• Mark 1:27-39

    “The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”

    1. Jesus turns aside because his friend Peter asked him.

    a. Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law. Mark 1:30

    2. Why do you think Jesus turns aside to people?

    a. What does Jesus hear? What does Jesus feel? What does Jesus do once he turns aside?

    3. Jesus turns aside for his friends.

    a. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:13

    b. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20

  • Mark 1:16-28 pg. 1552

    1. Center on Jesus this New Year. Mark 1:16

    a. Mark shows us the incredible story of Jesus. Today let your eyes center on how Jesus cares about your plight, taking action against evil, and doing justice.

    b. Jesus connects with a team of partners to do his work. Mark 1:16-20

    2. Jesus confronts evil.

    a. Jesus confronts evil with authority.

    b. Jesus confronts evil with action.

    c. Jesus confronts evil with an assertive word.

    3. When you confront evil and someone is freed, there you see God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

    a. Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:16

    b. Kairos time: means decisive, crucial…decision. It’s about being aware of what is crucial in your life and knowing that it demands a decision.

    4. Center your new year on Jesus, connecting with your support team, find something you are passionate about and confront evil there.

  • Mark 1:9-16 pg. 1552

    1. What we see.

    a. Jesus is central to the story. Mark 1:9

    b. Heaven is open to you.

    c. Family. Joseph was family to Jesus. Mary was family to Jesus. God the Father calls Jesus Son—beloved.

    d. Spirit. The Spirit is integral to Jesus’ story. This is game day and Jesus has whom he needs to write the New Story.

    e. God speaks. God has begun a new story (Chapter 1, verse 1). That story is that Heaven is open; Family; Spirit and Open Communication between God and Jesus.

    2. What went wrong?

    a. Genesis. They wrote their own story. (emphasis on ‘own’)

    The family ties were injured.

    3. Reconciliation; God’s rewriting the Story.

    a. The battle lines are drawn between God and evil. Mark 1:12. Jesus wins the second temptation as the new second Adam, thus instituting a new Story.

    b. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. The old has gone, the new is here! 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

    c. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

  • Luke 2:21-36 pg. 1591

    Simeon’s Story Gives You Guidance for a New Year

    1. What Simeon shows you about hope.

    a. Integrity is consistent character based on your hope in God’s promises.

    i. Four times: Luke 2:22, 23, 24, 27. Mary and Joseph do the right thing.

    b. Intimacy is your encounter with Jesus up close and personal.

    c. Initiate is your response in God keeping his promises to you. Simeon initiated by blessing, by thanking, and by speaking a blessing to Joseph and Mary.

    2. Simeon shows you how hope lives in the ordinary while seeing the extraordinary.

    a. Simeon did not miss seeing Jesus for who he was—although others missed seeing Jesus as Lord and Savior of the world.

    3. God’s consolation has come to you—promise fulfilled.

    a. The word is paraklésis, signifies, “a call (urging), done by someone 'close beside,' i.e. a personal exhortation that delivers the 'evidence that stands up in God's court'”.

  • 1. Joseph’s third action, faith action, faith action is to follow through on what God said to do.

    a. First action was to take Mary as his wife. Second is to flee to Egypt, third is to return to Galilee and raise his family.

    b. But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:19-23

    c. Faith does. Grace receives. Hope inspires confidence. Peace is the place of wholeness.

    2. What is your Christmas step of faith?

    3. God gives you a Christmas story. And Christ is in your story to the end.

  • 1. Basis for hope.

    a. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

    b. Biblical hope is a confident expectation based in the reality of what has taken place and what is promised.

    2. Good character and hope.

    a. Person of good character spends his or her energy on going forward with hope.

    3. Hope is assured God will complete his work in you.

    a. God’s presence. Romans 5:2

    b. New body. Romans 8:23

    c. Freedom. Romans 8:21

    d. Fully right. Galatians 5:5

    e. Changed. 2 Corinthians 3:12

    f. Inheritance. Ephesians 1:14

  • But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10

    Mary’s joy is in the fact that God has come to help her people.

    1) Here are the four foundations of Mary’s joy. Her joy is based on:

    1. Event, the birth of a Savior for her people.

    2. The birth of Jesus is proof God always thinks about us.

    3. This event shows God’s mercy.

    4. This event topples oppressive regimes, inaugurating a new age of God’s justice.

    a. A Savior is born, your basis of joy.

    1) This is fact/truth/reality/historical. Luke 1:47-48, Luke 2:10-11

    b. Remember God remembers you.

    1) God is mindful of you. Luke 1:48, 72

    c. God shows mercy.

    1) He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made. Luke 1:50, 54, 72

    d. God rights wrongs. Luke 1:51-52, 74

    2) We pursue happiness, but choose joy.

    1. What can you do when the traditional ways you pursue happiness aren’t working?

    2. Answer: Choose joy. Choose to base your joy on the facts of faith: Jesus was born to be your savior. Jesus always thinks about you- “Remember the One who Remembers you!” God will show you mercy. God will right the wrong.

  • 1. The benefits of the gift of peace.

    No Fear.

    “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’” Luke 2:9-10

    Joy.

    I bring you good news that will cause great joy for Jesus.

    A Savior has been born to you.

    2. The Gift of God is sorely needed to a world that is afraid

    The three ways God gives you the gift of peace.

