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God doesn't give revelation to rebels except His gracious call to repentance and restoration. A right relationship with the risen Messiah will cause you to become more and more like Jesus every day.When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. Acts 27:1-6 ESVWe struggled along the coast with great difficulty and finally arrived at Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship's officers about it. “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on, shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” Acts 27:8-10 NLTWhen a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. Acts 27:13 NLTWisdom isn't determined by the direction of the wind!  But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. The sailors couldn't turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale. Acts 27:14-15 NLTDon't let a moment of favor or desire determine your direction or destiny. The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. The following day they even took some of the ship's tackle and threw it overboard. The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. Acts 27:18-20 NLTIn a severe storm, earthly possessions and navigation systems can become of little or no value. No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. Acts 27:21 NLTA tactical “I told you so” can be a blessing if you receive it as an encouragement to listen next time. - But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.' So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.” Acts 27:22-26 NLT God will always prioritize the condition of your soul and salvation over any temporal success or solution.Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven't touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat, all 276 of us who were on board. Acts 27:33-37 NLTOften it's our response to the problems we face that is the real problem, and what causes us to lose our way.The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners so none could escape by swimming, but the centurion, determined to save Paul, stopped them. He gave orders for anyone who could swim to dive in and go for it, and for the rest to grab a plank. Everyone made it to shore safely. Acts 27:42-44 MSGBut Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn't harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god. Acts 28:5-6 NLT For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. Acts 28:30-31 NLTThe faith and faithfulness of Paul was only outmatched by the faithfulness of our loving, living God.

Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. Acts 16:6-10 NLTThen Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:24-26 NLTThe journey from misguided and broken to divinely directed requires an everyday choice of submission to God!On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. Acts 16:11-15 NLTDivine directions lead to divine encounters that create incredible impact and a heart of gratitude to God! Acts 16:16-22 ESVThey were severely beaten, and thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Acts 16:23-24 NLTThe inner dungeon illustrates how desperate the enemy is to keep a person of faith from finding freedom. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Acts 16:25 NLTSuddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!” Acts 16:26-28 NLTEven the inner dungeon cannot cut you off from the liberating power and presence of our loving God.The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Acts 16:29-31 NLTThe next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let those men go!” So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.” But Paul replied, “They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison, and we are Roman citizens. So now they want us to leave secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves to release us!” Acts 16:35-37 NLTDon't let the enemy rob you of your opportunity to testify to love of God and the freedom you've found in Him!When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens and begged them to leave the city. When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town. Acts 16:38-40 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus. Acts 9:1-2 CSB I admit that I didn't always hold to this position, for a while I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might. Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers, I had no idea they were God's people!, into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution. I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem. Acts 26:9-11 MSGBeing passionately determined doesn't make you wrong, but doesn't make you right either! As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3-5 CSBReal repentance leads to incredible redemption and starts with the recognition that Jesus is Lord. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you'll be told what to do next. His companions stood there dumbstruck, they could hear the sound, but couldn't see anyone, while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. Acts 9:6-9 MSGYou may manage to minimize or even dismiss the evidentiary truth of God's word, but you will find difficult to quantify and impossible to dismiss the impact of a Divine encounter. “What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot. Acts 26:19 MSG Obedient surrender is the second step on our repentant journey to restoration and one that can't be overlooked! There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.” “Yes, Master?” he answered. “Get up and go over to Straight Street. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He's there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.” Acts 9:10-12 MSGYou do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:16-17 NLTYou can't earn, but you must turn, if you want to follow your way back to God's great plan for your life!So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”Acts 9:17-20 NLTGod has the miraculous ability to restore our sight and redeem and redirect our destiny and determination. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name. After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master's name. Acts 9:27-30 MSGFor I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 CSBThe redemptive impact God's love has on a truly repentant heart is the greatest of all life's miraculous wonders! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus. Acts 9:1-2 CSB I admit that I didn't always hold to this position, for a while I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might. Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers, I had no idea they were God's people!, into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution. I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem. Acts 26:9-11 MSGBeing passionately determined doesn't make you wrong, but doesn't make you right either! As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3-5 CSBReal repentance leads to incredible redemption and starts with the recognition that Jesus is Lord. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you'll be told what to do next. His companions stood there dumbstruck, they could hear the sound, but couldn't see anyone, while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. Acts 9:6-9 MSGYou may manage to minimize or even dismiss the evidentiary truth of God's word, but you will find difficult to quantify and impossible to dismiss the impact of a Divine encounter. “What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot. Acts 26:19 MSG Obedient surrender is the second step on our repentant journey to restoration and one that can't be overlooked! There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.” “Yes, Master?” he answered. “Get up and go over to Straight Street. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He's there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.” Acts 9:10-12 MSGYou do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:16-17 NLTYou can't earn, but you must turn, if you want to follow your way back to God's great plan for your life!So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”Acts 9:17-20 NLTGod has the miraculous ability to restore our sight and redeem and redirect our destiny and determination. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name. After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master's name. Acts 9:27-30 MSGFor I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 CSBThe redemptive impact God's love has on a truly repentant heart is the greatest of all life's miraculous wonders! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --They chose the following: Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Acts 6:5-7 NLT#1 Pain and Persecution become Passion and Compassion when given to God.Acts 6:8-11 ESV The choice to disregard the obvious leads to deception and destruction. Acts 7:51-60 NLTPain and persecution fuel Godly passion and compassion when our lives and journeys are surrendered to Him.Acts 8:4-6 NLT#2 Godly purity is key to accessing Godly power A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, “This man is called the Great Power of God.” They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized. Acts 8:9-13 NLTThis worlds superficial provisions pale in comparison to the supernatural power found in the purposes and plans of God.When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24 NLTThe pure in heart have access to a power the prideful will never see, no matter how great their gifts or glory. As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Acts 8:26 NLT#3 The Prophetic empowers ImpactSo he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. - The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” Acts 8:27-34 NLT Prophetic impact requires eyes that are open and a heart that is His.So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:35-40 NLTHumble obedience redeems the pain, unlocks God's power, and positions the willing for wisdom and impact. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --They chose the following: Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Acts 6:5-7 NLT#1 Pain and Persecution become Passion and Compassion when given to God.Acts 6:8-11 ESV The choice to disregard the obvious leads to deception and destruction. Acts 7:51-60 NLTPain and persecution fuel Godly passion and compassion when our lives and journeys are surrendered to Him.Acts 8:4-6 NLT#2 Godly purity is key to accessing Godly power A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, “This man is called the Great Power of God.” They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized. Acts 8:9-13 NLTThis worlds superficial provisions pale in comparison to the supernatural power found in the purposes and plans of God.When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24 NLTThe pure in heart have access to a power the prideful will never see, no matter how great their gifts or glory. As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Acts 8:26 NLT#3 The Prophetic empowers ImpactSo he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. - The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” Acts 8:27-34 NLT Prophetic impact requires eyes that are open and a heart that is His.So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:35-40 NLTHumble obedience redeems the pain, unlocks God's power, and positions the willing for wisdom and impact. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “ Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Acts 5:17-21 ESVThe goodness of God is many times over, greater than any opposition a person of faith will ever face.  When the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” Acts 5:21-23 ESV  Even when my situation seemingly remains the same, God can still change me and set me free. Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!” Acts 5:25 MSGFreedom doesn't make you immune to attack, but it does make it difficult for temptation to target you.The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them. Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. - - The Chief Priest said, “Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.” Peter and the apostles answered, “It's necessary to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:26-29 MSGDon't allow the hypocritical perspectives of others to move you off of believing and applying God's truth.The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 MSGConsistently rejecting God will cause you to lose the ability to discern truth, even when it's obvious.I insist, and God backs me up on this, that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. Ephesians 4:17-19 MSGThe God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.” Acts 5:30-32 MSGThe emboldened ability to embody and share the life changing message of Jesus has always followed faithfulness to His word and will. When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:33-42 NLTLife's most immutable reality is the truth and love of Jesus is and the never ending impact He has on those who hope in Him!

