Lighthouse Church Durban

The exodus journey of Israel teaches many lessons of life and faith:- God hears and answers - but in HIS perfect timing- In "impossible" situations, choose faith over fear - God is theWay-Maker!- God can meet your needs in the toughest times - remember all he has done in the past!- God's commands are not just rules - they draw us close in relationship with him- Rebellion against God leads to delay and detours.- God's plans are bigger than one person (like you & I)Exodus 13:17-18, 3:7-8, 12:40-41, 14:21-22, 15:23-25, 19:16-20, Numbers 13:31-33, Deuteronomy 34:1-4

Jesus often rebuked religious leaders for hypocrisy - their visible and invisible lives were very different.Like them, we also have a "visible you" and an "invisible you". If the "visible you" grows faster than the "invisible you", trouble is surely coming!Jesus taught us to lay foundations that no-one sees - like secret giving, prayer and fasting - and putting his words into practice in daily life. When we build strong foundations, we position ourselves to withstand the storms of life - and to minister effectively to others.Matthew 23:1-7 & 23-28, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Matthew 6:2-6 & 16-18, Matthew 7:24-27

Israel had to leave Egyptian culture behind in order to embrace God's culture - and they had to come under God's rule. Having left Egypt, God took them on a journey that both challenged them and infused courage and hope in them. There, God revealed himself: his love, his power and his holiness.The journey shows that:- God is patient with us, even when we are slow learners!- We need to learn to focus on God's strength rather than our weaknesses.- The church needs to believe in God's redeeming power in order to help the world believe Exodus 3:1-18, Exodus 2:11-15, Exodus 4:1-31

The young nation of Israel was ruled by God - but then they rejected God as their King. They wanted to live their way. We should be careful not to make the same mistake!Wise men recognised the new-born Jesus as a King who should be worshipped. Jesus declared, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near" and later "I have been given all authority". And our statement of faith "Jesus is Lord" means "Jesus has supreme authority"- he is King over all!God rescues those who believe in Jesus from the kingdom of darkness - and brings us into the kingdom of Jesus. So, as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must submit to the rule of our King - Jesus.1 Samuel 8:1-8, Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21, Colossians 1:13-14

We may sometimes try to "help" or "advise" God regarding what should happen in our lives. We pursue OUR will and ask him to bless OUR plans. We then get frustrated when God works out HIS will instead of ours.The wiser (Biblical) way is to trust God completely (he really does know better than us!) andseek his will and submit to his ways. Sometimes God's will may offend us or even frighten us; we need to trust that he sees and understands what we can't.His plans are perfect!James 4:13-15, Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Jonah 1:1-3, Esther 4:7-16, Acts 17:24-28, Psalm 68:5-6, Romans 12:1-2, Proverbs 19:21

In the Bible, fire speaks of many things, including God's presence, approval and power. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost looked like fire.We can carry the "fire of God" wherever we go. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can be led by God and empowered by God.Only God can light the fire, but we need to fan the flames, seeking God's presence, purpose and power! When we die to self, we are good firewood for God to ignite!We don't need a lot of faith, but we need to put our little faith to work. Let's learn to work with God by stepping out in faith!1 Kings 18:30-38, 2 Kings 6:17, Acts 2:17-19, Acts 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:6, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Acts 2:2

Many people set goals at the beginning of the year. This is a helpful exercise, but we need to ask: "Is this goal ultimately worthwhile?" When we ask this question, we may realise that we need to reconsider our goals.Here is a goal that is eternally worthwhile:TO KNOW JESUS AND BECOME LIKE HIMAnd here are some things that will help us get there:-Get to know Jesus by being in his presence in prayer and in worship.-Get to know Jesus by learning his words and ways from the Bible.-Put Jesus' words into practice in obedient faith.-Submit to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.-Persist in these things!John 18:38-40, Mark 10:35-45, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Philippians 3:7-11, 2 Corinthians 3:18

Technology and social advances can bring greater convenience into many aspects of our lives. These advances can make us more effective as disciples of Christ, butthey can also make us less effective, even lazy and selfish.Jesus calls us to lay down our lives and follow him - because following Jesus can be very inconvenient at times. Choosing the convenient way can lead us away from God's will and towards sin.Let's choose commitment over convenience!Ephesians 6:11, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Luke 9:23-24, 2 Samuel 11:1-17

