ImpactKC Sermons

Sabrina, our Impact supported missionary in Czech, shares stories of her time in Czech and encourages us to be missionaries where we are.

New Beginnings Ezra 3:7-13 1. The Importance of Rebuilding Foundations - Ezra 3:7-10 2. The Power of Working in Unity. Ezra 3:7-10 3. Three Powerful Perspectives: Looking Back, Forward, and Up. Ezra 3:10-13 It is possible to unite the shout of joy with the weeping. Two reminders: 1. The older crowd could have discouraged the younger men, but didn't. 2. The younger crowd could have ignored the wisdom and experience of the older crowd, but didn't.

Title: So, whats really going on? Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Luke 9:62 “Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” Philippians 3:13-14 “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mathew 28-29: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Luke 22:43 “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Matthew 19:26 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Titus 3:10-11 “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Matthew 12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Exodus 16:3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” 1 Peter: 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. Ephesians 6:12 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. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other…”

“The Sufferings of Jesus” Part 2 DARKNESS OVER ALL THE LAND “Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.” (Mt 27:45 NKJV) Happened Before “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand towards the sky so that darkness will spread over Egypt— darkness that can be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand towards the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No-one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.” (Ex 10:21-23 NIV) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Isaiah 53:3-12 Stricken by God… We considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. He was pierced for our transgressions. (He was) Crushed for our iniquities; (our) punishment…was upon Him. The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. For the transgression of my people He was stricken. Yet it was the LORD's will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer. The LORD makes His life a guilt offering. He will bear their iniquities. He bore the sin of many. All the punishment that justice demanded, for our sin, was placed on Jesus. Jesus, the Lamb of God – A sin Offering – to be sin for us: John 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Romans. 8:3 “For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering” Heb. 9:28 “…Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people... 2 Cor. 5:21 “God made Him who had no sin - to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Page 1 of 3 “…My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46 NIV) Why did He do It? “For the joy that was set before Him. Heb. 12:2 (us) “After the suffering of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous Servant will justify many.” From Isa, 53 Love: See John 3:16-17 PROMISE: “…I will never leave you nor forsake you.“” (Heb 13:5b NKJV) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I Am Thirsty” John 19:28 Jesus was the Son of God, but He also was the son of man. A reference to prophecy fulfilled > Psalm 22:15 (see 12-18) 2:00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “It Is Finished” “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30 NKJV) 1) Paid in Full - It's the Completion of a Transaction. 2) Payment Required a Perfect Sacrifice (the Lamb of God). The price of our sin was more than we could afford. So, God paid it. 3) Proof of Payment * The resurrection of Jesus - with many witnesses * The seal of the H.S. (Eph. 1:13-14) “…(we were) marked in Him with a seal, The promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…” 4) Declare Bankruptcy! Accept the Gift > the Payment Offered. “Good works are good – but not good enough (to save us).” Tony Evans “For the wages of sin (what sin earns you) is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ro 6:23 NKJV) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (John 1:12 NKJV) Page 2 of 3 Last Statement “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Lu 23:46 NIV) After Jesus died > What Happened ???? “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!“” (Mt 27:51-54 NIV) After Jesus took His last breath…BOOM… There was an earthquake / rocks split in two Tombs/graves opened up Dead Holy people of God rose from the dead Three days later, after Jesus rose from the dead, these same Holy people went into town & appeared to many people. (Where were they those 3 days?)