    Anyone can receive God’s gifts, even these shepherds. Luke 2:8

    God invades this fearful planet with good news for all people. Luke 2:10

    God sent his son, Jesus, to be your fear conqueror. Luke 2:11

    3. Jesus’ Gift of Peace Prevails

    Revelation 1

    “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Revelation 1:4-5

    “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6

  • 1. 1 Chronicles 16

    a. David thanks God for his presence, represented by the Ark of the Covenant.

    b. What was the ark.

    i. Throne of God.

    ii. Presence of God.

    iii. Brought to the battlefield.

    iv. Power. Psalms 32

    -“Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.” Psalm 132:8

    2. Thanksgiving puts you in the presence of God. When you are in the presence of God you:

    a. Experience his goodness and love.

    i. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

    Psalm 136:1

    b. Place to pray for Protection and providence.

    i. “Cry out, ‘Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.’” 1 Chronicles 16:25

    3. The place of thanksgiving to God for the preservation of the United States.

    a. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers—and it was not there. . . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests—and it was not there. . . . .in her rich mines and her vast world commerce—and it was not there. . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. Alexis Tocqueville, Democracy in America

  • “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.’” John 4:10

    Memory verse for this week: “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us.” 2 Corinthians 2:21

    1. The scene: Jesus’ Father acts to strengthen Jesus’ day and shore up Jesus’ identity for his way.

    a. “Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21

    2. Jesus acts to strengthen a woman for the chores of her day and shore up her identity for her way.

    a. “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.’” John 4:10

    3. The word Christ means ‘anointed’. Your identity is one who is anointed too, a little Christ.

    a. That means you are given the power to obey and serve God because of the gift of the Holy Spirit filling you. You are a Christian, an anointed one.

    i. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm (STRENGTHENS) in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

    ii. Your strength for the day is the Holy Spirit.

    iii. Your identity for your way comes from the Spirit. Ephesians 1:11-14

    b. Get to know the Holy Spirit this week. Learn to ask Jesus to fill you for strength for your day and shore up your identity for your way.

    c. “You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

    Acts 10:37-38 (45 the Spirit filled all)

    d. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

    4. Jesus gives you the Holy Spirit, so you have strength for your day and a strong identity for your way.

    a. Your heavenly Father assures you of your identity and destiny.

    i. A child of God. Luke 3:22

    ii. Loved by God.

    iii. In the Service of God. Ephesians 1:12

    iv. Predestined by God. Ephesians 1:11

    v. For the Praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14

  • 1) The Promise

    a) Jesus Christ is God’s promise fulfilled. Romans 1:1

    b) The restoration of the Bible, God speaks and reveals. Romans 1:2

    c) Grace. Romans 1:3

    i) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” Romans 3:23-25

    d) By faith alone. Romans 1:5

    e) For the glory of God: The gospel message, the Bible revelation, Jesus Christ, from faith because of God’s.

    i) “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27

    2) The Problem: Discrediting God’s Glory leads to Devaluing Your Identity. Romans 1:18

    3) The Pathway Home. Romans 3:21-24

    a) The Bible reveals your pathway home. Romans 3:21

    b) Faith is your first step on the pathway home. Romans 3:22

    c) Christ is your guide back home. Romans 3:22

    d) Grace is your ticket back home. Romans 3:24

    e) God gets the glory when you get home. Romans 3:27

    i) You share in his glory because you share the home Your Father has made for you.

    ii) The Glory of God. Romans 11:23

    “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:1-7

  • 1) Why Does the Bible say you need to be built up? Encouraged? Strengthened?

    a) Because in the last days there will be an increase in belligerent, selfish, mean-spirited leaders whose aim is to take advantage of you—creating civil unrest and sow division among us.

    i) “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” Jude 1:18-19

    b) There are two types of leaders: with the Spirit of God in them or not.

    i) “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires.” Romans 8:5

    ii) “But those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5

    iii) “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:6-8

    iv) “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” Roman 8:9

    2) Like a strong immune system in your body that resists disease…. a strong faith resists negativity and duplicity.

    a) “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20

    3) The Spirit is a necessary person in your prayer time.

    a) The Spirit explains, reveals, and teaches you.

    i) “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10

    ii) “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

    iii) The Spirit is God. So like Jesus came to the world from heaven-so did the Spirit. Like Jesus taught-so does the Spirit. Like Jesus healed-so does the Spirit.

    (1) “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

    4) How do you build yourself up in faith

    a) Praying in Spirit.

    b) Get back in love.

    c) Persevere, stand your ground.

    i) The entire point of Jude is standing your ground in face of lies and deception.

  • 1. Do you know someone like these guys in Isaiah 40:27.

    “Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?’”

    2. Deism is a view that believes that there's some sort of a God, there's some sort of a Creator and He is somehow involved in the bringing into being of the world that we are in, but He simply started things up and He is now uninvolved. He doesn't reveal himself anymore. He doesn't intervene in miracles. He is not involved in this creation.

    Defeatism is the other side of the coin. Again, that voice saying, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord.’ (27)

    3. You’re like grass, a flower here today gone tomorrow (7). ‘But the word of our God stands forever’.

    a. What you should say is ‘It’s God’s word against mine!’

    b. The word of our God stands forever. Is a word of comfort. (1)

    c. Word of pardon. (2)

    d. A WORD THAT MAKES A WAY FOR GOD TO GET TO YOU. (3-5)

    e. A word that is good news. (9) That your way is not hidden! God’s intervention brings hope!

    f. A word that God is more significant than nations. (15)

    g. Replace words of speculation with revelation, ‘Do you not know?’ (21) ‘To whom will you compare me’ (25), ‘Lift up your eyes’ (26), ‘Do you not know?’ (28)

    i. God’s intervention to give you power out of your trap is everlasting. (28)

    ii. God never grows tired of you. (28)

    iii. God’s intervention gives you hope. (31) ‘For those who wait on the Lord receive new strength.’