God's love is truly awesome!Because it's part of who he is, it's a perfect love.God's love makes him approachable - we can come to him confidently, assured of his great love for us.God's love makes him a redeemer - he gladly paid the price to redeem us - Jesus' blood.God's love gives us security - if he is for us, who can stand against us?God's love is poured into our hearts - we can experience true love personally!And because Gods love is poured into our hearts, we can truly love one another - and love the lost.Ephesians 1:4-5, Exodus 34:6, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 5:7, Hebrews 10:19-22, Exodus 15:13, John 3:16, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 4:16, Romans 8:31-32, Psalms 62:2, Romans 5:5, 1 John 4:7-8, John 13:34, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

In Jeremiah, two types of people are contrasted. Those who trust in themselves and in other people are like shrubs in the desert. Those who trust in God are like well-watered trees. Here are some ways to live like a tree and not a shrub:- Recognise your True Hope- Avoid forsaking God- Live with enduring hope- Stay connected to the Source- Embrace Jesus as the Source of Living WaterLet's live like well-watered trees, not desert shrubs!Jeremiah 17:5-13, Psalm 1, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Timothy 3:16 -17, John 7:38

Humble submission is the opposite attitude to pride, independence and arrogance. Pride can be hard to spot; it takes humility to recognise our pride!Sometimes our pride is the obstacle that keeps us from moving forward. We want to see the situation change, but God wants to see US change!Humility is something we develop with practice:-putting others first, instead of chasing our own gains-recognising where others are better than us, instead of boasting about ourselves-serving others, instead of ourselves.Humility even brings freedom from anxieties: as we humble ourselves, confessing our weakness and fears and seeking God's strength.1 Peter 5:5-7, Philippians 2:3, Mark 9:35, Psalm 25:9, Proverbs 16:18, Psalm 13:1-6

Jesus was born a baby; but before that, he was the Word, the agent of creation, life and light. The Word became human - and made his home among us.This shows us just how much we matter to God!Jesus left his heavenly glory behind for us,he laid down his life for us, dying for our sin,and he rose from the dead, defeating sin & death for us!How will you respond to this greatest love of all? 2 Corinthians 5:16, Acts 9:1-9, Revelation 1:9-17, John 1:1-5, 10-14, John 3:16-17, Luke 2:10-14, Philippians 2:6-11

When we are aware of the devil's schemes, we can defend ourselves against them. We are privileged have a record of how the devil tried to keep Jesus from his mission - and of how Jesus defeated those attacks:Scheme 1: "The end justifies the means."Defence: Always do what is right - just as Jesus did.Scheme 2: "Just do it - God will rescue you."Defence: Act prudently, not recklessly.Scheme 3: Make a false doctrine from one Bible verse.Defence: Seek the whole counsel of God.Scheme 4: Encourage selfish desires.Defence: Learn to be content.Matthew 4:1-10, Romans 12:17, 1 John 3:7-8, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 3:21, Acts 20:27, Philippians 4:12-13

While some say, "follow your heart", the Bible cautions us that the heart can be deceitful, hard and sick! Our hearts need God's healing and transforming work - and we need to guard our hearts from becoming hardened, wounded or dirtied. Wewould be wise to:-Reflect on our heart's condition to see if there are areas that need God's restoring or transforming work.-Surrender our heart to God and ask Him to soften it.-Seek God's guidance and renewal daily.-Guard our heart - everything we do flows from it.-Seek encouragement from others to stay faithful.Jeremiah 17:9-10, Psalm 51:6-10, Ezekiel 36:26, Matthew 15:18-19, Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 3:12-13

The oldest scheme of the devil is found in Genesis. In a cunning, step-by-step scheme, the serpent tricked the first man and woman into throwing away their closerelationship with God - and the paradise they lived in.This scheme is very much at work to this day - so we would be wise to recognise the scheme and resist it!Let's read the Bible - and find out what God really said!Let's trust the Bible - it has far greater credibility than any other book we will ever read!Let's trust God's goodness - our Creator knows how everything works; his instructions are always the best!Let's not allow our personal desires to overrule God's word!Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:1-6