The Sufferings of Jesus Part 1 Scriptures Luke 23:34 Father, forgive them, they know not what they do / they do not know what they are doing. “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson John 10:17-18 NIV “… I lay down my life only to take it up again. No-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again…” Matt. 26:53 NIV “…do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? Ex. 12:23 & I Cor. 10:10 The destroyer, destroying angel, angel of death. (All Singular) John 18:4-6 “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” and Jesus said, “I am He” (the soldiers and the mob with them) “…drew back and fell to the ground.” The Complete Jewish N.T. interprets what Jesus said as, “I AM”. Jesus Spoke Forgiveness Luke 23:42-43 NKJV “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Page 1 of 2 Mark 15:32 “… And those who were crucified with Him reviled (taunted / cast the same insults at) Him (as others were doing).” Hearing Jesus, he had a change of heart. Luke 23:39-43 NKJV “Then one of the criminals who were hanged (with Jesus) blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Jesus Gave Hope Biblical Hope: A confident, joyful expectation of good. You are among the REMEMBERED. John 19:26-27 NIV “When Jesus saw his mother there, and (John)…standing near by, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and (to John)...“Here is your mother.” From that time on, (John)…took her into his home.” Jesus Remembered Mom Let us follow the example of Jesus: Extend Forgiveness, pass-on Hope, and make Family a priority.

Desperate for a Miracle Matthew 9:18 - 26 Desperation - The more desperate we are the less we care about the others' opinions.- vs. 18-23 Miracles - we don't just believe in them, we depend on them - VS 20 - 22 Waiting - It can be difficult to watch someone else get their miracle when you're waiting for your own.

Matthew 9:9-13 Jesus Calls you as you are Don't avoid those who need Christ Be Prepared to Receive Criticism Galatians 1:10 Ezekiel 34:14-15 Hosea 6:6 Anyone can come to Jesus. You must confess your sins to God. We should be merciful to sinners as God was merciful to us. EVANGELISM is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. D. T. Niles

The Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:5 - 13 A verse by verse look at the Lord's Prayer.

Ephesians 3:14-21.

How to Pray for Others Ephesians 1:15 - 23 Give Thanks for Others - VS. 15, 16 Pray That Others Receive Wisdom and Revelation and Power - VS. 17-23 God releasing His power tells us that: God is on our side. God’s power is always working on our behalf God is always fighting against the forces of evil on the believers’ behalf No human strength or spiritual power from the evil world (not even Satan himself) can deter, diminish or change God’s power. Pray for the Church to Carry Out Jesus Work - VS. 19-23 We Pray for a return to God's Calling - V. 18

Seeking Prayers 2 Chronicles 20 NKJV The Challenge - VS 1-2 The Response - VS 3-4 The word “seek” means to ‘worship’, but it also means to discover God’s will. The Prayer - VS. 5-12 The Answer - VS 13 - 17 The Partnership - VS 16, 17 The Praise - VS. 18-21 The Victory – VS. 22-30

Walking in God’s Favor – Part 2 1. Loving God with all your heart - Matthew 22:37 2. If you want to grow in God’s favor Love people 3. If you want to grow in God’s favor Seek His Wisdom/Direction. Proverbs 8:35; 4. If you want to grow in God’s favor, Love what God loves and Hate what God hates - Psalm 5:4 4. If you want to grow in God’s favor Practice Generosity - Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 25:34-40 5. If you want to grow in favor Seek righteousness - Genesis 6:8, 9; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 5:12 6. If you want to grow in God’s favor Purse Unity - 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 4:32; John 13:35; Ephesians 4:11-13 Response: How would your life look if you were surrounded, all day and every day, by God’s favor? How different would things be if doors opened for you, and you walked through each one covered with God’s favor? Would your actions and attitudes in every situation be any different if you knew beyond any doubt that God has gone before you and you are one of God’s favorites? If you had God’s favor poured out on you could you find the courage to lay down your anxieties and fears? Would you take steps of faith? Would you treat people differently?

Walking in God’s Favor – Part 1 God wants us to experience His favor - Psalm 30:5 God’s Favor is most easily seen in God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8 God’s favor affects everything. Ephesians 2:6-9 God’s favor surrounds you continually. Psalm 5:12 Realize you have God’s favor and can grow in it. 2 Peter 1:3-8

Pastor Amy Briggs talks about anchoring in Jesus and not letting ourselves get tossed around by the storm.