  • “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

    1. Do not snuff at the power of God’s Spirit when he shows up.

    a. “When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.” 1 Corinthians 16:10-11

    2. When you show hospitality to an unexpected messenger you open the way for God’s Spirit to do more.

    a. “Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:41-42

    i. The least of these is that unexpected spokesperson God has sent to you to tell you something you need to know or behavior to correct now.

    b. Expect God to speak by his Spirit through practically anyone. Joel 2:28 and Acts 2

    c. Two reasons you might not welcome God’s Spirit speaking.

    i. You don’t know the speaker, or he or she seems too plain Jane.

    ii. You don’t like what you hear because it strikes too close to home about an area of your life. In other words, it convicts you of a secret sin you aren’t ready to give up. 

    d. Ways people despise God’s Spirit.

    i. Resist. Acts 7:51

    ii. Provoke. Isaiah 63:10

    iii. Grieve. Ephesians 4:30

    iv. Snuff out and dismiss as lacking value. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20

    3. Five rules to make your life better. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

    a. Rejoice always.

    b. Pray continually.

    c. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

    d. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. (throw out, treat as zero, treat as nothing)

    e. But test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

    f. Don’t correct abuse by commanding disuse.

    4. Questions.

    a. What will you do to welcome God’s Spirit in your church?

    b. How will you pause to listen to an unexpected spokesperson and not hastily despise, discredit, or dismiss a word to you that corrects or encourages you?

    c. Is there one time you can recall you did not take seriously something someone said to you in passing that you now see you should take seriously and correct your behavior?

  • 1. Can life return to a defeated army and a people?

    a. Their grave is this. The people have failed God and consequently their army is defeated, and its people deported to Babylon… To modern day Iraq. The grave is the nation’s judgement, and their exile is their consequence.

    b. Question, is it over? No, it’s not. This is a story of overpowering grace where there is judgement and the power to bring life to dead ends.

    i. “Then he said to me: ‘Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’” v.11

    2. Every human needs a second wind, a new start that God’s power provides.

    a. What has defeated you? “Son of man, can these bones live?”

    b. God has a question and a promise. The question, can your defeat live again if God does something about it? God asks you the question he asked Zeke, “Can these bones live?”

    3. God restores you to a closer relationship with him:

    a. “Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.” v.13

    b. “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.” v. 14

    4. Closing promises

    a. Defeat is not permanent because God overpowers obstacles.

    i. Obstacles of your own making.

    ii. Obstacles that look impossible.

    b. You will know God more closely.

    c. God does it “Then you will know that I the Lord have done it.” v.14

  • May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

    1. “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father”. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

    A. your work produced by faith,

    B. your labor prompted by love,

    C. and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    2. The power of an example to follow.

    3. What example to follow do you see in Jesus’ life?

    a. Philippians 2: Humble pie.

    b. Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to the one who appointed him. Hebrews 3:1-2

    c. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:3-4

    d. What examples in Jesus’ teachings inspire you?

    4. Two examples to follow: Do not pass go. Take the most direct and efficient route.

    a. Love and Perseverance.

  • 2 Peter 1:1-11

    1. Your participation in Jesus (you are baptized and included in Christ) provides you with power to persevere.

    -You have a share in the promises and person of Jesus that provides you what you need to live and live godly. 2 Peter 1:1-4

    -“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

    2. So what? Why should you draw on what Jesus provides?

    -So you do not fail in life. v. 8

    -So you do not forget you are forgiven. v. 9

    -So you do not fall. v. 10

    3. You participate in the Person of Jesus for the Power to Persevere

    -“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:8

    -"He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts, and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:14

    4. Jesus provides you with a partnership that powers your life.

    -That partnership is how you persevere. So the fine goal of you and me, those who trust in Jesus, is participation in his power that provides the perseverance for life and godliness.

  • “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:7)

    “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly” (1 Thess. 1:2)

    “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith” (1 Thess. 3:10) - the threats faced by the young congregation

    Broader context of the church in Thessalonica: Acts 17:1-9

    “Beloved,* pray for us” (1 Thess. 5:25) -

    “To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfil by his power every good resolve and work of faith” (2 Thess. 1:11)

    “Finally, brothers and sisters,* pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you” 92 Thess. 3:1)

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10

    1 Corinthians 9:10: “Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was indeed written for our sake, for whoever plows should plow in hope and whoever threshes should thresh in hope of a share in the crop.”

    What about hope, esp. in 1 Corinthians?

    • “Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13)

    • In fact: “It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:7) so love & hope are intertwined.

    -1 Corinthians 9:10: the relationship between hope and expectation

    -The relationship between hope and desire: “I do not want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.” (1 Cor. 16:7)

    -The relationship between hope and trust: “He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again” (2 Cor. 1:10)

    -Hope as relational habit: “Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation” (2 Cor. 1:7)

    -Ultimately, hope is eternal!

    -Hope in the ministry of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:1-11): “Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness” (3:12)

  • Revelation 13 &14 pg. 1927 & Romans 8

    “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” Revelation 2:19

    1. Why you need perseverance

    -Revelation 13: Spiritual collapse

    -“This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.” Revelation 13:10

    -Revelation 14: Economic collapse

    -“This calls for patient endurance.” Revelation 14:12

    -You require perseverance so you can live a life worthy of God. Colossians 1:9-12

    2. What is perseverance and how do you get it?

    -Stay in the fight; a remaining behind, a patient enduring; endurance; steadfastness; patient waiting for, continuing under present circumstances.

    3. How do you get perseverance? Revelation 1:9 & 17; Romans 8

    -“Jesus is with you in suffering. And you are in Jesus. He will give you perseverance.” Revelation 1:9

    -“Jesus says, ‘Do not be afraid! I am alive and you will be too’. Revelation 1:17 Jesus lives and so will you. You share in his suffering—-you share in his reign.” Revelation 1:9, 2:11

    -Empowerment. 2 Peter 1:3-4

    -Jesus’ spirit in you is not of fear but assurance! Remember parents never abandon their children. Parents are bigger. Parents are stronger than children. Parents love. Romans 8:15

    • You share in (Revelation 1:9) suffering but share also in his reign forever. Romans 8:17

    • Hope wins. Romans 8:24-25

    • God’s Spirit helps you in your weakness. Romans 8:26-27

    • God is at work, always at work. Romans 8:28

    • The troubles you see cannot and will not separate you from God, your place in his kingdom and his love. Romans 8:35; 37-39

  • John 4

    1. Jesus took the time to talk

    -It was awkward: A prominent religious teacher and a woman. But Jesus starts a conversation and accepts a glass of water. Awkward due to religious disagreements. Awkward because she has been married five times and is shacking up with this guy.