Circumstances and feelings can cause us to feel that God has abandoned us. But God promises to never leave us!Humans lie and change their minds - but God is not like that!Jesus didn't walk away from sinners - he won't walk away from you!God understands our weaknesses - and helps us through our trials.Hebrews 13:5, Numbers 23:19, Matthew 16:21-23, Matthew 26:34-35, Matthew 26:69-75, John 21:15-17, John 8:2-11, 1 Kings 19:3-9, Luke 15:11-24

A small hole can empty a bucket. Small foxes can ruin a vineyard. A little yeast affects a whole batch of dough. In the same way, our "small sins" can do far more damage that we may think - both to us and to those around us.We should therefore:-Recognise the "little foxes" in our life-Get rid of those foxes!-Put up fences (set boundaries) - or repair themSong of Songs 2:15, Luke 12:1-2, Romans 2:21-24, 1 Corinthians 5:1-7, Galatians 5:2-9

We can gain valuable insights from Isaac as he dug wells:We need to identify our neglected "wells" - such as prayer, Bible reading, worship and fellowship.We need to renew these ways, seeking "living water" from Jesus.We need to persevere in these things as we face obstacles and even opposition.Reclaiming our spiritual wells changes our relationship with God and with others.Genesis 26:12-25, Matthew 5:5, John 4:13-14, Genesis 26:26-29, Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 16:7

The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. We should therefore:- know the gospel- trust the power of the gospel.We may be ashamed of many things, but we should NOT be ashamed of the gospel!We may be weak in many ways, but that does NOT reduce the power of the gospel!Romans 1:14-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Acts 2:22-24, 36-38, 1 Peter 3:15, Luke 13:3, Luke 12:5, Acts 2:36, Romans 6:20-21, Philippians 1:27, Romans 2:24, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 10:10

Sometimes we go to people for what only God can do. This can frustrate us and the people we go to. The Bible tells us how- God gave Hannah the child that her husband couldn't give- Jesus gave a woman the forgiveness that a Pharisee couldn't give- Jesus healed a woman who no doctor had been able to healThese women pushed through significant barriers to get to God; when we realise where our true help comes from, we will do the same!1 Samuel 1:1-28, Luke 7:36-50, Mark 5:25-29, Psalm 121:1-2

Sometimes our circumstances "get on top of us". In those times, it's good to know that great heroes of faith also had those moments! Know too that others around us are also fighting battles.In those times, ask God for relief, but be open to his "no". He may choose not to change your situation; he may change you instead!We can be more than conquerors in the fiercest battles when we:Change our focus from our trial to Jesus.Change our goal from our will to God's will.Change our definition of victory from changed circumstances to Kingdom advance.Psalm 6:6-7, 1 Kings 19:3-4, Matthew 26:37-38, 1 Peter 4:12, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Philippians 1:12, 8:35-39, John 16:33

God doesn't take us out of our trials - but He is with us through them. He wants us to learn perseverance in our trials producing character and faith.In our trials, we can find peace in knowing that God works out everything in conformity with his perfect will.Prayer is powerful. God hears our every prayer, sees our every tear and is always there to comfort and encourage us.May we be those who will comfort the downhearted and help those in their walk. Many are facing painful trials we are not even aware of.Judges 6:1-16, Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 55:1-8, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 8:35-37

When we look in the mirror, we may not like what we see. The image of God has been tarnished, damaged. When we compare ourselves to Jesus, the true image of God, we may feel disheartened. But Jesus came to make a way for us to be transformed into his image!Just as an art restorer carefully and patiently works to return a painting to its former glory, God wants to work in us, transforming us into the image of Jesus - the image of God.Let's co-operate with him as he works - even when it's painful!And let's base our identity on God says about us. We are God's children, God's chosen and God's workmanship!Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:18-32, Colossians 1:15-16, John 14:8-9, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 5:8, John 1:12-13, 1 Peter 2:9

God is WORTHY to be praised and worshipped!God seeks-true worshippers - led by the Holy Spirit-authentic worship - an honest overflow of a life surrendered to himPraise glorifies God - and it strengthens us!We can express praise and worship in many ways and in any place - he is always worthy!John 4:23, Psalm 96:4, Psalm 69:30, Psalm 96:7-8, Psalm 84:4-7, Psalm 22:22, Psalm 57:9, Psalm 109:30, Psalm 26:7, Psalm 42:4, Judges 5:3, Psalm 95:6, Psalm 134:2, Psalm 47:1, Psalm 149:3

