Mount Olive Ministries

Walk the Road Less Traveled The journey of faith can be difficult (Hebrews 11:17-18) Faith focuses on the future (Hebrews 11:39) The hard path can feel lonely We Don't Walk Alone We are surrounded by witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) Jesus endured on our behalf (Hebrews 12:3) Don't Walk, Run (Hebrews 12:1) Lighten the load Run with endurance Stay on Course Look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

Worry Weighs on Us Life is complicated (Luke 12:22) Concerns consume our attention Our minds are divided (Luke 12:25) The Promise of Provision God meets our needs (Luke 12:28) His gifts are abundant (Luke 12:32) Trust in God Let go of burdens (1 Peter 5:7) Focus on the future Use God's gifts for His glory (Luke 12:33)

What's On Your Mind? Our focus is personal (Luke 12:18) Our desires are influenced by the world (Colossians 3:5) A Mind Renewed Our death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12) Put off the old self (Colossians 3:9) Put on the new self (Colossians 3:10) Set Your Mind on Things Above (Colossians 3:2) Look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) Look to Your Future (Colossians 3:4) Invest in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)

Recorded on location by the Sea of Galilee

Guest Pastor Joseph Robb

Love Your Neighbor

The Struggle with our Sinful Nature We are sinners living in a sinful world (Isaiah 6:5) The “flesh” works against the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:17) The fruit of the sinful nature is rotten (Galatians 5:21) Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) The Spirit brings us to faith in Jesus (Galatians 5:18) The Spirit transforms us The Spirit Bears Fruit The Fruit of the Spirit is evident (Luke 6:43) The Fruit is Abundant (John 15:8) The Fruit affects our lives (Galatians 5:22)

Held Captive The Law captivates (Galatians 3:23) Sin binds us Set Free Christ frees us from captivity (Romans 8:2) His love redeems us (Galatians 4:4-5a) God is our Father We have been adopted! (Galatians 4:5b) We call to our Father (Galatians 4:6) We are heirs of His promises (Galatians 4:7)

The Spirit Speaks the Truth The world makes us skeptical The Spirit tells the truth (John 16:13) We can trust God's word (2 Peter 1:21) The Spirit Speaks to Us The Spirit delivers God's grace (Acts 2:38) The Word brings us life (John 6:63) The Spirit Speaks Through Us We can relay the message (Matthew 10:20) The Spirit makes us bold (Acts 2:14)

No Jesus, No Peace The world cannot offer lasting peace Even followers of Jesus find peace fleeting Where can we turn? Jesus Promises us Peace (John 14:27) His grace covers us We can trust in Him We don't have to be afraid The Spirit is our Comforter (John 14:26) The Spirit teaches us The Spirit leads us (John 16:13) The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26)

The Gift of Faith in Jesus Christ Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) We are saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) Fight the Good Fight of Faith (1 Timothy 6:12) Flee from danger (1 Timothy 6:11) Pursue what is right Be content (1 Timothy 6:6) Live a Life of Compassion Actions speak louder than words (1 John 3:18) Be rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:18)

Finding the Lost Jesus came to seek and save (Luke 19:10) We can be lost in a familiar location (John 21:3) Jesus finds us where we are Fixing the Broken Peter had denied Jesus (John 18:26-27) We need to know we are broken first (Acts 9:3-4) Jesus restores (John 21:15) Feeding the Sheep Jesus fed the disciples (John 21:12) He called His disciples to follow him (John 21:19) He gives us work in his mission

The Risen Christ Comforts He helps us fight our fear (John 20:19) He dismisses our doubts (John 20:26-27) He provides peace Jesus Gives Joy (John 20:20) He still bears the marks of His suffering He is Risen, indeed! Our Joy Overflows Jesus calls His disciples into mission (John 20:21) The story brings life (John 20:31)

Where can Hope be Found? Hope is important The world offers little hope Hope can be fleeting Living with the Loss of Hope The first Easter was not a day of hope (Luke 24:1) We need our hope restored! (Luke 24:2-6) We have Hope in Jesus (Psalm 33:18-19) Jesus gave His life to cover our sins (1 Corinthians 15:22) We receive forgiveness and life in His name We have hope now and for eternity We have hope for today! (1 Corinthians 15:19) The empty tomb assures us of everlasting life. (1 Corinthians 15:20) Hope fills us with joy and peace (Romans 15:13)