    -Jesus isn’t going anywhere.

    -In fact, Jesus gets charged up from taking the time to talk to her.

    ‘This is like a satisfying meal! This is great!’ John 4:34

    2. Jesus, the good Shepherd came to do this work of taking time to talk to people

    -“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” John 4:13

    -The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:15

    -“I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now Father glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.” John 17:4

    -“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” John 6:34

    -“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:35-37

    -“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:38-40

    3. Do the work of taking the time to talk to people about spiritual things

    -“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.”

    -“Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

    -“They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

    -But you, keep your head in all situations

    -“endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist”

    -“discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:3-5

    4. Jesus relied on the Spirit to take the time to talk in this awkward conversation

    -“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

    -“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” John 4:39

    -“Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20

    5. Jesus will take the time. Nothing will stop Jesus from taking the time for you, nothing.

    -Jesus is working in lives of those around you:

    “In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.’” John 5:17

  • Titus 1-3

    1. God’s Grace Grows Godliness

    -Truth leads to godly living. ‘Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.’ 2:1

    2. God’s Grace Grows Gratitude, and Gratitude Grows Good Works

    -‘Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.’ 2:2

    -‘Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.’ 2:3

    -‘Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good.‘ 2:6

    -Why???

    1. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 2:11

    2. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. 2:12

    3. ‘While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.’ 2:13

    3. Because God’s Great Grace Gives

    -’Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.’ 2:14

    4. What are the hinderances to Godly living and good works?

    -Answer: Great words get in the way. Ingratitude as well blocks good works. 1:15-16 and 3:9

    5. What is God’s solution to Get-Back-On-Track?

    -Answer: Gratitude

    -‘But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.’ 3:4

    -Answer: Gratitude Grows Good Works

    -‘And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.’ 3:8

    6. My application for this week:

    -I will come to God’s table today, a hungry sinner and admit that my hunger for grace has led me to say much and do little. In fact, I’ve been ungrateful and I admit my hunger for God’s grace. I receive the cup and the bread…. I receive God’s forgiveness. God restore my gratitude and I partner with you to read Titus this week and find a time to a) thank you b) to show my thanks for your grace by my choices to live godly and do a deed for others in your name. With your help I pray, amen.

  • Jesus said, “For I come down from heaven not to do My will, but to do the will of Him who sent me.” (John 6:38)

    1. What is the meaning of Servanthood?

    • It is the state of being a servant

    • Serving the needs of others

    • Being a servant can be freely given or compulsory

    • Examples of Christians who have served or still serving

    2. What is true Servanthood?

    • Examples of Jesus as a servant leader

    • Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21)

    • Washing of the disciples feet (John 13)

    • His death on the cross ( Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)

    3. How does God want us to serve? (Read Galatians 5:13-14; Romans 12:9-21)

    What are the Benefits of serving?

    • What did Jesus say about being a servant (Mark 10: 41-45)

    4. Summary of Jesus modeling Servanthood.

    • Humility (John 13: 1-5)

    • A mind like Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8)

    Note: Jesus never asks us to do something He has not first done Himself (John 13:13-16)

  • Ephesians 4:11-16

    “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

    Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

    1. Each Christian has a gift. Each Christian is given the Spirit. Each Christian has a purpose to employ his or her gift in the work of building up the church family.

    -“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” v.12

    -“The whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” v.16

    You have a part to play. Your part is to employ the gift God has given you in the service of others.

    2. Jesus was called a servant. Jesus served sinners with love. Follow Jesus by employing your gift to serve others.

    -Serve with love. I Corinthians 13. That is why Paul begins with:

    “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body.” Ephesians 4:1-4

    -“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

    -“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

    3. You have heard this verse many times:

    “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

    4. Here is a way to look at this verse. The world is like a house or structure that is falling apart. It needs upkeep. It needs a nail here and there. So think of your purpose this way, YOU ARE THE NAIL OF THE WORLD. LET YOUR NAIL BE USED TO STRENGTHEN OTHERS THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.

    5. How will you and where will you do a small act of service in Jesus’ name to show God’s love in a practical way? What mental changes is God leading you to make in order to do what Jesus did: not to be served, but to serve.

  • 1. Luke 7:7-17

    2. Jesus tells a story about

    -Who your boss is

    -What to do on earth

    -You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.’ 1 Corinthians 16:9

    -‘Your old selves died, and you became free … This happened so that you might belong to someone else—the One who was raised from the dead—and so that we might be used in service to God.’ Romans 7:4

    -‘A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.’ Proverbs 11:25

    -‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

    -Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

    -In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.’ 1 Timothy 6:17

    -‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.’ Romans 12:1

    -‘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

    3. Application: What means did Jesus use to serve you?? Obviously it was his body.

    -‘So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.’ John 13

    -‘But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.’ Colossians 1:22

    -How can knowing who your boss is and what you are here for help you be less anxious?

  • 1. You need friendship. Intimacy with God fills your deepest need.

    2. The first worship building had one purpose:

    ‘Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.’ Exodus 25.9

    ‘I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.’ Leviticus 26:11-13

    3. God wants to meet your deepest need by his presence in your life. Its why Jesus became a man to make that possible. John 1:14

    4. Here is the awesome promise: Jesus makes his home with you so you can sink deep roots into his love to become strong to face life’s windy and winding paths.

    ‘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 3.19

    For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57.15

  • 1. Some things are hard, but not everything is hard. Jesus shedding his blood to turn you into a child of God was the hard part.

    -But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

    -Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5.1-2

    2. When you make your feelings of regret and fear of God more important than the hard work of Jesus you make faith harder than it should be.

    -Instead of hoping and rejoicing we make faith hard.

