Eagle's Landing Sermons

Why do we gather? Pastor Trea speaks on the importance of gathering as the body of Christ.

As followers of Jesus, we should live with great anticipation of His second coming.

We all grieve, but Christians grieve differently. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13 1. Grief is good. Grief and faith are friends. 2. Our grief should be accompanied by hope. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:14 How to Grieve - Don't bury it. - Do it with others. - Turn to Jesus. How to Minister to the Grieving - Pray - Be present. -Join in their grief. We grieve differently because we live expectantly. “For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'" — Revelation 21:3–4

The movement moves when the Word is faithfully proclaimed by the people.

God's will for you is to become more like Christ each day. God's Secret Will God's plan that always happens. God's Revealed Will Something God has already made known in the Bible. “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:1–2 We never stop growing as children of God. “The Christian life is marked by either growth or decay.” — W.E. Vine “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3 God's will for us in our personal holiness. 1. Our personal holiness includes a strong sexual ethic. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 2. Our personal holiness includes love and good works. “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Commit to following God's will. Genuine followers of Jesus hunger for the things of God.

“By this they will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”— John 13:35 The people of God are marked by a growing love for one another. 1. Biblical community is marked by deep desire. “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 Benefits to Biblical Community: - Friends and family. - To encourage and be encouraged. - Personal holiness and accountability. - Prayer and care. - To build your faith and the faith of others. - Use of gifts and service. - Missions and mobilization. “Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” — 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.” — Psalm 119:67 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” — Psalm 119:71 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” — Psalm 34:19 2. Biblical community is marked by deep joy. “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, [10] as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” — 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 What will hurt you spiritually when you are walking through struggles (affliction)? - You isolate from God's people. - You insulate from God's people. If you isolate and/or insulate, you limit how people who love you can pray for you. 3. Biblical community is marked by growing love. “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”— 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Real life change happens best in meaningful relationships. We will not love one another like this until we understand God's love for us.

“I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” — Psalm 119:162 We wait with purpose when we get in the Word and the Word gets in us. The Bible is our final authority. The goal of the Bible is to transform the heart. “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1. The gospel is a message that must be heard and accepted. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'” — Romans 10:14-15 Are we actively sharing the gospel with others? Are we actively sharing the gospel with self? What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to hear and receive the Word? - Prepare for church the night before. - Bring your Bible with you. - Take notes. - Reflect on sermon privately and with family and friends. 2. The gospel is a message that must be valued “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews…” — 1 Thessalonians 2:14 “But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.” — Acts 17:5–9 Get in the Word and let the Word get in you. A daily acceptance of the gospel results in life transformation.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” — John 11:40 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 “For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 We wait with purpose when we walk in a manner worthy of God. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” — Philippians 1:27 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” — Ephesians 4:1 “I pray that you will 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.” — Colossians 1:9-10 1. An example of Godly conduct. The Christian life is marked by sacrifice. “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Christians, the way you live will push people toward Jesus or pull them away from Him. 2. An exhortation to behave like a child of God. “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Live in submission to the King. Walking in a manner worthy of God is a heart issue. When our hearts are aligned with God, our behaviors naturally follow.

A true disciple of Jesus finds great delight in making more disciples. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” — 3 John 4 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:1 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…” — 1 Thessalonians 1:2 1. A disciple has been transformed by Jesus. “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you…” — 1 Thessalonians 1:4 “…because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:5 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” — Romans 1:16 True salvation produces obvious results. 2. A disciple imitates the life of Jesus. “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit…” — 1 Thessalonians 1:6 “…so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 3. A disciple proclaims the story of Jesus. “…so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10

As sent people, we carry out the mission of King Jesus. 1. Sent people worship King Jesus (vs. 16–17). Matthew 28:16–17 “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.” 2. Sent people submit to King Jesus's authority (vs. 18). Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'” 3. Sent people obey King Jesus's command (vs. 19–20a).
 Matthew 28:19-20a “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”
 - Make Disciples - Go - Baptize - Teach 4. Sent people rest in King Jesus's presence (vs. 20b). Matthew 28:20b “…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400 https://eagleslandin

We exist to invite everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus. We Put JESUS FIRST We Do LIFE TOGETHER We PRAY FERVENTLY We GIVE GENEROUSLY We LIVE SENT What does it mean to LIVE SENT? “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” — John 17:18 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” — Galatians 4:4–5 “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'” — John 20:21 The King's command is to LIVE SENT. How are we to LIVE SENT? 1. We are sent to invite. 2. We are sent to serve. 3. We are sent to give. 4. We are sent to proclaim. “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'” — Romans 10:13–15 Where are we to LIVE SENT? EVERYWHERE LIVE SENT