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “ Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Acts 5:17-21 ESVThe goodness of God is many times over, greater than any opposition a person of faith will ever face.  When the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” Acts 5:21-23 ESV  Even when my situation seemingly remains the same, God can still change me and set me free. Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!” Acts 5:25 MSGFreedom doesn't make you immune to attack, but it does make it difficult for temptation to target you.The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them. Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. - - The Chief Priest said, “Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.” Peter and the apostles answered, “It's necessary to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:26-29 MSGDon't allow the hypocritical perspectives of others to move you off of believing and applying God's truth.The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 MSGConsistently rejecting God will cause you to lose the ability to discern truth, even when it's obvious.I insist, and God backs me up on this, that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. Ephesians 4:17-19 MSGThe God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.” Acts 5:30-32 MSGThe emboldened ability to embody and share the life changing message of Jesus has always followed faithfulness to His word and will. When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:33-42 NLTLife's most immutable reality is the truth and love of Jesus is and the never ending impact He has on those who hope in Him!

And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-32 NLTIt is Holy Spirit who empowers our believing, obeying, and proclaiming the truth of Jesus! The whole congregation of believers was united as one, one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That's mine; you can't have it.” They shared everything. Acts 4:32 MSG They began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27 NLTThe apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and grace was on all of them. Acts 4:33 MSGFor he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT Anytime someone really chooses the light and life God calls them to the world around them will be changed! For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:36-37 NLTA characteristic we are meant to model from the life of Christ is His submission to the will of God.  But a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him, sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God.” Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him. Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?” “Yes,” she said, “that price.” Peter responded, “What's going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you're next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Acts 5:1-10 MSGDeception is always wrong, and motive always matters to God and will be rightly rewarded by Him.By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with. Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. Acts 5:11-14 MSGOne last takeaway and a poem will go here…

And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-32 NLTIt is Holy Spirit who empowers our believing, obeying, and proclaiming the truth of Jesus! The whole congregation of believers was united as one, one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That's mine; you can't have it.” They shared everything. Acts 4:32 MSG They began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27 NLTThe apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and grace was on all of them. Acts 4:33 MSGFor he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT Anytime someone really chooses the light and life God calls them to the world around them will be changed! For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4:36-37 NLTA characteristic we are meant to model from the life of Christ is His submission to the will of God.  But a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him, sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God.” Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him. Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?” “Yes,” she said, “that price.” Peter responded, “What's going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you're next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Acts 5:1-10 MSGDeception is always wrong, and motive always matters to God and will be rightly rewarded by Him.By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with. Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. Acts 5:11-14 MSGOne last takeaway and a poem will go here…

The most irrefutable testimony for the truth of God is a life that has been changed and healed!While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. But many of those who listened had already believed the Message, in round numbers about five thousand! Acts 4:1-4 MSGThose who are open to God's voice will hear Him, and those who aren't, won't! The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. Acts 4:5-6 NLTThe decision to ignore or manipulate God's truth is a form of self-deception with roots in demonic rebellion! Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLTDenying the truth doesn't make it less true or you less accountable for the consequences of disobedience.They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Acts 4:7 NLTThen Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12 NLTA man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. C. S. Lewis The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. Acts 4:13-14 NLT Objections to God's truth and will and fall silent against an honest assessment of His Grace and Glory.What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can't deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. Acts 4:16 NLTFriends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance…. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:17 & 19 NLTJustification and pride are the right soil for deception, while humility and repentance are the right soil for a harvest of deliverance and freedom. The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign, the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:21-22 NLTAll the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33 NLTObedient faith in the risen Christ is the foundation for everything God does in and through His people and His church. 

The most irrefutable testimony for the truth of God is a life that has been changed and healed!While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. But many of those who listened had already believed the Message, in round numbers about five thousand! Acts 4:1-4 MSGThose who are open to God's voice will hear Him, and those who aren't, won't! The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. Acts 4:5-6 NLTThe decision to ignore or manipulate God's truth is a form of self-deception with roots in demonic rebellion! Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLTDenying the truth doesn't make it less true or you less accountable for the consequences of disobedience.They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Acts 4:7 NLTThen Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12 NLTA man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. C. S. Lewis The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. Acts 4:13-14 NLT Objections to God's truth and will and fall silent against an honest assessment of His Grace and Glory.What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can't deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. Acts 4:16 NLTFriends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance…. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:17 & 19 NLTJustification and pride are the right soil for deception, while humility and repentance are the right soil for a harvest of deliverance and freedom. The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign, the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:21-22 NLTAll the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33 NLTObedient faith in the risen Christ is the foundation for everything God does in and through His people and His church. 