    -And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. v.5

    3. Since the hard part is done (Jesus justified you by his blood) how much more can you expect God to take care of your eternal future: safe, secure, sound.

    -Justified is spelled: Just-if-I’d never sinned!

    4. Make more of a big deal over what Jesus did for you.

    -Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son. v.9

    -How much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! v.10

    -How much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! v.15

    -How much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. v.17

  • The Lord Fights for you - So Take a Stand: 1 Samuel 17, David and Goliath

    1. The players: Philistines are cursing, taking their stand: 1, 25. The people of God are on the other side of the valley. They are afraid and run: 11, 24. King Saul is generous and gives a blessing prayer: 25, 37. David is one who doesn’t run. David defends God’s honor: 36, 46-47

    2. When you are afraid are you a Philistine blaming others, running, encouraging like Saul…or standing like David. Which one are you when you fear?

    -David did not stand alone, 45-47. When you are afraid remember who stands with you.

    -God helps you stand.

    1) By strengthening your faith in the fire. By giving you gifts to stand, Ephesians 6

    2) By giving you a purpose. David’s purpose was to defend God’s honor. When you have a purpose, you have something worth fighting for.

    3) By giving you promises, 37.

    3. David saw a higher purpose that gave him the faith to face his fear. David’s purpose was to defend God’s reputation. And David knew the reward given to those who stand.

    -‘So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.’ Hebrews 10.34-36, 37-39

    4. Jesus was one who didn’t run.

    -Jesus has risen to give you the gift of standing in faith instead of fear. Luke 24.37

    5. God fights for you so be one who doesn’t run.

    -‘Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.’ 1 Corinthians 15:58

    -‘Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.’ 2 Corinthians 1:21

    -‘Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.’ Ephesians 6:11

  • Jesse, also spelled Isai, in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the father of King David. Jesse was the son of Obed and the grandson of Boaz and Ruth. He was a farmer and sheep breeder in Bethlehem. David was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. The appellation “son of Jesse” served as a synonym for David, both at Saul’s court and, subsequently, when David became king. It became a standard poetic metaphor in the Bible. Phrases such as “root of Jesse” and “stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1, 10) expand the metaphor. All evoke the figure of David. That the family of David would endure forever was an article of faith in monarchic circles (2 Samuel 7), supported by the fact that his dynasty had occupied the throne on Mount Zion in unbroken succession for more than four centuries.

    Encyclopedia Britannica

    David learned to be a man of God from his family.

    1. David learned that faith means to stick with family when it’s hard. ‘Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’ Ruth 1

    2. David learned to trust God through the stories he heard passed down from father to son, beginning with Obed, on his grandmother’s knee (Naomi).

    -‘Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him.’ Ruth 4

    -David learned that anyone can trust God. God accepted the worship of Rahab. David learned anyone, no matter how great their mistakes, can trust God and be used by God. No matter what.

    3. David learned that worship is a response to the wonder workings of a Mighty God.

    -Boaz (great grandfather) learned that God does mighty works from his mother, Ruth. Ruth was a prostitute who hid two spies.

    -‘I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.’ Joshua 2

    4. David learned that women are intelligent, brave, and assertive from the stories the women in his family told him about Ruth and Rahab.

    -David had a genuine respect for women that was passed down his family tree all the way to Jesus. These four women are in Jesus’ family tree. Matthew 1

    1) Tamar slept with a relative to preserve her family tree (a custom allowed in the Bible called ‘kinsman redeemer’). She is honored repeatedly, and her name is a Jewish blessing of fertility

    2) Rahab- a prostitute

    3) Ruth- a foreigner from the bad part of town

    4) Bathsheba- perhaps the biggest scandal is David’s affair with Bathsheba. David killed for her, covered it up, lost a child because of it but God redeems our biggest failures. Nothing in your family’s past can prevent God from using you for God’s glory and purpose

    5. David learned that God uses our worst failures from the story of Rahab helping two spies.

    6. So in review: David learned that

    -People of faith care for each other. People of faith care for the stranger.

    -God can be trusted when the way is unknown and tough.

    -Women are brave and competent and should be treated with respect and honor.

    -God uses our worst failures. Rahab helps two spies. If she wasn’t a prostitute with access to a bar she never would have been in a place to be used by God.

  • When Your Faith Sees God’s Glory Your Worries Flea -Luke 9

    And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Luke 9:22

    About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses, and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

    For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:16-18

    1. They saw a preview of Jesus’ Resurrection

    -‘As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.’ Luke uses glory again in 24.26

    -‘This book is about faith: and the way to faith is always down the road of an enlarged view of God, a view constantly checked and revised in light of the Bible.’

    -‘Faith in the Bible is always determined by its object… What matters is not so much the faith itself as what it is faith in. Faith, as we shall see, is like a window. It is not there because we happen to want one wall of the room to be made of glass. It is there for the sake of what we can see through it – and in order to let light into the room.’ N.T. Wright

    -‘Faith is “looking at our situation and our own frailty in light of who God is and what he has done for us.”’ N.T. Wright

    2. When you open faith’s window to see - worries flee

    -Your life is like a house. Good stuff, clutter, lots going on and people you like and don’t. You need an open window to let in the light to see how to manage your house. Jesus overcame death, defeat, and the devil at the resurrection for you to center your life on him instead of your circumstances.

    -For in this tent we groan… For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burden. 2 Corinthians 5:2,4

    -So we are always confident, even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight. V. 6-7

    -’By naming God as recipient of our praise, we are redirected away from ourselves toward God, which is why doxology can be describe as kenotic or self-emptying act…not self-centered.’ Lacugna, God for us, p. 339

    3. God’s greatness grows faith

    -Greatness of God Grows Faith

    -Worship is a response to the love, grace and presence of God. Always. Jesus was seen as resurrected. The response of faith grows as worries shrink back to size.

    4. Wake up, smell the coffee and open the window of faith

    -When Jesus is who you see—worries flee.