We exist to invite everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus. Are we willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost for Jesus? On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. — Luke 5:17 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.
 — Luke 5:18-19 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
 — Luke 5:20 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
 — Luke 5:21 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts?” — Luke 5:22 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, ‘Rise and walk'?
 — Luke 5:23 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
 — Luke 5:24-26 1. Our Greatest Need. The greatest need of our church is Jesus. The greatest need of our city is Jesus. 2. Our Gritty Faith. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 
— Luke 5:18-19 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 
— Luke 5:20 “When a man can do nothing about his current condition, it's the active faith of his friend that make a difference.” 
— JD Greear Do you have relentless faith? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost? Who is your “friend” that's in need of Jesus?

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400 https://eagleslanding.church

If you want to see God, look at Jesus Gospel of John - His Name - His Works - His Witnesses “I AM” - The Bread of Life (6:35) - The Light of the World (8:12) - The Door or Gate (10:9) - The Good Shepherd (10:11) - The Resurrection and the Life (11:25) - The Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6) - The Vine (15:1) ABUNDANT LIFE “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” — John 10:9-10 (NIV) Life (Galatians 5:22-23) - Love - Joy - Peace - Patience - Kindness - Goodness - Faithfulness - Gentleness - Self-control “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NIV) “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” — John 15:8 (NIV) Abide/Remain 1. Individually 2. In Community How Do I Bring God Glory? BY BEARING FRUIT. (John 15:8) How Do I Bear Fruit? BY ABIDING IN HIM. (John 15:5) How Do I Abide or Remain in Him? BY SEEKING HIM INDIVIDUALLY BUT ALSO IN COMMUNITY.

If the LORD is our Helper, we can be confident our life is kept in his care. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” — Psalm 121 1. Because He is the Lord who created you. (vv. 1–2) “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2 2. Because He is the Lord who steadies your feet. (vv. 3–4)
 “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” — Psalm 121:3–4 3. Because He is the Lord who is close to your side. (vv. 5–6) “The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” — Psalm 121:5–6 
 4. Because He is the Lord who protects your life. (vv. 7–8) “The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:7–8

“I have said these things to you, that you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 “He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” — Romans 4:19-21 How Do I Trust in God? 1. Find rest in the character of God. “O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?” — Psalm 89:8 God's promises always carry greater weight than human logic. The character of God is always reliable. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” — Numbers 23:19 2. Remember God's faithfulness is for His glory and your good. “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God…” — Romans 4:20 Our trust and God's glory go together. Anxiety is rooted in trying to avoid suffering. 3. Replace your fears with faith. Faith and fear cannot coexist. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 4. Take one step at a time. In the Christian life, understanding does not proceed obedience, obedience proceeds understanding. 5. Focus on God's work in you, not the result. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 Your current circumstance is not intended to push you out, but to draw you closer to the King. Abraham was confident that if God had called him to it, God would bring him through it. “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” — Genesis 22:12

“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.' But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.” — Hebrews 8:1–7 1. We can trust in Jesus, our great high priest. “Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.” — Hebrews 8:1–3 2. We have unlimited access to God through Jesus. “Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.' But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” — Hebrews 8:4–6 3. We enjoy the reunion of God and man in the new covenant. “For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says:‘Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.'In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” — Hebrews 8:7–13 The New Covenant is for you The New Covenant is for us The New Covenant is for the nations

To stand strong through spiritual warfare, we must have the right strategy. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” — Ephesians 6:10–20 How can we stand strong through spiritual warfare? 1. Plan for the Right Battle (vs. 10–12)
 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:10–12 2. Put on the Right Armor (vs. 13–17) “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” — Ephesians 6:13–17 3. Persevere in the Right Posture (vs. 18–20) “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…” — Ephesians 6:18–19

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” — 1 John 4:19-21 1. Love is a Battle of Motivation. “We love because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 The love of God for us awakens our love for one another. “God…because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” — Ephesians 2:4-5 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” — Romans 8:1-2 2. Love is a Battle of Hypocrisy. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” — 1 John 4:20 To love God and not love your brother is to live a lie. “The reason we do not love others in the way that we should is because we do not love God in the way that we claim.” — Paul Tripp 3. Love is a Battle of Deception. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” — 1 John 4:20 The truest measure of the quality of your love for God is seen in the way you love others. 4. Love is a Battle of Submission. “And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” — 1 John 4:21