Jesus Invites Us to Follow Him Jesus was on a mission (Luke 19:28) We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) Being a disciple of Jesus transforms us (Romans 12:2) We Follow Jesus by Living for Him Forgiving as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14) Serving our neighbor (Mark 12:31) Giving generously (Luke 12:33) Going where He sends us (John 20:21) Keep Following Be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) Use the gifts you have been given (Romans 12:6) Change the world

Get Ready We are blessed with faith in Jesus Jesus calls us to be part of His mission (Matthew 28:19) Get Set God has a history of calling and sending We are equipped to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) The Spirit speaks through you (Matthew 10:20) Get Going Every journey begins with a single step Where are you going?

Money Matters Jesus talked about money a lot Money is an important tool We can lose control (Matthew 6:24) The Lord Provides (1 Timothy 6:17) God is generous toward us He gives us all that we need (Philippians 4:19) Where is Your Heart? (Luke 12:34) God wants our trust (Mark 10:21) Generosity is a sign of faith (Luke 21:4)

Who are You? What we do flows from who we are Actions speak louder than words The Mind of Christ Jesus was a humble servant (Matthew 20:28) Our attitudes should be the same (Philippians 2:5) We are God's Workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) Obedience is important (John 15:10) Be humble (John 13:5) Serve without expectation (Luke 14:13-14) Our acts of service are for the Lord (Matthew 25:40)

What is under the surface? We try to look good on the outside (Luke 11:39-40) Real life is messy What is written in the sand? The woman was guilty (John 8:4-5) Jesus wrote something (John 8:6,8) No accuser remained (John 8:10) Who do you know? We have an advocate (1 John 2:1) Repent and Believe the Good News (Psalm 32:5) Who needs forgiveness? (Matthew 18:21-22)

Who are You? Our Identity is More than our Doing What we do flows from who we are Who we are becoming is related to how we spend our time Find Your Identity in Jesus Come to him (Matthew 11:28) Be Still (Psalm 46:10) Seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) Seven Disciplines of Being Abide in the Word (John 8:31) Pray (Matthew 9:38) Worship (Luke 4:8) Rest (Mark 6:31) Fast (Matthew 6:17) Eat and celebrate (Luke 15:23) Sabbath (Mark 2:27)

Sometimes we miss the mark Christians have a reputation What is our aim? Hear these words (Matthew 7:24a) Listen to Jesus (Matthew 17:5) Listen and learn Put them into practice (Matthew 7:24b) Build your house on the rock Practice makes perfect Let's get started

See Jesus Revealed Did the disciples almost miss it? (Luke 9:32) The disciples saw Jesus' glory! We recognize the splendor of His majesty (John 1:14) Look to Jesus It is good to be here (Luke 9:33) Listen to Him (Luke 9:35) There is a cloud around us too (Hebrews 12:1-2) Reveal Jesus The disciples kept silent (Luke 9:36) We can tell others what we've seen (Hebrews 3:6)

Jesus Lived a life of Love He loved all (John 3:16) He gave everything away (Philippians 2:6-7) He laid down his life, even for his enemies (Romans 5:8) Love Your Enemies (Luke 6:27) Do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:33) Do not seek revenge (Luke 6:28-29a) Treat others as you want to be treated (Luke 6:31) Love Generously (Luke 6:30) Let go of your things (Luke 6:29b) Give Yourself Away

Mind your business (Luke 5:2) The fishermen were at work Much time and energy are devoted to our work At Your Word (Luke 5:5) Simon agreed to let down the nets We can follow the Word of Jesus The Power of Jesus (Luke 5:6) The catch of fish exceeded their expectations (Luke 5:7) Jesus does more than we ask or think Glory and Grace Standing in the presence of God brings us to our knees (Luke 5:8) God gives grace (Isaiah 6:7) Gone Fishing (Luke 5:11) Discipleship means complete surrender He calls his followers to be witnesses

Actions Speak Louder than Words Words without actions are meaningless Deeds without words can be confusing The authority of Jesus is demonstrated in word and deed (Luke 4:32) Jesus Heals We are all infected (Jeremiah 17:9) Jesus spoke words of healing (Luke 4:35, 39a) His touch made people well (Luke 4:40) He healed body, soul, and mind Seek Jesus (Luke 4:42) Be healed (Jeremiah 17:14) Serve the Lord (Luke 4:39b) Proclaim the Good News (Luke 4:37)