    -‘Any time you’re in a situation you have absolutely no control over, switch your focus to the greatness of God. That’s called worship, and it’s the third antidote for withstanding the potentially devastating winds of life. During stormy days—when your health is declining, your spouse is unfaithful, or your friends are critical—you have a choice to make. Are you going to worry? Or are you going to worship?’ Rick Warren

    -What will you do to open Faith’s window this week? Follow the song writer: - Psalms 104. 33-34

    -I will sing to the Lord as long as I live, I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

    -May my meditation be pleasing to him for I rejoice in the Lord.

  • 1. Faith looks at eternal reality. Faith hopes, expecting God’s future. Faith chooses the reality of God by not giving in to temporary feelings.

    2. The reality is that life is difficult. The second reality is that Jesus overcame your difficulties on Easter. The third reality is God holds you accountable to your choices while on earth. So, choose faith when you are under pressure.

    -Life is difficult.

    -Jesus overcame death, defeat, and the devil at the resurrection for you to center your life on him instead of your circumstances.

    -God holds you accountable to your choices while on earth. ‘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.’ Hebrews 11:6

    3. Choose faith when you are under pressure.

    -What God did at creating the worlds, He did at the resurrection, Hebrews 11:3. This means God can create a new day you’ve never seen before in your present circumstance.

    -If God worked for these guys (Hebrews 11 and other examples) God will work for you.

    4. ‘All things are possible for the one who believes.’ Mark 9:23

    5. Application: What are you facing that is impossible? Who would benefit if you chose faith where the situation looks impossible?

  • Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”

    1. Mary turned from the tomb to see the Lord Jesus alive!

    -Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

    -Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means ‘Teacher’).

    -Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”

    2. Jesus calls you to turn to him because he knows your name too. Jesus loves you and wants you to call on him for eternal life.

    -“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” -John 10.3-4

    -“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” -John 6:40

    -But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, ”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

    3. Go where Mary goes.

    -Go to Jesus’ cross and tomb and lay yesterday aside. Turn to Jesus’ call and believe.

    -Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:5-6

  • 1. The king chose a cross before the crown

    “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” John 12.27

    2. Heaven never forgets the cross before the crown

    “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5 (whole chapter)

    3. How does Jesus’ cross and crown impact you?

    -In other words, what area of your life do you need a cross and a crown?

    -Is there a hurt you carry that needs the cross to heal, forgive and restore? Is today the day you call on Christ to heal that hurt or forgive that wrong?

    -Is there a miracle where you need the crown? Is today the day you call on Christ with boldness?

    -What areas of our country will you pray for this week to receive Christ’s cross and Christ’s crown?

  • 1. Faith is the Habit that pays attention to God instead of your feelings.

    a. C.S. Lewis: ‘Now faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding onto things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. …That is why faith is such a necessary virtue; unless you teach your moods “where they get off” you can never be either a sound Christian or even a sound atheist, but just a creature dithering to and for, with its beliefs really dependent on the weather and the state of its digestion. Consequently one must train the habit of faith.’ Mere Christianity, chp. 12

    b. Faith is: ‘Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see.’ Hebrews 11.1

    c. Faith means totally relying on God and committing ourselves to God for time and for eternity, trusting his promises, obeying his commands, not trying to make ourselves good enough for him but trusting in the fact that he accepts us as we are because of the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. Ladd, NT Theology, 37

    d. Faith is knowing that God’s door to you is always open….and with the door being open, it means the goodness, love and providence of God is there for you. You are never alone.

    -These are the words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens: “I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door that no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’ Revelation 3.7-8

    - ‘We must pay more careful attention therefore to what we have heard so that we do not drift away.’ Hebrews 2.1; 3.12-5. ‘So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded.’ 10.35

    2. Faith tells your feelings where to get off.

    a. What are you paying attention to? Distractions take our attention away from God your helper. You are going somewhere so tell your distracting feelings they can’t come along on the ride.

    1) ‘It is not that we have anything against God, depth, and spirit, we would like these, it is just that we are habitually too preoccupied to have any of these show up on our radar screens. We are more busy than bad, more distracted than nonspiritual, and more interested in the movie theatre, the sports stadium, and the shopping mall and the fantasy life they produce in us than we are in church. Pathological busyness, distraction, and restlessness are major blocks today within our spiritual lives.’ ‘The Relentless Elimination of Hurry, p. 26’

    3. God has opened a door for you that no man can shut.

    a. What’s inside? Revelation 4.1, 5.9, 11.17, 15.2, 16.5

    b. Prayer for your week, “God I believe your door is open to me.”

    4. Habit of the week: Practice paying attention to habits that work—The habit of love, faith, service, and perseverance.

    a. Stick with a morning time of Bible reading of 15 minutes till Easter. Spend five minutes of quiet before God two times a day till Easter. In order to do this limit distractions of your phone, media and shopping to practice being still to listen to God in prayer.

    b. Find another person to talk to about your habit.

    c. Practice looking at who’s inside heaven’s door (read Revelation chapters 4, 9, 15 and 21)

  • -Love has here perhaps its deepest and most general meaning—-that of being deeply understood and deeply accepted. Carl Rogers, Client Centered Therapy, 159.

    -I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. John 13:34

    -Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 15:8

    -You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 1 Peter 5:14

    1. What is the new commandment? ‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.’ John 13:34

    a. It was the way Jesus shows to love: service and sacrifice John 13:1.

    Take a simple towel and wash feet because walking through life gets feet dirty.

    -Love means utterly selfless service the willingness to fill the most humble and menial tasks of service to one’s fellows.

    b. Love is both service and sacrifice-like Jesus. John 10:17-18

    -The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

    2. How do you love?

    a. Notice – Be Curious

    -The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Matthew 20.31

    -Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8.45

    -Love notices people-like Jesus. Be curious means ask something about their story or situation.

    b. People have dirty feet. We all do from just walking through life. You can wash a person by patiently listening; showing kindness.

