentary

Psalm 139: 23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting 

God’s Expression of Love

Logic fails to appreciate the gift of God’s compassion, Emotion fails to understand the purpose of conviction

God has two outstretched arms. One is strong enough to surround us with justice, and one is gentle enough to embrace us with grace. If God were only tough minded, he would be a cold, passionless despot sitting in some far-off heaven “contemplating all,” self-knowing but not other-loving. But if God were only tenderhearted, he would be too soft and sentimental to function when things go wrong and incapable of controlling what he has made, and helpless against the powers of evil. He is tough minded enough to transcend the world; he is tenderhearted enough to live in it. He does not leave us alone in out agonies and struggles. He seeks us in dark places and suffers with us and for us in our tragic prodigality. – MLK Jr. 

2 Peter 3:8, The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The Verse That Changed My Life

Part VI; May 21, 2023

“1 John 1:9”

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)

We are All working on Something.

Romans 7:14-16, I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary. (The Message)

Romans 7:25, The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (The Message)

Confessing Creates Connection

Through our confession, God Shows us compassion.

Micah 7:19, You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (ESV)

Our Identity is not in our failures.

Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

Lamentations 3:22-23, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness. (ESV)

We can come to God anytime and anywhere.

2 Chronicles 7:15, Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. (ESV)

1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your cares upon him; for he cares for you. (ESV)

Psalm 55:22, Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (NIV)

The Verse That Changed My Life

Part V; May 14, 2023

“Philippians 4:4-8”

Philippians 4:4-8, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)

Even When You Feel Alone, The Lord is Near

Psalm 34:18, The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (ESV)

Acts 17:27, That they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet, he is actually not far from each one of us. (ESV)

Negative Attitude Can Be Changed with Proper Focus

John 6:11, Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also, the fish, as much as they wanted. (ESV)

Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)

Our Kids Experience God Through Our Imperfection

Ephesians 4:2, Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)

Ezekiel 36:26-27, I will plant a new heart and new spirit inside of you. I will take out your stubborn, stony heart and give you a willing, tender heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit inside of you and inspire you to live by My statutes and follow My laws

The Verse That Changed Me

Pastor Evan

James 1:2-4

James 1:2-4 NIV

Consider it pure Joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, let perseverance finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Main point: The greatest tales come from the greatest trials

Story of Joseph (Summary)

Genesis 39-45

1st point: Don’t back down.

Genesis 39:2 NIV

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

Genesis 39:21 NIV

the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

2nd Point: God is up to something.

Genesis 41:16 NIV

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Genesis 45:7 NIV

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

3rd Point: Every Season is beautiful.

(Thomas Edison Slide)

Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 NIV

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

TheVerse That Changed My Life

April 30, 2023

 Pastor Steve Chiles

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Two great truths this verse reveals:

God wants to be FOUND!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” – John 1:14 (NIV)

God wants to be FULLY EXPERIENCED!

“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.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.  Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

– Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT)

How do we seek Him with all our heart?

We make the time and effort to discover Him.

We won’t serve a God we don’t love

and we can’t love a God we don’t know!

 “Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.” – Psalm 119:18 (TLB)

We invite Him into ALL aspects of our lives.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in ALL you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

We give Him priority above all else!

“You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.”

– Exodus 34:14 (NLT)

We let Him into our deepest pain

and darkest secrets.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (NLT)

The Verse That Changed My Life

Part II; April 23, 2023

“John 8:31-32”

John 8:31-32, So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (ESV)

The Truth frees us by reminding us:

Our Weakness is an Opportunity for Christ’s Strength

2 Corinthians 12:7-9, So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 10:13, The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (NLT)

Our Confusion Finds Clarity in the Repetition of Candor

Psalm 139:13-14, For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. (Voice)

Isaiah 48:18, Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh, that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (ESV)

Our Darkness is no Match for Christ’s Light

1 Peter 5:10, After you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace who has called you to His everlasting presence through Jesus the Anointed will restore you, support you, strengthen you, and ground you. (Voice)

Psalm 40:1-3, I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. (ESV)

The verse that changed my life

Part 1; April 16, 2023

Spiritual Objectives

1.       Men and women of the book.

a.       Read

b.      Study

c.       Memorize

Psalm 119:105, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (KJV)

2.       Men and women who pray.

Matthew 6:9-15, After this manner, therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom comes, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV)

3.       Men and women of faith.

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)

4.       Men and women of a separated walk.

1 John 2:15, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (KJV)

5.       Men and women who witness.

1 Peter 3:15, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (KJV)

6.       Men and women of compassion.

Luke 10:30-37,  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance, there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise, a Levite, when he was at the place, came, looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

7.       Men and women who give.

a.   Times

b.  Talents

c.  Finances

2 Corinthians 9:6-8, But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Kingdom Come

Part V; April 2, 2023

“Creating Kingdom Culture”

Matthew 6:9-10, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (KJV)

Jesus Came to Establish a Kingdom in Our Hearts

John 18:36, My kingdom is not recognized in this world. If this were My kingdom, My servants would be fighting for My freedom. But My kingdom is not in this physical realm. (Voice)

Jesus Died Carrying Our Sin so, That We Could Carry His Love

Colossians 2:20-23, You have died with Christ, and he has set you FREE from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. (NLT)