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. Acts 3:1-2 NLTOne of the primary reasons Jesus came was so no one would have to be an outsider. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Acts 3:3 NLTPeter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” Acts 3:4 NLTThe eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 ESVIronically, our solution is found when we take our eyes off of our needs and focus them on our savior. The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have.” Acts 3:5-6 NLT“You know what a pacifier does, it pacifies!” Miles Siler Pacified feelings can be a huge deterrent to the incredible purposes and plans God has for you.In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk! Acts 3:6 NLTWhat God offers is exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask, think, or imagine! (Eph 3:20)Repentance before both God and people always provides a path back to Holy Spirit's divine provision. Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. Acts 3:7 NLT He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Acts 3:8 NLTWhen we trust in God's provision we go from begging outside the temple to a worshiping inside the temple. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Acts 3:9-11 NLTWhen God does the work, God gets the worship! Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus' name has healed him before your very eyes. Acts 3:16 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. Acts 3:1-2 NLTOne of the primary reasons Jesus came was so no one would have to be an outsider. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Acts 3:3 NLTPeter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” Acts 3:4 NLTThe eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 ESVIronically, our solution is found when we take our eyes off of our needs and focus them on our savior. The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have.” Acts 3:5-6 NLT“You know what a pacifier does, it pacifies!” Miles Siler Pacified feelings can be a huge deterrent to the incredible purposes and plans God has for you.In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk! Acts 3:6 NLTWhat God offers is exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask, think, or imagine! (Eph 3:20)Repentance before both God and people always provides a path back to Holy Spirit's divine provision. Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. Acts 3:7 NLT He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Acts 3:8 NLTWhen we trust in God's provision we go from begging outside the temple to a worshiping inside the temple. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Acts 3:9-11 NLTWhen God does the work, God gets the worship! Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus' name has healed him before your very eyes. Acts 3:16 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Matthew 3:7-10Our disappointment does not permit us to disengage.Matthew 11:1-2aWhen Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing.Matthew 10:7-8Saying yes to God means joining him in what he's already doing.Matthew 11:2-3If we don't come to Jesus with our disappointments, we will remain locked in our prisons of doubt.Matthew 11:4-5Matthew 11:11Matthew 11:16-19 (from The Message)Our disappointment doesn't have to define our future.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Matthew 3:7-10Our disappointment does not permit us to disengage.Matthew 11:1-2aWhen Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing.Matthew 10:7-8Saying yes to God means joining him in what he's already doing.Matthew 11:2-3If we don't come to Jesus with our disappointments, we will remain locked in our prisons of doubt.Matthew 11:4-5Matthew 11:11Matthew 11:16-19 (from The Message)Our disappointment doesn't have to define our future.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --“Your earthly father may have shaped your past, but your Heavenly Father defines your future.”-if you let meRomans 3:23 and 24 says - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - We all fall Short, But Jesus stands in the gap1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”Ultimate security comes from knowing we are loved and chosen by our heavenly father.A Godly Father is a Protector and ProviderMatthew 2:13 tells us this- an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”A Godly father takes responsibility for his family's safety, needs, and well-being.“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith.” – 1 Timothy 5:8Provision isn't just about money — it includes emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.2. Loving and Present“The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does.”— John 5:20Love does not = Influence- separate slides for these equationsLove + Relationship = Influence “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17- 3. Teacher and Discipler“Fathers… bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”— Ephesians 6:4“We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God.”— 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12We are called to teach our children not just how to exist, but how to live — as humans and as children of God. That means we train them in both practical life and spiritual truth.“If your kid does something that annoys you or feels out of line — it's your job to correct it. If you don't like that behavior, chances are the world won't either.” - Unknown Discipline isn't punishment — it's Preparation. When we fail to correct, we do our kids a disservice.Teaching and discipling is not just a Sunday activity — it's a daily, intentional lifestyle. A good father trains, corrects, encourages, and walks alongside his children. He doesn't just talk about truth, he lives it out.4. Spiritual Leader: -Fatherhood Is Spiritual LeadershipGenesis 18:19 (NIV)“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord…”Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)“These commandments... impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up.”Discipleship doesn't just happen in church — it happens in the car, at the dinner table, during bedtime.You are not just raising kids — you are stewarding souls.Joshua 24:15 (NIV)“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”The best thing you could ever do for your family is to fully pursue your relationship with Jesus. Not perfection — but consistent pursuit. When your kids see you walk with God, they learn how to follow Him too.Psalm 112:1–2 (NIV)“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --“Your earthly father may have shaped your past, but your Heavenly Father defines your future.”-if you let meRomans 3:23 and 24 says - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - We all fall Short, But Jesus stands in the gap1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”Ultimate security comes from knowing we are loved and chosen by our heavenly father.A Godly Father is a Protector and ProviderMatthew 2:13 tells us this- an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”A Godly father takes responsibility for his family's safety, needs, and well-being.“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith.” – 1 Timothy 5:8Provision isn't just about money — it includes emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.2. Loving and Present“The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does.”— John 5:20Love does not = Influence- separate slides for these equationsLove + Relationship = Influence “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17- 3. Teacher and Discipler“Fathers… bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”— Ephesians 6:4“We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God.”— 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12We are called to teach our children not just how to exist, but how to live — as humans and as children of God. That means we train them in both practical life and spiritual truth.“If your kid does something that annoys you or feels out of line — it's your job to correct it. If you don't like that behavior, chances are the world won't either.” - Unknown Discipline isn't punishment — it's Preparation. When we fail to correct, we do our kids a disservice.Teaching and discipling is not just a Sunday activity — it's a daily, intentional lifestyle. A good father trains, corrects, encourages, and walks alongside his children. He doesn't just talk about truth, he lives it out.4. Spiritual Leader: -Fatherhood Is Spiritual LeadershipGenesis 18:19 (NIV)“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord…”Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)“These commandments... impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up.”Discipleship doesn't just happen in church — it happens in the car, at the dinner table, during bedtime.You are not just raising kids — you are stewarding souls.Joshua 24:15 (NIV)“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”The best thing you could ever do for your family is to fully pursue your relationship with Jesus. Not perfection — but consistent pursuit. When your kids see you walk with God, they learn how to follow Him too.Psalm 112:1–2 (NIV)“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. John 14:16 NLT The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:2 NLTThe plans of God are carried out by the authority of the Father, the work and word of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit!But when the Father sends the Advocate (comforter) as my representative, that is the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 NLTNevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:7- 8 ESV Holy Spirit is God with us always! When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… for he will take what is mine and declare it to you…. John 16:13 & 15 NLTThe works of Christ and the Cross are accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” Acts 2:1-11 NLTThis encounter with Holy Spirit was a once off, but a normal part of the New Testament narrative! Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.“No,” they replied, “we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:2 NLTGod also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4 ESVAll these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:11 NIVBut when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NLTWhere the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom! 2 Corinthians 3:17The gifts of the Holy Spirit will always enhance and empower the fruit of the Spirit!But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 NLTWhen the gifts of the spirit are evident and active, the fruit of the spirit is beautiful and bountiful.  

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. John 14:16 NLT The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:2 NLTThe plans of God are carried out by the authority of the Father, the work and word of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit!But when the Father sends the Advocate (comforter) as my representative, that is the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 NLTNevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:7- 8 ESV Holy Spirit is God with us always! When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… for he will take what is mine and declare it to you…. John 16:13 & 15 NLTThe works of Christ and the Cross are accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” Acts 2:1-11 NLTThis encounter with Holy Spirit was a once off, but a normal part of the New Testament narrative! Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.“No,” they replied, “we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:2 NLTGod also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4 ESVAll these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:11 NIVBut when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NLTWhere the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom! 2 Corinthians 3:17The gifts of the Holy Spirit will always enhance and empower the fruit of the Spirit!But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 NLTWhen the gifts of the spirit are evident and active, the fruit of the spirit is beautiful and bountiful.  

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared in white robes! They said, “You Galileans, why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly and mysteriously as he left.” So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James. They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:9-14 MSGFaithfulness to God's mission should mark the life of a person who has given their heart to Him. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV1) Connected Together we are a formidable force and a strong witness for God and the beauty of His family on Mission.All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT2) AccountableReal conversations before a decision is made is the kind of accountability God calls us to. Take good counsel and accept correction, that's the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSGLoyalty is Godly, but surrounding yourself with people who will empowering unwise or broken decision making can devastating to you and God's mission.  Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18 NLTIf you have no real accountability in your life, or you only have a Nathan, then you're likely to end up with a Bathsheba. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. James 3:17 NLT3) Focused Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 NLTIf your priority list for living comes from any source besides God's word and will, your gonna miss on mission.4) HopefulBut those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLTMy hope is based on my confidence in God's leading and faithfulness. 5) Fruitful Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESVThe life of the faithful will always bear fruit, even in times of drought and difficulty!