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” — 1 John 4:10-12 1. Love Defined. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” — 1 John 4:10 “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 “For God so loved the world that He sent His One and Only Son…” — John 3:16 “…the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 Love is defined by the cross of Christ. 2. Love's Design. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11 What does the love of Jesus look like? (*Adopted from a list by Paul Tripp.) 1. The love of Jesus is a committed love. 2. The love of Jesus comes from a willing heart. 3. The love of Jesus is deeply forgiving. “We don't love the way Jesus called us to love because we aren't willing to forgive the way Jesus has forgiven. And so, we carry thoughts of condemnation; we rehearse people's failures in our heads; we keep record of wrongs. In moments of gossip, we share the sin and failure of someone with somebody else. Listen! It's very hard to move lovingly towards someone you are, at that moment, condemning.” – Paul Tripp 4. The love of Jesus is unrelenting. 5. The love of Jesus is incarnational. “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” — 1 John 4:12

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” — Romans 12:10 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” — 1 John 4:7–9 1. The Call to Love “Beloved, let us love one another….” — 1 John 4:7a The call to love is central to the life of a child of God. “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers…” — 1 John 3:14 2. The Source of Love “…for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” — 1 John 4:7b-8 Follow what John is saying: - God is love. - Those who know God are His children. - God's children take on His nature. - Therefore, God's children will love like God loves. “…for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” — 1 John 4:7b “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20 “Love is from God the way heat is from fire, or the way light is from the sun. Love belongs to God's nature. It's woven into what he is. It's part of what it means to be God. The sun gives light because it is light. And fire gives heat because it is heat. So John's point is that in the new birth, this aspect of the divine nature becomes part of who you are. The new birth is the imparting to you of divine life, and an indispensable part of that life is love. God's nature is love, and in the new birth that nature becomes part of who you are.…” — John Piper, “The New Birth Produces Love” 3. The Manifestation of Love “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” — 1 John 4:9 “God demonstrated His love in this, while we were sinners Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 This text is about being so deeply transformed by the love of God within that we live the supernatural love of God without. “By this all men will know you are my disciples because of your love for one another.” — John 13:35

“…submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” — Ephesians 5:21–33 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NET) “You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.” — Genesis 3:16b (NET)

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” — Psalm 103:1-2 “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” — Matthew 15:8 1. Praising God Begins in the Heart. (vs. 1-2) “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” — Psalm 103:1-2 2. Praising God means Reflecting on His Goodness. (vs. 2b-5) “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” — Psalm 103:2-5 He is a God Who Forgives “…who forgives all your iniquity…” — Psalm 103:3a He is a God Who Heals “…who heals all your diseases…” — Psalm 103:3b “Take heart, take courage, take joy in the fact that you, though formerly red like crimson, are now white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18 He is a God Who Redeems “…who redeems your life from the pit…” — Psalm 103:4a He is a God Who Crowns “…who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy….” — Psalm 103:4b He is a God Who Satisfies “…who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” — Psalm 103:5

What scares you to death? God does not call us to raise perfect children. He teaches us how to parent on purpose. “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.” — Proverbs 2:1–11 If you will… - Be Attentive & Receive - Call Out & Pray - Seek & Search Then you will… - Find & Understand Parenting on Purpose is about preparing the kid for the road/journey, not preparing the road/journey for the kid. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.” — Proverbs 21:31 Respect Obey Love Excel Share/Serve What about life and parenting scares you to death? “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31 If God is for us, then who can be against us!

“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.” — Matthew 15:21 Our primary responsibility as children of God is to take the gospel to everyone, everywhere. “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.' But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is crying out after us.'” — Matthew 15:22-23 “He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.'” — Matthew 15:24-25 “And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.'” — Matthew 15:26-28 1. The Mother's Request “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.'” — Matthew 15:22 2. The Master's Response “But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.' And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.'” — Matthew 15:25-27 “Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.'” — Matthew 15:28

Healthy Marriages are the Foundation of Healthy Homes “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”— Genesis 2:24 1. Leave “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother… — Genesis 2:24 We must leave our parents. Your spouse is your new priority. We must leave our past. 2. Cleave “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife — Genesis 2:24 Marriage is not contractual; it's covenantal. “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” — Ephesians 5:31–32 3. Become “One-flesh.” “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24 Marriage Belongs to God “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 3:5 When leaving becomes an issue, stress becomes the norm. If we don't cleave to each other, we will cleave to something (or someone). If you want a healthy marriage, you must have healthy hearts. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God…” — John 3:3