    3. The power of love

    a. Just as Jesus’ act of service at the cross heals, your acts of kind service can also heal.

    b. People have dirty feet. We all do from just walking through life. You can wash a person by patiently listening; showing kindness.

  • But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

    1. God showed his love at the cross

    - The first thing to be said about the death of Christ is that it is the supreme revelation of his love.

    2. You need God’s love.

    3. How do you experience Gods love and push out your regret?

    - Believe and receive

    - When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. -Colossians 2:13

    - My sin O the bliss Of this glorious tho’t My sin not in part But the whole Is nailed to the cross And I bear it no more Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul

    - God forgives not in part but the whole. Your sin has been nailed to the cross. Believe and receive every day.

  • 1. The first recorded Christian teaching on the Great Commandment and its #2 was Matthew 5.43ff, love your enemies.

    a) ’The way of life is this. First of all, you shall love the God that made you; secondly your neighbor as yourself. The teaching is this.  Bless them, pray for your enemies.’

    b) But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

    2. Kinds of enemies

    a) Someone who is hostile, hateful, hunts and harms

    Persecuted:  pursues, makes you run, drives you

    b) Satan

    c) People Jesus crushes at last days

    d) Us before

    e) Death

    3. Jesus responds to his enemies—Your example to emulate

    a) When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23.33

    4. The choice

    a) Be patient, James 5.7ff.

    b) Be a son, a daughter of God

    5. The Prayer

    a) Father, in front of me also are enemies. In front of me also are unjust foes. But I am a son, a daughter of God…and I will trust my life to you, not them. And like my savior, I will love in spite of mistreatment.  Because I am a son, I am a daughter of God.

    i) Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

  • Jesus says you can grow more by the end of 2023 than now. This is the first Sunday of a 40 day growing period Christians call Spring training, or lent.

    1. The background on the love chapter in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13.

    -It isn’t what you do, its why you do it. Whatever you do, do it with love.

    2. Toward a new definition of love.

    a. Bringing your gift to build up someone. Love is essentially taking a gift you have and giving it to someone in order to build that person up. Thus love is active.

    -As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10.7-8

    b. How Jesus exemplified a new definition of love:

    -Romans 5.6-8 defines love: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

    c. There are sixteen gifts you can give away this week found in 1 Corinthians 13

    3. Maturity

    a. If you note how the love chapter ends, you see that it ends with what is long standing. Coupled with what is long standing (stands the test of time) is maturity, going from childhood to adulthood.

    b. Thus what it really comes down to is learning to love. What you do in love stands the test of time. How you choose to practice giving a gift that builds up (our definition of love) is how you grow in maturity.

  • 1. Our generous God. There are more than enough for leftovers

    a. A show of power. A revelation of who Jesus is.

    b. They ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Luke 9.9-17

    c. God’s generosity wowed Peter, Luke 9.20, ‘Who do you say I am? Peter answered, ‘The Christ (Messiah, Sent One, Anointed King) of God.’

    d. James 1.3; Ephesians 1.3, 8 (the generosity of God’s grace)

    -Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

    e. Micah 17.18-20

    f. Romans 5.8 ‘But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.’

    2. Paul prays you will be wowed by God’s generosity

    a. Ephesians 1.17 & 2.10; Romans 2.4; Romans 15.13; Colossians 2.7

    b. 1 Thessalonians 4.1; ‘As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.’

    3. Generosity is your choice. Generosity changes you

    a. 2 Corinthians 8, something entirely your own

    -And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own

    -In loving your neighbor, Leviticus 19.34

    -Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

    -Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and feely lend him whatever he needs. V.8

    b. Victory Frankl’s story

    4. Application: The generosity you show can reveal God to your next door neighbor, next of kin or person you next cross paths this time tomorrow

    a. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35).

    b. Psalm 37:26
They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. 
Psalm 112:5
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 
Proverbs 11:25
 Generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 
Proverbs 22:9
 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

    c. because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15.10

  • 1. What it means to consider it all joy when you encounter various trials.

    a. to lead; to rule, command; to have authority over; controlling in counsel; the leader in speech, chief, spokesman; to consider, deem, account, think.

    2. Perseverance is the cure

    a. From suffering robbing your joy. Like a horse corral, cowboys and feeding/water troughs…perseverance protects your thoughts and feelings from running loose

    b. From the world robbing your focus.

    i. The habits of love, faith, service focus your life

    c. From satan robbing your faith

    i. Satan’s plan was to detour Adam and Eve from persistent - persuasion that love, faith and service of God is the way of freedom and blessing.

    ii. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

    iii. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5

    d. From robbing yourself

    i. Like the arms of a loving parents, habits of love, faith and service are the persistent means to stay close to the love…the heart of your Father.

    e. From life robbing you from your purpose (loosing your salt or hiding your light)

    3. Application for your week

    a. Perseverance is self-leadership (consider it all joy) to persistently be persuaded that God’s love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13.13

    1. Persevering by Persistent Persusion that God’s love never fails (GLNF) = HOPE.

    a. That is ‘consider it all joy’. And that makes you ‘mature and complete, and not lacking anything’ (James 2-4)

    b. Consider this: suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5.5

    2. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1.12 Choosing to persistently being persuaded that GLNF

    b. Persevere by knowing whom you believe. Persevere by being Persistently Persuaded. You can corral them horses…Romans 5.1ff.

    1. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith

    2. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

    3. through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace

    4. in which we now stand. And we

    5. boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Viz. you will be in God’s presence—his glorious presence)

    6. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

    7. And hope does not put us to shame, because

    8. God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

    c. Work your habits (Rev. 2.19) I know your works, your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your recent works are greater than the first.

    1. Oaks take time. God brings life to acorns and will bring life to your habits of love, faith, service and perseverance. So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4.19

    d. The benefits of persevering by being persistently persuaded that God’s love never fails: You corral them horses. You stay focused. You stay close to Love. You become someone worth their salt to others.