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared in white robes! They said, “You Galileans, why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly and mysteriously as he left.” So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James. They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:9-14 MSGFaithfulness to God's mission should mark the life of a person who has given their heart to Him. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV1) Connected Together we are a formidable force and a strong witness for God and the beauty of His family on Mission.All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT2) AccountableReal conversations before a decision is made is the kind of accountability God calls us to. Take good counsel and accept correction, that's the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD's purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSGLoyalty is Godly, but surrounding yourself with people who will empowering unwise or broken decision making can devastating to you and God's mission.  Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18 NLTIf you have no real accountability in your life, or you only have a Nathan, then you're likely to end up with a Bathsheba. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. James 3:17 NLT3) Focused Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 NLTIf your priority list for living comes from any source besides God's word and will, your gonna miss on mission.4) HopefulBut those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLTMy hope is based on my confidence in God's leading and faithfulness. 5) Fruitful Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESVThe life of the faithful will always bear fruit, even in times of drought and difficulty!

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 NLTSet apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1 CSBThose who live a life faithful to God must see themselves as set apart for His mission. 1) Set aside your time and attention for relationship with God.From the beginning of the mission the disciples were told the priority and gifted the promise of nearness.Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLTIt was Moses' practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Exodus 33:7 NLTAfterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 33:11 NLT Specific time set aside, plus an all day everyday intentional attentiveness to Holy Spirit's presence, are both key to a life lived set apart for relationship with God.Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11ESV2) Lay aside the sin and weight! I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 NLTTherefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ESVCarrying unrepentant sin and rebellion will wear you out no matter how great you effort to do good for God. But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Daniel 1:8 NLTAt the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. Daniel 1:15 NLTA life set apart for mission start's with consecrated choosing and God's best wisdom for personal growth and freedom! That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves in wholeheartedly and full-time, and remember, you've been raised from the dead, into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God. Romans 6:12-14 MSG3) Lay down your life for God And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. Mark 14:35-36 ESVHe has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESVPride has always been the enemies greatest weapon against those that would be warriors on mission with God.He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 ESVI appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 NLTLife's greatest joy is found in giving who you are completely to God and His mission.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 NLTSet apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1 CSBThose who live a life faithful to God must see themselves as set apart for His mission. 1) Set aside your time and attention for relationship with God.From the beginning of the mission the disciples were told the priority and gifted the promise of nearness.Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLTIt was Moses' practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Exodus 33:7 NLTAfterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 33:11 NLT Specific time set aside, plus an all day everyday intentional attentiveness to Holy Spirit's presence, are both key to a life lived set apart for relationship with God.Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11ESV2) Lay aside the sin and weight! I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 NLTTherefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ESVCarrying unrepentant sin and rebellion will wear you out no matter how great you effort to do good for God. But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Daniel 1:8 NLTAt the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. Daniel 1:15 NLTA life set apart for mission start's with consecrated choosing and God's best wisdom for personal growth and freedom! That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves in wholeheartedly and full-time, and remember, you've been raised from the dead, into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God. Romans 6:12-14 MSG3) Lay down your life for God And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. Mark 14:35-36 ESVHe has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESVPride has always been the enemies greatest weapon against those that would be warriors on mission with God.He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 ESVI appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 NLTLife's greatest joy is found in giving who you are completely to God and His mission.

Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15 NLT Mission's trips are cool, but a life lived on mission is our call! God's mission which you should definitely except, is a mission that comes with every redemptive weapon you could ever need.You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 NLTAny church that isn't seriously involved in helping fulfill the great commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. - Oswald J. SmithGo be with and like Jesus!I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLTIf we're going to be like Jesus, we should consider what Jesus was like?Shine in the house, through the house, and outside the house. - - Jake's slide again here over a story… 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. Luke 5:12-13 ESVThe first consideration for a life lived on mission is to mirror the Messiah who came on mission for us! There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:6-8 ESVWe have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 ESVOur lives are meant to be lived on the Messiah's mission. The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 ESVWe can see Jesus, through us, change our world, one intentional, Spirit-empowered interaction, conversation, and relationship at a time.David's video prolly goes here. - - And then Jake's slide one more time when I'm talking about CJThey had first given themselves unreservedly to God and then by the will of God to others. 2 Corinthians 8:5If you miss on seeing and embracing God's mission, you'll miss on seeing and experiencing God's miracles! Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. 1 Chronicles 16:23-25 ESVThe mark of a great church is not it's seating capacity but it's sending capacity. Mark Stachura

Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15 NLT Mission's trips are cool, but a life lived on mission is our call! God's mission which you should definitely except, is a mission that comes with every redemptive weapon you could ever need.You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 NLTAny church that isn't seriously involved in helping fulfill the great commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. - Oswald J. SmithGo be with and like Jesus!I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLTIf we're going to be like Jesus, we should consider what Jesus was like?Shine in the house, through the house, and outside the house. - - Jake's slide again here over a story… 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. Luke 5:12-13 ESVThe first consideration for a life lived on mission is to mirror the Messiah who came on mission for us! There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:6-8 ESVWe have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 ESVOur lives are meant to be lived on the Messiah's mission. The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 ESVWe can see Jesus, through us, change our world, one intentional, Spirit-empowered interaction, conversation, and relationship at a time.David's video prolly goes here. - - And then Jake's slide one more time when I'm talking about CJThey had first given themselves unreservedly to God and then by the will of God to others. 2 Corinthians 8:5If you miss on seeing and embracing God's mission, you'll miss on seeing and experiencing God's miracles! Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. 1 Chronicles 16:23-25 ESVThe mark of a great church is not it's seating capacity but it's sending capacity. Mark Stachura

Living faithful to God's mission is something we are called to do together. In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:2-3 NLTAnd while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” And when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6 ESVIf you think the mission is only about what God will do for you, you've missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying God and His mission the way Judas betrayed Jesus. When He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!' or ‘See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 NKJV The church world is full of earthly kingdom christians.Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. Matthew 4:20 NLT The first call is the call to follow Jesus, the second call is to lead others to Him too. He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. Power hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God's gospel and mission.But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11 NLTWe aren't meant to focus all our attention on heaven or earth, but rather on Jesus and His mission to build His Kingdom here and now. Every Christ follower has a post ascension assignment that is important to God's evangelistic disciple-making mission.He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 NLTAs each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 ESVJesus has always fulfilled His mission and built His church with every willing heart and hand! 

Living faithful to God's mission is something we are called to do together. In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:2-3 NLTAnd while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” And when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6 ESVIf you think the mission is only about what God will do for you, you've missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying God and His mission the way Judas betrayed Jesus. When He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!' or ‘See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 NKJV The church world is full of earthly kingdom christians.Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. Matthew 4:20 NLT The first call is the call to follow Jesus, the second call is to lead others to Him too. He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. Power hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God's gospel and mission.But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11 NLTWe aren't meant to focus all our attention on heaven or earth, but rather on Jesus and His mission to build His Kingdom here and now. Every Christ follower has a post ascension assignment that is important to God's evangelistic disciple-making mission.He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 NLTAs each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 ESVJesus has always fulfilled His mission and built His church with every willing heart and hand! 