Healthy Homes Protect Themselves From The Attacks of the Enemy by Shielding Themselves with the Love of God “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:15–17 1. Protect your home from loving the wrong things. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. — 1 John 2:15 Worldliness is a matter of the heart. We cannot love God and the world simultaneously. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” — Matthew 6:24 2. Protect your home from empty promises. “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” — 1 John 2:16 “Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom.” — Genesis 3:6 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” — James 1:14–15 A Passion for Pleasures “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 2:11 Our passion for pleasure hinders our contentment in God. A Passion for Possessions and Praise “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides you.” — Psalm 73:25 3. Protect your house from the things that don't last. “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:17 This is a Call to Consider - Our Investments - Our Worship

Healthy Homes Have Healthy Rhythms. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. — Deuteronomy 6:4-9 1. The Bible: Our Curriculum. “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:7 “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you…” — Deuteronomy 6:1 “Hear, O Israel The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4 2. The Student: Our Children. “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:7 Parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children. “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children…” — Deuteronomy 4:9 “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” — Deuteronomy 11:19 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4 3. The Strategy: Everyone, Everywhere. “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” — Deuteronomy 6:7-9 The home is the first mission field. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” — Proverbs 22:15 Essential Rhythms for a Healthy Home 1. Center your home daily on the Word of God. 2. Pray together daily. 3. Create a rhythm of solitude. 4. Eliminate distractions. 5. Make church a priority.

Healthy Homes are shaped by prayer. How Should We Pray? 1. We should pray like a child. (vs. 9) “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven…”— Matthew 6:9 - Our Father has a family
 - Our Father knows what we need.
 - Our Father is over all. 2. We should pray with a heavenly hunger. (vs. 9a–10) “Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”— Matthew 6:10 - For Our Father's Name to be Honored
 - For Our Father's Kingdom to Come
 - For Our Father's Will to be Done 3. We should pray for our earthly needs. (vs. 11–13) “Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” — Matthew 6:11-13 - Provision
 - Forgiveness
 - Preservation

“Those who come into our homes should sense the presence of God.” — Billy Graham Healthy homes are built on healthy disciples. 1. Healthy disciples set their hearts and minds on Jesus. “If then you have been raised with Christ seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” — Colossians 3:1-4 When We Are In Christ… Following Jesus shifts our seeking. Following Jesus transforms our thinking. 2. Healthy disciples take off the old. “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.” — Colossians 3:5-7 Sexual sins crumble the home. “Can a man carry fire next to his chest without his clothes being burned?” — Proverbs 6:27 Social sins crumble the home. “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices…” — Colossians 3:8-9 “…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” — Colossians 3:10 Prideful sins crumble the home. “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” — Colossians 3:11 3. Healthy disciples put on the new. Build the home by reflecting Jesus. “…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” — Colossians 3:12 “…so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:7 “…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” — Colossians 3:13 “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:14 Build the home by resting in Jesus. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15 Build the home by rejoicing in Jesus. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” — Colossians 3:16 True joy transcends circumstances. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17

“It's not that I'm afraid of dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens.” — Woody Allen, Actor Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26 1. The Problem: Sickness and death. 2. The Tension: The delay. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” — John 11:5–6 “So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.' But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.'” — John 11:3–4 3. The Solution: Jesus' response to the problem. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.'” — John 11:25-26 Jesus brings a future event to the present. Jesus makes a doctrine personal. 4. The Question: Do you believe? “As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death.” — Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NIV)

Healthy churches never quit fighting for the faith. 1. Flee. “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.” — 1 Timothy 6:11a 2. Pursue “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” — 1 Timothy 6:11b Separation without consecration leads to isolation. 3. Fight “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” — 1 Timothy 6:12 “The laborers held a tool in one hand and their spear in the other.” — Nehemiah 4:17 4. Be Faithful. “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 6:13-16 “Those who endure to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13 “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you eternal life.” — Revelation 2:10 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12 “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” — 2 Timothy 2:12 Persevering to the end is evidence of salvation. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” — 1 John 2:19 The faithful live in awe and wonder of God's greatness. “…which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 6:15-16

Healthy churches find true contentment in their pursuit of godliness. 1. Pursue godliness. “If anyone teaches a different doctrine…” — 1 Timothy 6:3 “...he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:4-5 Godliness is directed reverence. 2. Pursue godliness with contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Godly contentment is not a change in circumstance, it's union with Christ. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11-13 Godly contentment is not detachment from stuff, it's devotion with the Savior. “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” — 1 Timothy 6:8-10 “The love of worldly possessions entangles the soul and keeps it from flying to God.” — Augustine Godliness with contentment is great gain.