God's ways are higher than our ways. He sees what we can't see. So the journey that he maps out for us may not make sense to us at times.It may also be hard - very hard.In those hard times, we need to:-trust God - no matter what - and submit to his will-remember that he is our faithful creator and is perfectly capable of sustaining us-take the opportunities that our trials bring, continuing to do good-persevere, letting the discipline of perseverance mature us and the fiery furnace of trials refine the gold of our faith.Acts 21:10-14, Philippians 1:12-14, Isaiah 53:9-10, Luke 22:41-44, John 3:16, Job 1:1, 1:12, 2:6, Genesis 50:20, 1 Peter 4:19, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7

We were created to worship God. Our worship is often a response to God's gift ofsalvation and the victories he has won for us, but sometimes our worship itselfwill bring us into victory. Some battles are won as we worship; worship can bea form of spiritual warfare.When we have battles to fight, we need to ask "What has God been saying? What has he taught me?" These words will guide us in our battle.Our battles often have both practical and spiritual parts; we need to fight both in order to win our victory.Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 5:4-5, Exodus 13:17-18, Exodus 17:8-9, Exodus 16:1-18, John4:10-13, John 6:51, Exodus 17:1-16

The goal of worship is to give God the reverence and honourthat is due to Him. The essence of worship is a life of devotion to God - for our life to be a living sacrifice.The more we see of the greatness and goodness of God, the more we will value and love him. This is well expressed through "extravagant" sacrifices (Abraham), offerings (Mary) and expressions of joy (David).Worship is not the music, instruments or equipment - even though we use them to worship.Genesis 22:1-3, John 12:3, 2 Samuel 6:14&20, Romans 12:1, Psalm 150

Jesus' disciples represent their King in hostile places. Some people are offended simply because we bear his name. Others are offended because good challenges evil. The nature of the hostility varies depending on the nation and community, but we will face hostility.This means that we need to be wise if we are to be effective as ambassadors.We should:- live godly lives and do good in our community- fear God more than people who intimidate- treat people with gentleness and respect (be diplomats!)Colossians 1:13-14, John 16:1-3, John 15:18-21, 1 John 3:12-13, 1 Peter 3:13-17, Luke 12:4-5, Romans 12:18

Life can be full of challenges; we can face them fearfully or courageously.God's children should remember that his ways are far higher than ours. We shouldn't try to understand them, just trust & obey him!We should base our obedience on God's commands that we already have (in the Bible), learning & obeying them.We should ask God to give us his power, love & self-control as we choose to be courageous.Remember, God is with us, he knows our future, and his plans work!2 Timothy 1:7, Joshua 1:1-9, Joshua 6:2-20

We are Christ's ambassadors. As "Christians", we bear his name and represent him wherever we go. This is a great responsibility!As good ambassadors, we want to:- Present Jesus' message of reconciliation clearly.- Live out his mission to seek and save the lost.- Tell people who he really is.- Demonstrate his ways for all to see.2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 4:17, Luke 19:10, Colossians 1:13-14, Matthew 16:13-17, Colossians 1:15-18, Revelation 1:14-17, John 13:35

Every child of God has a place - and a part to play. This is true regardless of our past or our present situations - in fact, God uses "where we've been" and "where we are right now" to equip and position us for ministry!Those places and parts can be very different, because we are on different journeys, face different challenges and have different gifts. Yet we share common missions such asmaking disciples and demonstrating  the love of Jesus.Matthew 28:18-20, John 13:34-35, John 15:13, 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17

One principle of the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught and modelled is that "small" things can have a great impact:- Small seeds grow into trees- A small amount of yeast affects a big batch of dough So a seemingly "small" person can have a great impact - as can a small church. A seemingly insignificant conversation - or act - can also have a great impact.So don't ask, "Do I have what it takes to do that?"Rather ask, "Does God want me to do that?"No job is too big - or too small!Matthew 13:31-33, John 4:3-42, John 3:1-4, John 19:38-42, John 12:23-24, Romans 5:18-19, Acts 4:13, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Jesus taught that our attitudes and motives matter to God. And how we do things can reveal our heart - sincerity, humility, purity and devotion - or a lack of these.Making a show of our giving, prayer and fasting reveals a desire for the approval of people rather than God; God rewards us when we do these things secretly, for him alone.Matthew 6:1-18