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. Matthew 28:5-7 ESVThose who sincerely seek are the ones who are blessed to be sent. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering, by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 ESVAfterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:14-16 ESVIt is a real problem when Christians present a gospel they don't actually know or believe.Together was the context for and how the commission was to be fulfilled.Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 ESVYou will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 ESVAnd with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 ESV828 Church exist to see the lost found and the found free and following!Jesus didn't wave sin's penalty. He paid it's price, and and set us free from it's prison and power.  Real truth isn't shaped by the world or church, rather the world and the church should be shaped by the truth!I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 NLTPower hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God's gospel and mission.If you think the mission is only about what God can do for you, you've missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying the gospel the way Judas betrayed Jesus. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLTA disciple is someone who does their best to follow Jesus and live according to His word and will!Come follow me as I follow Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESVGod's heart is that in our following we will lead others to the life giving relationship we've found in Him!Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Matthew 28:20 NLTA partial telling of the truth may be the worst kind of deception because it leaves people wondering why their empty. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLTTo live your life to know God and to make Him known is to live close to the one who knows and loves you most. 

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. Matthew 28:5-7 ESVThose who sincerely seek are the ones who are blessed to be sent. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering, by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 ESVAfterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:14-16 ESVIt is a real problem when Christians present a gospel they don't actually know or believe.Together was the context for and how the commission was to be fulfilled.Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 ESVYou will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 ESVAnd with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 ESV828 Church exist to see the lost found and the found free and following!Jesus didn't wave sin's penalty. He paid it's price, and and set us free from it's prison and power.  Real truth isn't shaped by the world or church, rather the world and the church should be shaped by the truth!I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 NLTPower hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God's gospel and mission.If you think the mission is only about what God can do for you, you've missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying the gospel the way Judas betrayed Jesus. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLTA disciple is someone who does their best to follow Jesus and live according to His word and will!Come follow me as I follow Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESVGod's heart is that in our following we will lead others to the life giving relationship we've found in Him!Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Matthew 28:20 NLTA partial telling of the truth may be the worst kind of deception because it leaves people wondering why their empty. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLTTo live your life to know God and to make Him known is to live close to the one who knows and loves you most. 