Reluctant Warriors Judges 6:7 – 7:22 It takes the revelation of God for us to see the real issue - 6:7-13 It takes the revelation of God for us to see who we really are. - 6:12, 14 It takes the revelation of God for us to know He is always with us - 6:12, 14 The battle we see isn't always the first one we have to fight. - 6:25, 26 God has the power to save - 7:7-15 God affirms us, sometimes from the most unlikely people and places - 7:7-15 Application: Is the issue you’re struggling with the real issue? Are you mad at God about something you mismanaged? What does God see in you, that you don’t? Do you know He promised His presence? Really know? Do you know He has the power to something good when the situation is really bad?

United and Effective Romans15:14 – 30; 16:25 – 27; 1:1-5 We need lots of reminders…lots -14:14-16 The Gospel of Christ is Powerful - 14:17-22 Compassion Matters - 14:23-29 Expect Opposition - 14:30-33; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 God is for you - 16:25-27 Response: If you are struggling today, is there any part of the gospel you need to be reminded of? Is there someone God is asking you to be compassionate toward? Pray together about any opposition we are facing. Remind each other that God is for you.

Practical Faith How to get along with almost anyone – even people who see the faith differently than you Romans 13:11-14 The world is listening · You and the people you care about and even people who you don’t know are watching your life. · What you do gives weight to what you say. Romans 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 8:7, 8 Three observations: · Some people will always see Christianity more as rules and regulations. · Some people have the idea that one can gain God's favor by doing certain things and abstaining from others. · Some people can be careless with their freedom How do we respond to people who see the faith differently? Pursue Understanding Show Respect Disagree Agreeably - Teach truth and trust the Holy Spirit. Dismiss – Discuss – Debate - Defend – Die For You are family whether you agree or not - Romans 14:7-12 Don’t judge others VS. 13-16 Don’t cause others to stumble Christian freedom and Christian love go hand in hand VS 17, 18 Build and Unite - VS. 19- 23 Response: Am I living with urgency? – Time really is short Am I treating others with understanding and respect? What can I do this week to build others up and encourage unity in the church?

Practical Faith How to get along with almost anyone – even people who see the faith differently than you Romans 13:11-14 The world is listening · You and the people you care about and even people who you don’t know are watching your life. · What you do gives weight to what you say. Romans 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 8:7, 8 Three observations: · Some people will always see Christianity more as rules and regulations. · Some people have the idea that one can gain God's favor by doing certain things and abstaining from others. · Some people can be careless with their freedom How do we respond to people who see the faith differently? Pursue Understanding Show Respect Disagree Agreeably - Teach truth and trust the Holy Spirit. Dismiss – Discuss – Debate - Defend – Die For You are family whether you agree or not - Romans 14:7-12 Don’t judge others VS. 13-16 Don’t cause others to stumble Christian freedom and Christian love go hand in hand VS 17, 18 Build and Unite - VS. 19- 23 Response: Am I living with urgency? – Time really is short Am I treating others with understanding and respect? What can I do this week to build others up and encourage unity in the church?

How to get Along with Almost Everyone General Guidelines Romans12: Love Sincerely - V. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate evil-Love Good - V. 9 Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be Devoted to Your Family - V. 10 Sometimes I really am 2nd - V. 10 Honor one another above yourselves. Serve the Lord with fervor - V. 11 Stay the Course - V. 12 and Daniel 3:16-30 Share with Others - V. 13 “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Missionary and Martyr Jim Elliot

God’s Grace and Gifts Romans 12:3-8 1. God’s grace helps us think truthfully about ourselves - V. 3 2. God gives and grows our faith - V. 3 Saving Faith – Romans 10:17 Serving Faith- VS 3, 4 Supernatural Faith VS. 4-6 3. God gives and grows our spiritual gifts VS. 6-8 - Spiritual Gifts Are Received, Talents Are Inherited - Spiritual Gifts Are Given to the believer, Talents Are given to everyone - Spiritual Gifts Are Matured and often times Surprising While Talents Are Developed and often times Expected - Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of Christ’s church and to equip us to be involved in the “work of the ministry” The gift of prophecy – v. 6 The gift of serving - V. 7 The gift of teaching - V. 7 The gift of encouraging (exhortation) - V. 8 The gift of giving - V. 8 The gift of leadership – V 8 The gift of mercy – V 8 Response: Prayerfully ask God to help you see what He sees when He looks at you. Remember you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Ask the Lord and trusted friends to help you identify and grow in your spiritual gifts.