Jesus Fulfills the Word The Bible is full of Promises from God (Joshua 21:45) All the promises of God are Yes in Him(2 Corinthians 1:20) He announces the fulfillment of Isaiah's words (Luke 4:21) The Word is Good News! Our ears are filled with bad news Jesus is anointed to proclaim good news (Luke 4:18) This is the Gospel Share the News! We naturally share important news The Spirit of the Lord is on us (1 Cor. 12:13) Do your part (1 Corinthians 12:27-28)

Perfect Plans and Possibilities We want everything to be perfect We plan for what we expect (John 2:3) Where do you turn in time of need? Observation and Obedience The servants filled the jars (John 2:7) See the signs (John 2:11) What is Jesus telling you to do? Jesus Responds to our Needs Jesus' response demonstrates His abundance (John 2:10) We can believe in His power

Following We all enjoy tradition and habits (Luke 2:41-42) We learn to follow the rules (Luke 2:51) We often go with the crowd (Luke 2:43) Lost and Found Jesus was separated from his family (Luke 2:44) Jesus can be found in the Father's house (Luke 2:46) Work and Wisdom Jesus was wise beyond his years (Luke 2:47) He understood his purpose (Luke 2:49) We are called to work in his kingdom (Ephesians 2:10)

Life is full of Mysteries A mystery generates curiosity Many mysteries are never solved Christmas is a mystery God Revealed the Ultimate Mystery! Paul was a recipient of revelation (Ephesians 3:3, Galatians 1:12) We receive the promise of Jesus (Ephesians 3:6) We understand this mystery by faith His Promises are for Everyone Through faith in Christ, all people have access to God! Proclaim the Mystery (Ephesians 3:10)

Christmas Eve message from Mount Olive. Merry Christmas! God is With Us.

Great Expectations Israel and Judah were being humbled by their enemies People were hoping for change Where would you expect a King? Humble Origins (Micah 5:2) The Humility of Christ (Luke 1:48) Meekness doesn't mean Weakness Our Ruler Reigns! He is the real ruler He is triumphant (Micah 5:4) He is our peace (Micah 5:5a)

Looking for Signs John asked for assurance (Luke 7:20) We trust what we can experience What are you looking for? (Luke 7:24) Sights and Sounds of the Kingdom The Kingdom is where the King is (Zephaniah 3:17) Jesus brings restoration (Luke 7:21) Go and Tell (Luke 7:22) We have seen the Kingdom We have heard His word Rejoice in the coming of the King (Zephaniah 3:14-15)

Ready or Not… Life is full of preparations The World was not Ready for Jesus (Luke 3:1-2) John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Malachi and Isaiah foretold the forerunner (Malachi 3:1) John Paved the Way for Jesus (Luke 3:4-6) Repentance gets us Ready (Luke 3:3) Be cleansed through forgiveness of sin Bear Fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8, 10-14)

The Son of Man Will Return (Luke 21:27) Jesus is the King His return is promised (Rev. 22:20) The Day of the Lord brings Judgment and Joy! Where you stand makes all the difference We all will face judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10) Believers in Jesus face the day with Joy Your Redemption is Drawing Near (Luke 21:28) The Son returns for redemption (Jer. 33:16) Stay ready! (Luke 21:34) Hold on to Hope

Our God is a Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29) God's presence can make us fear (Hebrews 12:21) His holiness cannot be approached (Hebrews 12:20) His Kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28) Jesus is the King of kings (Revelation 19:16) Jesus is seated at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2) His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) He invites us into His kingdom Serve the King Worship Him with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28) Listen to His voice (John 18:37) Run your race (Hebrews 12:1-3)

The Old Testament God had a covenant relationship with Israel (Genesis 17:1-21) Rites and sacrifices foreshadowed what was to come (Hebrews 8:5) A New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15) God created a better covenant (Jeremiah 31:31) Jesus offered a better sacrifice, himself (Hebrews 9:23) Promises Kept (Hebrews 8:6) We are purified by the work of Jesus We are saved to serve (Hebrews 9:14)