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --New life in Christ should lead to a life faithful to God's mission! Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there, Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I'm going fishing.” “We'll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. John 21:1-3 NLTRemember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18 ESV Be careful not to allow the familiar to become an obstacle to you faithfully following God!Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Ecclesiastes 7:10 ESVAt dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!” So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. John 21:4-6 NLTSuccessful disobedience can be devastating to the will and destiny of God for your life!God is faithful to remind us of His will and our call, even when we're wandering backward instead of forward! Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It's the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. John 21:7-9 NLTFaith and faithfulness for living on mission with God comes from recognizing and remembering who Jesus is and who He has called you to be!Bring some of the fish you've just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn. John 21:10 NLTEven though Jesus is the one who provides, we are ALL called to bring fish to the fire as well!Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. John 21:12-14 NLTGod will use the very things the enemy has used against you to build your destiny and His Kingdom.After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs.” John 21:15 NLTJesus provides what we need to be whole and healthy and then calls us to share His blessing with others. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:16-17 NLTWe are called and blessed to build His Kingdom with compassion and conviction not comparison. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --New life in Christ should lead to a life faithful to God's mission! Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there, Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I'm going fishing.” “We'll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. John 21:1-3 NLTRemember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18 ESV Be careful not to allow the familiar to become an obstacle to you faithfully following God!Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Ecclesiastes 7:10 ESVAt dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!” So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. John 21:4-6 NLTSuccessful disobedience can be devastating to the will and destiny of God for your life!God is faithful to remind us of His will and our call, even when we're wandering backward instead of forward! Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It's the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. John 21:7-9 NLTFaith and faithfulness for living on mission with God comes from recognizing and remembering who Jesus is and who He has called you to be!Bring some of the fish you've just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn. John 21:10 NLTEven though Jesus is the one who provides, we are ALL called to bring fish to the fire as well!Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. John 21:12-14 NLTGod will use the very things the enemy has used against you to build your destiny and His Kingdom.After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs.” John 21:15 NLTJesus provides what we need to be whole and healthy and then calls us to share His blessing with others. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:16-17 NLTWe are called and blessed to build His Kingdom with compassion and conviction not comparison. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Matthew 4:16 NLT Death caused by sin casts a shadow that obstructs our much needed view of the son. Jesus came to overcome death and darkness with life and light! In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 NKJVNow when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Mark 15:33 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. - Mark 15:37-38 NKJVPoem - Death to DeathJesus made a way for life with God to be up close and personal now, not just in forever! When the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39 NKJVJoseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Matthew 27:59-60 NLTPic of tomb here and them a black screenVery early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. Mark 16:2-4 NLTDarkness has a way of making us miss the very miracles we have hoped and believed for. Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Matthew 28:1-4 NLT Death and darkness didn't and still don't have a chance against Jesus, the creator of life and light! Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7 NLTDon't mistake deliverance for defeat, miracle for misery, or conviction for condemnation. Mary turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”“Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” John 20:14-16 NLTMary didn't know or recognize him until she realized that He recognized and knew her.Why spend your life trapped in a stronghold of death and darkness when Jesus destroyed them both for you! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Matthew 4:16 NLT Death caused by sin casts a shadow that obstructs our much needed view of the son. Jesus came to overcome death and darkness with life and light! In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 NKJVNow when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Mark 15:33 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. - Mark 15:37-38 NKJVPoem - Death to DeathJesus made a way for life with God to be up close and personal now, not just in forever! When the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39 NKJVJoseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Matthew 27:59-60 NLTPic of tomb here and them a black screenVery early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. Mark 16:2-4 NLTDarkness has a way of making us miss the very miracles we have hoped and believed for. Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Matthew 28:1-4 NLT Death and darkness didn't and still don't have a chance against Jesus, the creator of life and light! Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7 NLTDon't mistake deliverance for defeat, miracle for misery, or conviction for condemnation. Mary turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”“Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” John 20:14-16 NLTMary didn't know or recognize him until she realized that He recognized and knew her.Why spend your life trapped in a stronghold of death and darkness when Jesus destroyed them both for you! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLTHe who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESVGreed only and always leads to discontentment.To much is never enough for the person trapped in a the stronghold of discontentment. Discontentment will shadow you if your primary focus is always on yourself.Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. I Peter 5:6-7 NLTHe must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 ESVWhen I choose what the Lord thinks and wants, I'm content, but when I choose what I think and want, I'm not.This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! “This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. It's because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. Haggai 1:2-10 NLTThe pursuit of happiness doesn't lead to contentment, but the pursuit of God and His priorities does.Discontentment is a deception that the enemy uses to coax people out of the will of God.True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLTThe root word for contentment is the Latin contentus, which means “held together” or “intact, whole.”Whole and held together by God is a miraculous reality the devil doesn't want you to discover.Contentment comes from pursuing the right treasure for the right reasons with radical trust in your creator.Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLTHe who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESVGreed only and always leads to discontentment.To much is never enough for the person trapped in a the stronghold of discontentment. Discontentment will shadow you if your primary focus is always on yourself.Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. I Peter 5:6-7 NLTHe must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 ESVWhen I choose what the Lord thinks and wants, I'm content, but when I choose what I think and want, I'm not.This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! “This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. It's because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. Haggai 1:2-10 NLTThe pursuit of happiness doesn't lead to contentment, but the pursuit of God and His priorities does.Discontentment is a deception that the enemy uses to coax people out of the will of God.True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLTThe root word for contentment is the Latin contentus, which means “held together” or “intact, whole.”Whole and held together by God is a miraculous reality the devil doesn't want you to discover.Contentment comes from pursuing the right treasure for the right reasons with radical trust in your creator.Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. - Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:18-19 & 24 NLTBy 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. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESVSalvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! We're not saved because we win over sin, but rather we win over sin because we're saved.Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:15-16 NLTIt's not God's will that His sons and daughters live as slaves to habitual sin. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 NLT1) Sin is not worth it.. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESVUntamed passions will take a prince from the palace to a prison, while consecrated passions will take a prince from a prison to the palace!2) You have to own your sin to overcome your sin.If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8-9 NLTTemptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 NLTNo temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIVI can follow God to Freedom! 3) You can Identify and Avoid Temptation's Traps. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT Real freedom requires a willingness to make wise, even radical choices. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESVIf your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. Matthew 5:29 ESVWe all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. James 3:2 CSBCompromise in areas you think you don't struggle will cost you in the areas you know you do.Isolation is one of our enemies most effective strategies.Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire. Proverbs 18:1 ESV4) To resist the sin nature is to surrender to God's natureThe Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:22-25 ESV5) Live all in with God Ephesians 6:12-13 NLTI know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15 NLT Luke warm will never win against sin. It takes God's armor, God's weapons and God's favor to win the war against sin.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Make allowance (bear with) for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLTForgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude. MLKPeter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22 NLTThe Stronghold of Unforgiveness!Resentment - Anger - Bitterness - Guilt - Shame - Isolation Judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 CSBUnforgiveness is like being locked in a prison cell, holding the key in your hand but refusing to use it. You're intention may be to punish the one who wronged you, but you're the one locked up.Summarize Matt 18: 23-31 - 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?' And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. Matthew 18:32-34 ESVTo choose unforgiveness is to build, brick by brick, the walls of your own spiritual and emotional prison. So what do we do about it? - - Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLTForgiveness isn't explaining away the hurt, it's working through the hurt with Jesus.Forgiveness isn't stuffing your anger, but rather resolving your anger by releasing the offense to God.Forgiveness ins't excusing a wrong, but letting God execute justice and mercy according to His will and wisdom.Even the unforgettable isn't unforgivable.Forgiveness isn't reconciliation and doesn't require an apology.Forgiveness isn't a feeling but rather a grace empowered choice and act of the will.Forgiveness Isn't an option! 1) Forgiveness is you forgiving yourself and receiving the forgiveness Christ has given you. - Guilt and Shame!?The unforgiven are generally also very unforgiving!If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESVRepentance is a God graced prerequisite to forgiveness and forgiving yourself.A consistently self-condemning attitude will keep you incarcerated in the prison of unforgiveness.Stop - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 NLT Self-condemnation is doubt in disguise.2) Forgiveness is you giving what you've been givenRemember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT There is connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. Matthew 6:14-15 MSGTo be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C. S. Lewis3) Forgiveness is trusting Jesus to bring your healing, restoration and redemption. The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESVHe heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 ESVChoosing forgiveness is how you let Jesus cleanse and heal any wound.Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now, life for many people. Genesis 50:20 MSGForgiving others is an act of gratitude and trust and the only right response to the merciful Messiah who has so graciously completely forgiven us. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Make allowance (bear with) for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLTForgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude. MLKPeter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22 NLTThe Stronghold of Unforgiveness!Resentment - Anger - Bitterness - Guilt - Shame - Isolation Judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 CSBUnforgiveness is like being locked in a prison cell, holding the key in your hand but refusing to use it. You're intention may be to punish the one who wronged you, but you're the one locked up.Summarize Matt 18: 23-31 - 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?' And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. Matthew 18:32-34 ESVTo choose unforgiveness is to build, brick by brick, the walls of your own spiritual and emotional prison. So what do we do about it? - - Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLTForgiveness isn't explaining away the hurt, it's working through the hurt with Jesus.Forgiveness isn't stuffing your anger, but rather resolving your anger by releasing the offense to God.Forgiveness ins't excusing a wrong, but letting God execute justice and mercy according to His will and wisdom.Even the unforgettable isn't unforgivable.Forgiveness isn't reconciliation and doesn't require an apology.Forgiveness isn't a feeling but rather a grace empowered choice and act of the will.Forgiveness Isn't an option! 1) Forgiveness is you forgiving yourself and receiving the forgiveness Christ has given you. - Guilt and Shame!?The unforgiven are generally also very unforgiving!If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESVRepentance is a God graced prerequisite to forgiveness and forgiving yourself.A consistently self-condemning attitude will keep you incarcerated in the prison of unforgiveness.Stop - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 NLT Self-condemnation is doubt in disguise.2) Forgiveness is you giving what you've been givenRemember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT There is connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. Matthew 6:14-15 MSGTo be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C. S. Lewis3) Forgiveness is trusting Jesus to bring your healing, restoration and redemption. The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESVHe heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 ESVChoosing forgiveness is how you let Jesus cleanse and heal any wound.Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now, life for many people. Genesis 50:20 MSGForgiving others is an act of gratitude and trust and the only right response to the merciful Messiah who has so graciously completely forgiven us. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Stronghold - A perspective, thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that is set above God and His truth.Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground. Ezekiel 28:17 ESVPride is the original stronghold and a consistent high-minded perspective the enemy exploits for attack. But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”. Genesis 3:4 ESV Self-Righteousness If you think you're more humble than someone else, you're probably prideful!Self-righteous pride by it's nature is hard to see in yourself and easy to see in others.Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NLTWhere jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 ESVThe more pride we have in ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. C.S. LewisLove is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESVFor our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESVSelf-CenterednessNone are as empty as those who are full of themselves. - Benjamin Whichcote Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6 ESVPride manifests itself in selfish presumption and entitlement. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 ESV For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Romans 12:2 NLT Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less! Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, ‘I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”' “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:16-31 NLTThe right and lite way to live is to put God and others first!Self-RelianceSelf-Reliance = The idea that we did or can do anything on our own, without God!?What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 1 Corinthians 4:7 NLTI am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLTSelf-DeterminedPride says I can decide better than God! -The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4 NKJVNevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. Luke 22:42 CSB Pride must die in us for Christ to live and be strong through us.Humility is hidden strength, while pride is hidden weakness.Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESVHumble submission to God is the only weapon that will win the fight against the stronghold of pride!As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:5-8 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Stronghold - A perspective, thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that is set above God and His truth.Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground. Ezekiel 28:17 ESVPride is the original stronghold and a consistent high-minded perspective the enemy exploits for attack. But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”. Genesis 3:4 ESV Self-Righteousness If you think you're more humble than someone else, you're probably prideful!Self-righteous pride by it's nature is hard to see in yourself and easy to see in others.Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NLTWhere jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 ESVThe more pride we have in ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. C.S. LewisLove is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESVFor our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESVSelf-CenterednessNone are as empty as those who are full of themselves. - Benjamin Whichcote Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6 ESVPride manifests itself in selfish presumption and entitlement. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 ESV For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Romans 12:2 NLT Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less! Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, ‘I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”' “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:16-31 NLTThe right and lite way to live is to put God and others first!Self-RelianceSelf-Reliance = The idea that we did or can do anything on our own, without God!?What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 1 Corinthians 4:7 NLTI am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLTSelf-DeterminedPride says I can decide better than God! -The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4 NKJVNevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. Luke 22:42 CSB Pride must die in us for Christ to live and be strong through us.Humility is hidden strength, while pride is hidden weakness.Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESVHumble submission to God is the only weapon that will win the fight against the stronghold of pride!As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:5-8 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESVMistaken IdentityYou are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.'”Matthew 4:3-7 NLTGod created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESVThe enemy wants to rob you of your God given identity and destiny and establish a stronghold of mistaken identity in your life. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10 NLTIf your identity is in your work, success will go to your head and failure will go to your heart. Tim KellerYou are not identified by your struggle but your savior! The sooner you refuse to be identified by your struggle, the sooner sin and death will lose its hold on you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:12-17 NLTThe devil's strategy is to takeaway your inheritance, and to do that he has to steal your identity. To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12 ESVIf you choose real relationship with Jesus and stand in His authority, the enemy can't touch your inheritance!Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV I am loved, I am adopted, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am Holy, I am His! - - The only way for you to know you is for you to focus on knowing Him!But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 ESV Identity is inextricably linked to ownership.Knowing in your heart that you are a loved and empowered child of God changes everything.I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESVWe don't lose our true selves but rather become our true selves when we find ourselves in Jesus!-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESVMistaken IdentityYou are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.'”Matthew 4:3-7 NLTGod created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESVThe enemy wants to rob you of your God given identity and destiny and establish a stronghold of mistaken identity in your life. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10 NLTIf your identity is in your work, success will go to your head and failure will go to your heart. Tim KellerYou are not identified by your struggle but your savior! The sooner you refuse to be identified by your struggle, the sooner sin and death will lose its hold on you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:12-17 NLTThe devil's strategy is to takeaway your inheritance, and to do that he has to steal your identity. To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12 ESVIf you choose real relationship with Jesus and stand in His authority, the enemy can't touch your inheritance!Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV I am loved, I am adopted, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am Holy, I am His! - - The only way for you to know you is for you to focus on knowing Him!But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 ESV Identity is inextricably linked to ownership.Knowing in your heart that you are a loved and empowered child of God changes everything.I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESVWe don't lose our true selves but rather become our true selves when we find ourselves in Jesus!-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV.It's hard to win a war, you don't realize you're fighting. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESVWe have what we need to overcome the enemy in his efforts to deceive and defeat us! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESVA place where the enemy holds the high ground for attack.You can't win the spiritual war for your life and destiny without taking out the strongholds.We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESVA spiritual stronghold is any thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that exalts itself against God and His truth.We are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLTThere are real intellectual beings waring against Godly thoughts, designs and decisions.The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared. I Timothy 4:1 ESVThe devil and his minions spend most of their time perverting culture and constructing strongholds.The enemy doesn't have the authority to build a stronghold in your life.Give not place to the devil. Eph 4:26 NKJVOpen doors lead to strongholds Kick your little sin friend out or he's going to build a stronghold!Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 ESV Your old life and new life are not compatible, they're combustable. Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV Don't X-out the Jesus factor! The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NLTThe power for my breakthrough is not earthly, it's eternal!Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10 NKJVDon'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. Romans 12:2 NLTWhy can't Jesus wear jewelry? - Because He breaks every chain!It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. Romans 7:21-25 MSGNo hurt, history, or stronghold of the enemy can contain the believer who's faith and focus is in Jesus.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV.It's hard to win a war, you don't realize you're fighting. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESVWe have what we need to overcome the enemy in his efforts to deceive and defeat us! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESVA place where the enemy holds the high ground for attack.You can't win the spiritual war for your life and destiny without taking out the strongholds.We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESVA spiritual stronghold is any thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that exalts itself against God and His truth.We are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLTThere are real intellectual beings waring against Godly thoughts, designs and decisions.The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared. I Timothy 4:1 ESVThe devil and his minions spend most of their time perverting culture and constructing strongholds.The enemy doesn't have the authority to build a stronghold in your life.Give not place to the devil. Eph 4:26 NKJVOpen doors lead to strongholds Kick your little sin friend out or he's going to build a stronghold!Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 ESV Your old life and new life are not compatible, they're combustable. Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV Don't X-out the Jesus factor! The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NLTThe power for my breakthrough is not earthly, it's eternal!Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10 NKJVDon'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. Romans 12:2 NLTWhy can't Jesus wear jewelry? - Because He breaks every chain!It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. Romans 7:21-25 MSGNo hurt, history, or stronghold of the enemy can contain the believer who's faith and focus is in Jesus.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