We have a wonderful and precious faith - but it is under attack! We therefore need to stand strong  and defend our faith in the face of:- False teachings- Trouble, hardship, persecution and dangerRemember,- The truth is always true!- Nothing can separate us from the love of God!Jude 1:1-4, Romans 8:35-39, 2 Corinthians 12:10

Jesus said "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."While receiving, or being filled with, the Holy Spirit is vitally important, we must understand that this "living water" should flow OUT of us as well as into us.When we open our hearts and lives to minister to people around us, the life of God can flow into our communities - in many different places and ways.John 7:37-39, Acts 19:1-2, 2:46, 3:1, 8:4, 16:13, 16:25, 17:19, 6:1, Matthew 25:35-40

The Kingdom of God is very different and can be hard to understand; so Jesus presented it in terms of illustrations and contrasts. He challenged cultural assumptions of the day and presented alternative ways of thinking and living.His parables are powerful because they are culturally relevant, easily remembered, in the context of ordinary life, logical, and they become even more meaningful as we think about them!Matthew 7:28-29, 13:33, 19:24, 5:3-12, Numbers 12:3, Luke 6:24-26, Matthew 5:42, Luke 15:3-32

God gives ALL of his children spiritual gifts. He gives different gifts to different people, so his work is different in each of us. He gifts us in order to bless others, not ourselves.In some cases, WE become the gift, as we serve the church as equippers: apostles, prophets, evangelists,pastors and teachers.1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28, 1Kings 3:25-26, Matthew 16:16-17, Luke 7:6-8, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 21:10-11, Matthew 24:24, Acts 2:6, 1 Corinthians 14:2-5, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-12

There are appropriate and inappropriate ways to dress for weddings and other special occasions. We "dress for the occasion". The Bible uses this analogy to describe how we can - and should - change our ways appropriately for life in the Kingdom of God.As an ancient wedding host would provide special clothes for his guests, God has provided his children with new "clothes" - glorious new ones! So we should get changed! We should "take off" the old, the dirty and the inappropriate and "put on" the new, the clean and the appropriate.Matthew 22:10-14, Zechariah 3:1-7, Ephesians 4:22-31, Luke 15:18-23, Isaiah 61:10

Just as Jesus' disciples walked and worked closely with Jesus, we are to "keep in step" with the Holy Spirit. The "fruit of the Spirit" is evidence that we are living in step with him.Because the Holy Spirit comes in Jesus' name, he leads in line with Jesus' words and ways. Knowing and obeying Jesus' words and ways makes it easier to recognise and obey the Spirit's guidance. The more devoted we are to God's purposes, the more we are suitable vessels for his work.His ways are sometimes mysterious - but they are marvellous!John 14:15-18, Matthew 11:28-30, Galatians 5:25,19-23, John 14:26, John 16:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, 1 Corinthians 13:12, Acts 16:6-10

Repentance is sometimes viewed negatively, but it is actually a gift from God that brings reconciliation, refreshing and transformation.True repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. It comes from the heart and includes confessing our sin and forgiving others.It is NOT merely being sorry that you were caught, embarrassed or punished! Is NOT merely saying the right thing to win back support!Repentance is not trying to get people back on your side; it is getting yourself back on the Lords side!Luke 19:1-10, Acts 3:19, Matthew 21:28-29, Isaiah 57:15, Proverbs 28:13, Matthew 3:8, Acts 17:30, Mark 11:25, Exodus 9:27-34, 1 Samuel 15:24-25

Jesus has commissioned all of his disciples - to be his witnesses and make disciples everywhere. This is a supernatural work that needs supernatural power. The Holy Spirit provides this power.Jesus said we can trust our Heavenly Father to give us this good gift - so we should ask!The book of Acts teaches us that there is no "formula", but we can pray together and ask   leaders we trust to pray and lay hands on us.Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 19:13-16, Luke 11:11-13, Acts 4:29-31, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 10:44-47

The Bible is full of stories of salvation - people putting their faith in Jesus and following him.Sharing the gospel is not reserved for those who are highly gifted and knowledgeable; the power is not in the speaker, but in the scriptures and in the gospel message itself!That said, Jesus was a master communicator and we can learn a great deal from how he interacted with people!- intentionally start conversations- recognise that many will side-track to avoid confronting their own spiritual condition- don't take offense when harsh views are expressed- confront issues without judging- focus on who Jesus really isMark 16:15-16, Hebrews 4:12-13, John 4:3-42, Romans 1:16