Worship and Transformation Review of “Therefore's” in Romans: Romans 3:20 Romans 5:1 - Justification is the act of God whereby He forgives the unsaved person's sin, and He imputes/credits/assigns to them the righteousness of Christ when through faith they believe. Romans 8:1 Romans 12:1, 2 1. Offering Ourselves to God is Worship - V. 1 Real worship is the offering of everyday life to him. It's not just what might happen in a church gathering, but something which sees the whole world as the temple of the living God. 2. Worshipping Leads to Transformation - V. 2 Response: Have a offered myself, my body to God? Do I see every day as an opportunity to worship to serve to delight in God? Am I letting Jesus transform my mind? · We cannot afford to have anything in our minds about ourselves that God doesn't have in His mind about us. · We cannot afford to have anything in our minds about God that He has not revealed about Himself through His Word and through the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth. · We cannot afford to have anything in our minds about another person that isn't revealed through His Word or through the Holy Spirit. Result: Transformation Keeps us in God's Will

Romans 11:1-6 Ephesians 2:8-9 It is the unmerited favor of God, unconditional love given to the undeserving. - C.S. Lewis Romans 11:7-10 John 1:11-13 Romans 11:11-17 Ephesians 3:6 Romans 11:18-24 Romans 11:25-32 We are Saved by Grace. We are Grafted In. God’s Promises Hold True. Are you in Jesus Christ? Are you saved by the grace of God? Have your sins been washed away by the blood of the Lamb? Has Israel's fall become your bridge to freedom? Romans 11:33-36

Salvation, 'Sentness' and Worship Romans10:14-21 · People need the Good News VS 14, 15 · God works through sent people to tell the Good News VS 14, 15 Sent people are worshippers of Jesus If the chief theme of our lives is not worshiping Jesus, enjoying God in him, and being frequently astounded by his grace toward us sinners, we have no good business endeavoring to bring others into an experience that we ourselves aren’t enjoying. · Jesus is the Good News V 17

Barriers to Salvation Romans 10:1-13 1. The barrier of passion without a savior VS 1, 2 2. The barrier of Morality without a moral source V 3; Philippians 3:8-14; Luke 18:9-14; Romans 10:4-8 3. Breaking through the Barriers V. 9-13 · Declaration of Jesus Lordship gives the moral source · Belief in Jesus resurrection leads to salvation

Living on Purpose Romans 9:19 – 33 Living your purpose VS. 19-21 "prepared" in verse 22 in the Greek, reads: "fitted himself for destruction," or “by their own acts have fallen under His wrath” Trusting God’s purpose VS 22-24 - 2 Peter 3:9 -This Purpose was revealed in Prophecy VS 25-29 The Purpose of Grace VS 30-33 Response: Become a follower of Christ Live your purpose Trust God’s purposes

Romans 9:6-18 Being biologically related to Abraham isn't the same as being God’s Child. - VS. 6-8 God’s promises are true. - VS. 6-8 Comment regarding verse 13. The Hebrew words for loved and hated don’t refer to God's emotions but to His choice of one over the other for a covenant relationship. Following the Law (one’s own merit) doesn’t earn your way into heaven. - VS. 9-16 God’s will is complex. VS. 9-18 Sin is universal and Salvation is for everyone.