1. Understand God Determines Your Mantle Ahead of TimeWe do not select a mantle; God is the One who establishes and destines it. Elisha didn't just receive Elijah's mantle because he happened to be at the right place and time. It was already his according to God's word.                    (1 Kings 19:16) Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your placeElisha needed to cooperate with the call of God on his life to receive the mantle that was his by God's appointment. Elisha's hunger and pursuit of Elijah were a sign of what God had placed in his heart.A mantle is not ours for the choosing, it is determined ahead of time by God.The desire God places in our hearts is just one indication, among other confirmations, of the calling that is ours.2. Servanthood Positions you for the Mantle God has for youFor a long season, Elisha was a servant to Elijah. He supported him in a menial way and learned at his feet.                                                       (2 Kings 3:11) 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” So, one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured[a] water on the hands of Elijah.”It can be tempting to go directly after a mantle, but just as with Elisha, God has established His timeline for your life. God positions you with people and leaders that He wants you to serve now. Serving with faithfulness and a teachable heart is a powerful means of being positioned to attain your God-ordained destiny.3. Realize you may Wear a Series of MantlesBefore he took up Elijah's mantle, Elisha worked in his father's fields. And then, he wore the garb of a servant. When God took Elijah, Elisha took his cloak—the one he had worn as a servant—and tore it in two. There was no turning back. (2 Kings 2:12-13) 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.4. Wait for an Appointment to Establish your MantleGod appointed Elisha as Prophet and successor to Elijah—but God used Elijah to recognize, prepare, and establish that appointment.Luke 24:49                                                                                     And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.1 Peter 5:6                                                                       Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,Acts 1:8                                                                                 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Your Father wants to reveal to you what He is up to, even if you are feeling today as though you are in the midst of a trial or a long period of waiting about your calling. He wants to show you how he is redeeming those trials, even the failures, and how He uses them for His purposes.It is not too late. Like Elisha, as you stay faithful and committed in the long haul, you will ultimately live out the mantle God has for you. And the ministry God has for you will be above and beyond anything you could ever have dreamed.