The apostle Paul prayed that the church would "know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."The love of Christ brings the fullness of God to us. As we grow in his love, we experience more of the fullness of God - everything that he has for us.When we co-operate with the work of the Holy Spirit, this will happen!We must therefore:1 surrender to the Lordship of Jesus; embrace the changes he makes2 surrender to God's words to us in the Bible3 surrender our "fleshly" desires that are contrary to God's waysEphesians 3:14-19, Isaiah 64:8-9, Ephesians 2:10 Romans 12:2, John 6:63, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13:4-7

Even the most godly people experience setbacks. When you experience a setback or failure:- Recognise if it's caused by sin or not- Repent from any sin- Persevere through any hardship- Show loyalty to God and to his people- Trust God to step in: He has no equal! He makes the impossible possible! Acts 13: 22, 2 Samuel 11: 2-4, 14-15, Psalm 51:10-12, Ruth 1:16, 2:5, 4:13, John 20:14,19, Genesis 20:2, 26:1,7

Jesus values, expects & rewards FAITHFULNESS. He doesn't expect us to be faithful with what he hasn't given us, but with what he has given us: resources, gifts & abilities, relationships, influence & opportunities.Don't step back because others have greater abilities & resources than you. Don't think that your "smaller impact" matters less to Jesus.  Instead, be faithful, deserving to hear these words:"Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!"Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 2:52, Galatians 1:15-18

The encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus teaches us some valuable lessons. If we want to experience more of Jesus, we should:- Discuss matters of faith openly with others.- Acknowledge and expect Jesus' presence, power and reality in our daily lives.- "Make room for Jesus" in our hearts, our homes and our lives.Luke 24:13-34

We live in times when fake news abounds and we want to verify the news we receive. Here are four compelling verifying factors for the gospel message:1. The fulfilment of many ancient prophecies.2. The large number of first-hand witnesses.3. The courage of the many witnesses who suffered and died rather than deny Jesus.4. The supernatural evidence of the hand of God.Matthew 28:11-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Isaiah 53:2-11, 1 John 1:1-3

Jesus has given all of his followers work to do - particularly, the ministry of reconciliation to God. The Holy Spirit has given us all the power we need to do that work. Yet many things compete for our attention and resources; so we need to regularly re-examine our priorities.Jesus does not deny the importance of our needs, but he calls us to put his Kingdom and his ways first, promising that our needs will be met.When we get our priorities wrong, things go wrong!When we get our priorities right, God provides!2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Acts 1:8, Haggai 1:3-15, Matthew 6:31-33, Psalm 150:6, Nehemiah 4:10-17

Paul's prayers for the Ephesian church are really powerful. As Elisha prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened to his spiritual realities, Paul prays that the "spiritual eyes" of church members would be opened to their spiritual realities.We would do well to pray those prayers for ourselves and for one another - so that we will:-know God better-see beyond the present into eternity-see ourselves & each other as God see us-see God's awesome power at work in & through us2 Kings 6:14-17, Ephesians 1:15-20, 1 Peter 2:9, Mark 9:22-24

The tower of Babel teaches many valuable life lessons:-Seeking our own glory will distract us from seeking God and his purposes.-Godless empires and enterprises rise - but then they fall.-Find your significance in God, not in achievements.-Our pride will be our downfall.-When we humble ourselves, God lifts us up.-Rather build your life on God's words and ways.Ephesians 2:1-2, Genesis 4:17, Genesis 6:13, Genesis 9:1, Genesis 11:1-9, Zephaniah 3:9, Acts 2:6, Revelation 21:10, 24-26, Revelation 7:9, James 4.10

Unbelief stands in the way of what God wants to do - in the lives of his people and through his people. Faith pleases God. It doesn't have to be "big", because God is the object of our faith - and he is big enough!Sound Bible teaching builds up faith. God's words can always be trusted; he will fulfil them!When we put God's word into practice, things change!But we need to trust God's perfect timing, not doubting when we don't see immediate fulfilment.Mark 6:5-6, Hebrews 11:6, Luke 17:3-6, Mark 11:22-23, Jeremiah 1:12, Romans 10:17, James 1:22, Romans 4:18-21