Romans 9:1-5 A passion for Christ will lead to a passion for the lost. We keep our hearts passionate to see people saved when we truly believe a relationship, not just a godly history, is the key. Response: In our praise and worship we remember we are adopted. We experience His glory and invite others into encounters with Him. Celebrate the new covenant we have in Christ. Remind ourselves of His Promises.

The teaching team gets together to talk about God's Greater Purpose in our lives.

Pastor Bill reads the Christmas story out of Luke 2 for our candlelighting service.

Matthew 16:18 Jesus Greater Than Church: Is a family of disciples who make disciples - Matthew 28:19, 20 Is a lifestyle - 1 Corinthians 10:31 Is a world-wide movement of people - Revelation 7:9 Is a mission we’re on (not a product we consume) - Hebrews 13:20-21 Is a forever family being preparing for Jesus return - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Response: Repent Refocus Regroup Realize Restart

Agape isn’t born out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction, but from the will and as a choice. Agape requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return. 1 John 4:7-8 John 3:16 John 15:12-14 John 15:9-11 1 John 4:19 John 15:12-17 Do you ever quantify God’s love based on your circumstances rather than the cross? Romans 8:38-39 Is there any situation in your life right now that is causing you to question the love of God?

Isaiah 43 God is doing a new thing God’s plan is greater. John 16:5-7 Romans 8:9-11 We have the power to live in freedom. We have the power of discernment. 1 John 4:4 We have the power to be confident in our salvation. 1 John 5:12-13 Response: Have you accepted a less than life in this season? Are you just surviving? Have you chosen the greater than life that God is preparing for you? What do you need to do to grab onto that? What lie can you exchange for God’s truth? How will you “go”? How will you use the power inside of you to move the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth?

Hebrews 11:1, 2, 13-16; John 14:27 I’ll have peace when: I can prove my worth Others are doing worse than me - engaging with toxic people I get it all together I find happiness I avoid anything that’s uncomfortable I impress the right people Someone else finally admits how wrong they are or were I finally get _________ Gods Greater than Peace: IS A PERSON - Ephesians 2:14 IS PURSUED - Hebrews 12:14 GUIDES US - Philippians 4:7 GROWS - Galatians 5:22; 2 Peter 1:2 IS A PROMISE - Isaiah 54:10

Romans 8:31-39 What is “more than conquerors?” “hypernikomen” is used only once in the Bible and means “over and above victory.” How are we more than conquerors? It’s only through Christ who loved us. Why do we often “feel” separated or distanced from God? 1. Are you trapped? Hebrews 12:1 2. Are you distracted? Colossians 2:8 Colossians 3:1-2 3. Are you literally separated? Isaiah 59:2 Ephesians 2:12-13 Phillipians 4:8 Titus 3:3-7

Romans 8:26-27 John 16:7 When we pray, the Spirit can interpret our needs and our desires without our words. The Holy Spirit guides the direction of our prayers. God will NEVER love you less. Romans 8:29-30 1. For whom He foreknew... 2. He predestined us to be like His Son, Jesus. 3. He called us to do good works for His Kingdom. 4. He justified us through the sacrifice of Jesus. 5. He glorified us. Romans 8:28 Phil 1:6 Discussion: Do I surrender control of my prayers to the Holy Spirit? Am I allowing God access to the anxious cries of my soul? Do I believe that God will never love me less? Do I allow myself to rest in being known by the creator of the universe?