1. Understand God Determines Your Mantle Ahead of TimeWe do not select a mantle; God is the One who establishes and destines it. Elisha didn't just receive Elijah's mantle because he happened to be at the right place and time. It was already his according to God's word.                    (1 Kings 19:16) Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your placeElisha needed to cooperate with the call of God on his life to receive the mantle that was his by God's appointment. Elisha's hunger and pursuit of Elijah were a sign of what God had placed in his heart.A mantle is not ours for the choosing, it is determined ahead of time by God.The desire God places in our hearts is just one indication, among other confirmations, of the calling that is ours.2. Servanthood Positions you for the Mantle God has for youFor a long season, Elisha was a servant to Elijah. He supported him in a menial way and learned at his feet.                                                       (2 Kings 3:11) 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” So, one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured[a] water on the hands of Elijah.”It can be tempting to go directly after a mantle, but just as with Elisha, God has established His timeline for your life. God positions you with people and leaders that He wants you to serve now. Serving with faithfulness and a teachable heart is a powerful means of being positioned to attain your God-ordained destiny.3. Realize you may Wear a Series of MantlesBefore he took up Elijah's mantle, Elisha worked in his father's fields. And then, he wore the garb of a servant. When God took Elijah, Elisha took his cloak—the one he had worn as a servant—and tore it in two. There was no turning back. (2 Kings 2:12-13) 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.4. Wait for an Appointment to Establish your MantleGod appointed Elisha as Prophet and successor to Elijah—but God used Elijah to recognize, prepare, and establish that appointment.Luke 24:49                                                                                     And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.1 Peter 5:6                                                                       Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,Acts 1:8                                                                                 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Your Father wants to reveal to you what He is up to, even if you are feeling today as though you are in the midst of a trial or a long period of waiting about your calling. He wants to show you how he is redeeming those trials, even the failures, and how He uses them for His purposes.It is not too late. Like Elisha, as you stay faithful and committed in the long haul, you will ultimately live out the mantle God has for you. And the ministry God has for you will be above and beyond anything you could ever have dreamed.

Three Behaviors seen in the life of Ahab that perpetuated his rebellion and brokenness. CompromiseAbout that time King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine! And your best wives and children are mine as well.” The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” 1 Kings 20:1-4 NLTEvery time you compromise on truth, you're making a deal with the devil, and you're giving something up God meant for you to keep.But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, “On second thought, I want it all, your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over, the whole works. I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take.” 1 Kings 20:5-6 MSGDon't give in to any more demands, all the elders and the people advised. 1 Kings 20:8 NLTAfter their defeat, Ben-hadad's officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains.” 1 Kings 20:23 NLTIt's not your geography, demography or circumstance that determine your destiny, it's your Savior. If you're negotiating with the devil, you're the one being manipulated! Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. 1 Kings 20:34 NLTNeither the mountain nor the valley limit God's blessing, but compromise certainly does.SelfishnessNow there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day Ahab said to Naboth, “Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.” So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! 1 Kings 21:1-4 NLTSo Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it. 1 Kings 21:16 NLTIf you love you more than you love others you're not very much like Jesus.The LORD said to Elijah, “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth's vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. Give him this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Wasn't it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!” 1 Kings 21:17-19 NLT“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! 1 Kings 21:20-21 NLTThe Gospel isn't the gospel without including the truth of God's judgement and justice. No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25 NLTWhen we set selfishness aside, much of the other sin we struggle is subdued by the power of Grace! Deceit Never try to regain something God has taken away! But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.” The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” 1 Kings 22:7-8 NLTIf you have to hide what your doing or thinking from the Godly people in your life, what your doing or thinking probably isn't Godly and might cost you your life.Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.'” 1 Kings 22:17 NLTSo the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the harlots bathed, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken. 1 Kings 22:37-38 NKJV God doesn't use deceit to accomplish his will, it's the devil that does that! 

Three Behaviors seen in the life of Ahab that perpetuated his rebellion and brokenness. CompromiseAbout that time King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine! And your best wives and children are mine as well.” The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” 1 Kings 20:1-4 NLTEvery time you compromise on truth, you're making a deal with the devil, and you're giving something up God meant for you to keep.But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, “On second thought, I want it all, your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over, the whole works. I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take.” 1 Kings 20:5-6 MSGDon't give in to any more demands, all the elders and the people advised. 1 Kings 20:8 NLTAfter their defeat, Ben-hadad's officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains.” 1 Kings 20:23 NLTIt's not your geography, demography or circumstance that determine your destiny, it's your Savior. If you're negotiating with the devil, you're the one being manipulated! Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. 1 Kings 20:34 NLTNeither the mountain nor the valley limit God's blessing, but compromise certainly does.SelfishnessNow there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day Ahab said to Naboth, “Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.” So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! 1 Kings 21:1-4 NLTSo Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it. 1 Kings 21:16 NLTIf you love you more than you love others you're not very much like Jesus.The LORD said to Elijah, “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth's vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. Give him this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Wasn't it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!” 1 Kings 21:17-19 NLT“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! 1 Kings 21:20-21 NLTThe Gospel isn't the gospel without including the truth of God's judgement and justice. No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25 NLTWhen we set selfishness aside, much of the other sin we struggle is subdued by the power of Grace! Deceit Never try to regain something God has taken away! But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.” The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” 1 Kings 22:7-8 NLTIf you have to hide what your doing or thinking from the Godly people in your life, what your doing or thinking probably isn't Godly and might cost you your life.Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.'” 1 Kings 22:17 NLTSo the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the harlots bathed, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken. 1 Kings 22:37-38 NKJV God doesn't use deceit to accomplish his will, it's the devil that does that! 

The LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. I Kings 18:46 NLTFear and insecurity will drive you to desperation and fatigue.So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:8 NLT When we journey in our own wisdom and strength we will land up confused, exhausted, and lost. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. 1 Kings 19:9 NLTBut the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 1 Kings 19:9-10 NLTCave pics! - Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 NLTThe nearness of God's presence and the whisper of His voice are the single greatest manifestation of His power and love. What are you doing HERE? - - (Cave pictures go here)Comparison and complaining will land you in a cave when you could be enjoying a mountaintop view! Persistence has the power to perpetuate both good and bad decisions.Cave-time is often the consequence of circumstances beyond our control. - (Mom pic here) What are you DOING here?The cave can be an intimate place to hear Gods voice and learn from His wisdom. What are YOU doing here?Don't let insecurity rob you of your true identity! Then the LORD told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. 1 Kings 19:15 NLTDon't waste time on blame or regret, rather repent and then follow God's direction and destiny. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” 1 Kings 19:15-18 NLTGod called Elijah away from the cave to a life focused on His voice and vision for a amazing future.So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 1 Kings 19:19 ESVPOEMGod's remedy for our lostness is revelation, repentance, restoration, and redemption!