The Pursuit of Perfection People desire to please God We want to play our part The Provision of Priests The Levitical priesthood was about Law and Sacrifice (Hebrews 7:11) The Church in Luther's time had a system for salvation A Permanent Priest Jesus is priest forever! (Hebrews 7:17) He guarantees a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22) He saves us (Hebrews 7:25) A Better Hope (Hebrews 7:19) Luther recovered hope in Jesus (Romans 1:17) We are set free! (John 8:36)

Give Me a Break Running on Empty We all need rest We can be so restless Everything is Harder when You're Tired Sabbath Rest At Creation, God rested on the Seventh Day (Hebrews 4:4) Jesus Rested in the tomb (Luke 23:53-54) God commanded that we rest (Exodus 20:9-11) Rest in Peace God gives us rest (Hebrews 4:3) Jesus invites us to rest (Matthew 11:28-29) We can rest in His grace (Hebrews 4:16)

Moses was Faithful in all God's house (Hebrews 3:2) He trusted the Lord (Hebrews 11:24-28) He was a servant of God (Hebrews 3:5) People are Flighty Moses was not sinless Israel rebelled in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7) We fall into temptation Jesus was Faithful As builder (Hebrews 3:3) As a Son (Hebrews 3:6) Even to death on a cross (Mark 10:33-34) Hold on to confidence (Hebrews 3:14) Hear the voice of Jesus (Romans 10:17) God finds us faithful through faith in Him

Good We try to do good God is Good! (Hebrews 1:3) Better We know better We better pay attention (Hebrews 2:1) Best Jesus is the best! (Hebrews 2:6-9) The best is yet to come

All We Need is Just a Little Patience (James 5:8) In suffering (James 5:11) For the Lord to act (James 5:7) With other people (James 5:9) Like the prophets (James 5:10) Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14) To do what He will do To answer our prayer The Power of Prayer (James 5:16b) In suffering (James 5:13) For the Lord to act For other people (James 5:14, 16) Like the prophets (James 5:17) Trust in the Lord To do what He will do Faith allows us wait with patience (Romans 8:25)

The Problem of Pride Ambition is admired Our passions can create problems (James 4:1-2) The Humiliation of Jesus Jesus understood His mission (Mark 9:31) The Son of God died for us (Philippians 2:8) Always be Humble and Kind Humble yourself before the Lord (James 4:10) Have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) Be the Greatest (Mark 9:35)

Just Sayin' Words have meaning The same mouth utters blessing and curse (James 3:9-10a) The forest is burning (James 3:5) Just Words The Word became flesh (John 1:14) Hear the word of Life (John 6:68) Speaking of Faith We confess what we believe (Romans 10:9) The Spirit guides our speaking We share our stories of faith (Ephesians 4:29)

Faith Comes by Hearing (Romans 10:17) Hear the word of the Lord (James 1:21b) Believe what you hear (Isaiah 55:11) Faith Leads to Love We love because He loved us (1 John 4:19) Love for God overflows into our relationships (Matthew 7:12) Put the Word into Practice (James 1:22) Bear the fruit of faith (Matthew 7:17-18) Good works are the evidence of a believing heart (James 2:18) Build your house on the Rock (Matthew 7:24)

Facing Trials Suffering should not be surprising (1 Peter 4:12) Our issues are not identical Count it All Joy (James 1:2) Life is the Laboratory (James 1:3) Be made perfect (James 1:4) Remain Steadfast (James 1:12) Ask God for what you need (James 1:5-6) Boast in the Lord Keep your eyes on the prize

Life is Hard Sometimes we want to give in Sometimes we want to give up (1 Kings 19:4) God understands our weakness (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus wept (John 11:35) His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) The Lord lifts up the humble (Psalm 147:6) Stay Strong Be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10) Put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) Seek the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)

Our Common Condition We are infected with sin (Psalm 51:5) We cannot overcome our nature (Romans 7:19) We have Insufficient Immunity We struggle against temptation (James 1:14) We want to be part of the solution The Complete Cure The death of Jesus covers our sin (Romans 5:19) We are washed in the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7) Be Contagious Don't keep the cure to yourself Share the love of Christ  (Romans 8:38-39)

We Wear Masks… To protect ourselves To hide To play a part We Have Nowhere to Hide God sees and knows us (Psalm 139:7, 16) He loves us (anyway) Don't Be a Hypocrite Serve your Father in heaven (Matthew 6:1-2) Treasure heavenly things (Matt. 6:20-21) Be like Jesus (Romans 8:29)