Galatians 5:13, For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (NLT)

Jesus Was Resurrected so Our Pain Would Be Temporary and Our Joy Eternal

John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)

Psalm 30:5, For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (NLT)

John 3:16-17, This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. (MSG)

Kingdom Come

Part IV; April 2, 2023

“Elevate the Kingdom Through Praise and Worship”

Praise – Recognition of what God has Done/is Doing

Worship – Recognition of Who God is to Us

Elevate God by Giving Him Credit

Daniel 3:4-5, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up of himself.” (NIV)

Daniel 2:27-30, Daniel answered the king and said, “No one can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made this known… But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king.” (NIV)

Matthew 23:12, Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

You are NOT the Hero of Your Story

Keep Praising God in the Valley

Acts 16:25, About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (ESV)

When peace like a river, attendeth my way / When sorrows like sea billows roll / Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say / It is well, it is well, with my soul

Worship is the Only Appropriate Response to God’s Heart

Romans 5:6-10, When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)

Luke 7:47, This woman has been forgiven much, and she is showing much love. But the person who has shown little love shows how little forgiveness he has received. (Voice)

You are the Reward for Christ’s Suffering

Kingdom Come

March 26, 2023

“Serve Our Neighbors by Sharing Our Gifts”

The Gifts we Share:

Talent

Time

Resources

Hospitality

Knowledge

Spiritual Fruit

Focus on Being a Good Steward NOT a Savior

Mark 10:21, And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (ESV)

1 Peter 4:10, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (ESV)

Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. (ESV)

Be Intentional and Pray for Awareness

Matthew 25:34-40, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’(ESV)

Serving is NOT About Abundance, it’s About Trust

Luke 21:1-4, While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (ESV)

Ezekiel 16: 49-50, Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So, I removed them when I saw it. (ESV)

Kingdom Come

Part II; March 19, 2023

“Invest in People by Gathering and Reaching”

Fellowship is Worth the Sacrifice of Your Time

Hebrews 10:23-25, Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches. (Voice)

1 Peter 5:8-9, Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (ESV)

Investing in People Takes Commitment and Mercy

Romans 16:17-18, I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. (ESV)

Romans 12:18, If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (ESV)

Romans 2:1, Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. (ESV)

“Anyone who has been horrified by the dreadfulness of his own sin that nailed Jesus to the cross will no longer be horrified by even the rankest sins of a brother.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (ESV)

Invite People to Be A Part of the Family

Ephesians 1:5, God predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. (ESV)

Luke 15:4-5, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” (ESV)

Kingdom Come

Part I; March 12, 2023

“Transform… With God’s Word”

What Does God’s Word Transform?

Our Head Our Heart Our Hands

Mark 12:30, And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (ESV)

Transformation Happens When You Seek and Surrender

Jeremiah 29:13, You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (ESV)

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV)

Have I been persecuting Jesus by a zealous determination to serve him in my own way?

-Oswald Chambers

Love is the Foundation of Transformation

Psalm 139:23-24, Explore me, O God, and know the real me. Dig deeply and discover who I am. Put me to the test and watch how I handle the strain. Examine me to see if there is an evil bone in me, and guide me down Your path forever. (Voice)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3, If I speak with human eloquence and angelic beauty but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. (MSG)

John 14:21, He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. (NKJV)

Build a Boat in the Desert

Matthew 13:4-8, As he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.(ESV)

WHY MISSIONS?

Rev. Dennis Huebner

March 5, 2023

1. Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

“Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret”

2. The Biblical Mandate

The Great Commandment

Matthew 22:36-39

The Great ­­Commission

Matthew 28:19-20

The Great Judgment

Matthew 25:35-40

Chuppah

 February 26, 2023

“Legacy”

Ephesians 6:4, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Address Their Attitude with Your Consistency

James 4:13-15, Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (ESV)

Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (NIV)

Speak Words That Comfort and Encourage

Proverbs 13:24, Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (ESV)

Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (ESV)

Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (ESV)

Teach Your Children with Your Walk NOT Your Talk

1 Peter 2:21, For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (ESV)

1 Peter 5:2-3, Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care but lead them by your own good example. (NLT)

Chuppah

Part II; February 19, 2023

“Honor”

Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (ESV)

By Listening to Experience, We Embrace Wisdom

Proverbs 3:13-18, Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. (NLT)

Philippians 2:3-4, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)

Respect Cultivates Unity and Unity Generates Strength

Ecclesiastes 4:12, A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)

A house divided against itself cannot stand (Abraham Lincoln)

Romans 14:13-19, Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother… For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died… So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (ESV)

The Best Way to Honor Our Parents is to Honor God

Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord (ESV)

1 Peter 2:18-25, You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason…This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived… He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls. (MSG)

Chuppah

February 12, 2023

“Love and Respect”

Ephesians 5:22-33, Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Pursue Jesus Together

Matthew 6:33, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)

James 5:16, Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (NLT)

Ecclesiastes 4:12, And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Voice)

Give Love and Respect Even When it’s NOT Deserved

Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (ESV)

Colossians 4:6, Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV)

Your Marriage is Worth Fighting For

Matthew 19:6, “Therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (ESV)

Romans 5:3-4, Celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. (Voice)