As God’s Children: We are led by the Spirit V. 14; He leads us to know Jesus better Ephesians 1:17 He helps us understand the resources we have available to us - 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 He leads us into truth and by implication to help us see what isn't true - John 16; 13, 14 We have been adopted by a Good Father V. 15; Galatians 4:7 The Message We are now heirs VS 16, 17; 1 Peter 1:3, 4; Revelation 21:3 We share in His suffering VS 16, 17 We suffer because of the sacrifice that is required on our part to be the people of God and to extend the kingdom of God. We suffer because we are identified with Christ. We suffer because we see the destruction and despair in a sin-ravaged world. We know suffering with Him is never meaningless Romans 5:3–5

The Transforming Work of the Spirit Romans 8:5-17 The Flesh Versus The Spirit Flesh: the fallen, unredeemed, human nature. A sinful and selfish state of mind 1. The mind set on the flesh · leads to death V. 6 · is hostile to God and God’s truth VS. 7, 8 · cannot please God V. 9 2. The mind set on the Spirit Is focused on what the Spirit desires V 5 Has life and peace V 6 Lives in the Realm of The Holy Spirit V. 9 Foundation of Truth - John 14:16, 17 Full Life - Galatians 6:8, 9 Sanctification – Galatians 5:16-25 Family/community - Romans 8:16, 17 Alignment - Romans 8:26, 27 Supernatural ministry - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Prepared for future - John 16:13

Romans 8:1-4 The Good News About The Good News We Live in Confidence instead of Condemnation V. 8 Observations: We feel condemned because Satan uses past guilt and present failures to make us question what Christ has done for us. There is now no condemnation because the Holy Spirit redemptively corrects us to help us grow (sanctification). The evil one condemns us in an attempt to cause distance and doubt between us and God and other believers. We were condemned – past tense. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. You can’t condemn people who are in Christ Jesus because Christ is not condemned. We Live in Freedom Instead of Bondage VS 2, 3 The Result is our Sanctification V. 4

Are you living liberated? There is another law that is at work in us, setting us free! Romans 8- There is no condemnation... because you have been set free! Have you been in a spiritual battle this week? Repent, come to the table, receive grace and a fresh filling from the Holy Spirit.

Rules based vs grace based living. Rules based Christianity often leads to comparison, judgement, and robs us of joy and peace. If we live under grace, we find that God is our ally, He is on our side and gives us power and wisdom. Galatians 4:4-7.

Resolve that the old you is no longer in charge because you are now dead to sin and alive in Christ! Don't give sin a foothold on something God has already set you free from.

Romans 6:15-23 (TPT) Hebrews 2:1-3 (NKJV) Hebrews 10:26-29 (NKJV) Romans 6 verse 16 (TPT) Romans 6:17 (TPT) Romans 6:20 (NKJV) Hebrews 8:10 (KNJV) Romans. Chapter 6 verse 21-23 (TPT) Ephesians 2:4-8 (NKJV) Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) As we move to a time of response, ask yourself these questions: How is your heart? Is your obedience heart deep? What or who do you serve? Do you seek permission or wait for forgiveness? Is there something for which you need to repent?

God has resources that we don't have, but we can tap into them through our relationship with him. He has put power in our lives to break sin's dominion.

We are powerless, but Christ died for us powerless people while we were still sinners. He loved us before we were saved. There is no condemnation in Christ. That comes from the deceiver or ourselves.

Is your faith unshakable? We will have troubles in this world. How do we rejoice and glory in our suffering? God still leaves us with Hope!

Pastor Bill discusses the difference between Justification, sanctification, and glorification. Do we walk in fear/shame or in freedom? Is your faith about you or about God? Are we relying on God alone?

We have all fallen short and it's only God who can justify us and it is through ONLY Him that we can be saved, not by good deeds or family history.

It's way easier to judge someone else than realize your own shortcomings. Are you attracting people to Christ or pushing them away? Is your faith more about religious activity or the transformation you have experienced. Romans 2:17-3:8

Romans 2 dives into repentance and patience. Repentant people are willing to apologize for all their sins, not just the ones that got them in trouble. They feel bad, ask for forgiveness, get accountability, accept boundaries, and take advantage of 2nd chance moments. Patience is the power to avenge yourself, but choosing not to. See also: 2 Peter 3:9.

Are you lined up with God? Have you been denying or ignoring His truth?

The gospel is dynamic and transforming! I am proud of the gospel! It is the power of God that brings salvation.