  • In John 13

    1. What did Jesus say: Jesus had Self-Identity. He knew who he was, which lead him to know what he was to do.

    -Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power.

    -He had come from God and was returning to God.

    2. What did Jesus do. Jesus rose, tied a towel around him and used it to wipe the feet of dirty feet of his followers.

    -so he got up from the meal

    -took off his outer clothing

    -wrapped a towel around his waist

    -he poured water into a basin

    -began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

    Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2.7

    3. What did Jesus say?

    a. Do you understand?

    b. Follow my example.

    4. What should you do?

    -Simple act of service

    -Specific situation of service

    -Success is making service a habit

    -Self Identity -is saying, ‘I am a servant’

    5. Application: Give people something to talk about. Get them talking about how they saw you serve.

  • 1. Review:

    a. “I know your works—your love, faith, service, and patient endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first. But I have this against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel.” Revelation 2.19

    b. How to work your habits of love, faith, service and perseverance. Make your habits simple, situational, successful and self identified.

    c. Simple; Situational (‘When I am with ____I will choose to act _________). Pick one of the verbs

    in 1 Cor. 13, eg.…patience, not keep a record of wrongs, not be rude, not be easily offended, Successful, Self-Identity (2 Cor 5.7). I am a person of faith. People of faith walk by faith not by sight when waves of bitterness, evil or overwhelming odds obscure their sight. I am a person of faith.

    2. Habit of Faith helps you navigate

    a. Waves of Bitterness, Revelation Revelation 8:11

    b. Waves of Injustice and evil, Revelation 11.6

    c. Waves that overwhelm, Revelation 12.15

    3. Your solution to waves that block your way-Repent so you can work your habit of faith

    a. First change your mind. Repent, Rev. 2. 2; 2 Peter 3.9

    b. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. Song of Songs 8.7

    -Bitterness: God’s love stands when waves of unforgiveness blocks your way. You can forgive yourself. You can forgive God. You can forgive others. This is the habit of faith, not works.

    -they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus. Romans 3.24-28; 5.1

    c. Waves of evil: Revelation 19

    d. Overwhelming waves: Mark 4

    4. Waves of bitterness

    a. the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter—incurred by Rev. 2.20-22

    b. Bitterness may caused by unforgiveness, with consequences, Rev. 2.22; Numbers 5.11

    5. Waves of blood -Revelation 11:6

    a. They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want

    b. Jesus spoke to this: the violence and evil of our time can lead you to fall away from faith. Matthew 24: 3-14

    c. And again in Luke 181ff. Jesus asks, ‘Will you work at your habit of faith when you see injustice, waves of violence?

    6. Waters like torrent Revelation 12:15. When it’s too much.

    a. Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent

    -SATAN WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO DESTROY GOD’S PEOPLE BUT IN VAIN

    b. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

    7. Your solution to waves that block your way-Repent so you can work your habit of faith

    a. First change your mind. Repent, Rev. 2. 2; 2 Peter 3.9

    8. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. Song of Songs 8.7

    a. God’s love stands when waves of unforgiveness blocks your way. You can forgive yourself. You can forgive God. You can forgive others. This is the habit of faith, not works.

    -they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus. Romans 3.24-28; 5.1

    -Lamentations 3. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is—So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

    -Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

    -Hosea 2. “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness…and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.

    -“In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master. I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord. I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked

    9. God’s love stands when waves of violence, ‘blood’, block your sight. His plan is to redeem, make new and right the wrong.

    a. Revelation 19. After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power to our God, for his judgments are true and just; he has judged the great whore who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he has avenged on her the blood of his servants.

    b. For we walk by faith, not by sight.

    10. God’s love stands when waves that seem overwhelming like torrents block your sight.

    a. He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4

    b. For we walk by faith, not by sight.

    c. Many waters cannot quench love

    -God’s love stands through your changing seasons

    -God’s love stands fast when the waves obscure your vision

    -God’s love stands through the waves, the seasons of life, the times of empires, politics. God’s love stands the test of time.

  • 1. What does Jesus want from you?

    -To be unburdened so you can follow him

    -To you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden; only hold fast to what you have until I come.

    2. Why does Jesus talk about the prophecy and teaching of Jezebel?

    -Because like sheep, you and I can be lead away from following our Shepherd. This is the age of influencers. Good habits keep you on track in spite of influencers with golden sounding promises.

    -People of power can influence you by their positional power, persuasive power and personal power. That is meaning of Jezebel.

    3. What is the second warning, ‘Satan’s so called deep secrets’

    -Answer: that habits do not matter.

    4. What is the struggle?

    This city, Thyatira was chalk full of good guilds and small businesses. However every business owner belonged to a club, a guild. These clubs met regularly and each had a patron god. At the end of the meeting the clubs partied.

    -The struggle these Christians had was how to maintain good habits when their peers were crossing the line.

    5. What are the four habits:

    -Love your church faimily-CONNECT WITH OTHERS;

    -Trust God when you don’t have all the answers-CENTER YOUR LIFE ON GOD;

    -Serve-CONTRIBUTE YOUR GIFTS, BOTH FINANCIAL AND YOUR GOD GIVEN MINISTRY GIFTS;

    -Endure-CULTIVATE A PATIENT AND ENDURING SPIRIT THAT DOESN’T QUIT

    6. God’s promise for help under pressure:

    -The Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be only at the top and not at the bottom—if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today by diligently observing them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I am commanding you today, either to the right or to the left, following other gods to serve them. Deuteronomy 28.13

    You will be an influencer…not influenced

    Salt and Light (Matthew 5.13)

    -At the end, Jesus’ followers need to know about the end times…the future. Jesus does not answer their questions. He does say two things: You will know, because his return will be as clear as day. There will be signs, like the ones you see all around. And then he says, its not about when he returns, its about keeping on

    -But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24.12