People's Church

John 15: 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. (NIV) John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV) 1. Bear Fruit by How You Live John 15:8-10 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love (NIV) Psalm 1:1–2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV) Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV) Galatians 5:19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (NLT) Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (ESV) 
 2. Bear Fruit by How You Love John 15:10-12 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV) Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
 3. Bear Fruit by How You Last John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (NIV) Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my DISCIPLE must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (NIV) Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (NIV) 1. The Salvation Stage 2. The Milk Stage 1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn INFANTS, long for the pure spiritual MILK, that by it you may GROW UP into salvation 3 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere INFANTS in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are STILL WORLDLY. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (NIV) Hebrews 5:13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. (ESV) 3. The Maturing Stage 1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (NIV) Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the MATURE, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (NIV) 4. The Others Stage Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (ESV) 4A. Mature Christians Get Connected to Other Christians 4B. Mature Christians Get Equipped for Ministry 4C. Mature Christians Serve Others So The Body Can Grow 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV) 5. The Disciple Making Stage Matthew 28:19 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, (NIV) Hebrews 6:1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and BECOME MATURE in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. (NLT) Hebrews 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (NIV) Acts 6:7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (ESV)

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his DISCIPLES, “Whoever wants to be my DISCIPLE must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (NIV) Acts 11:26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (NIV) Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV) The first is the step of discipleship is 1. Desire John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (NIV) 2 Thessalonians 2:13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came THROUGH THE SPIRIT who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. (NLT) 2. Denial 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (NIV) Matthew 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (NKJV) 3. Death Galatians 5:17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (NIV) Matthew 10:38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (NIV) Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (NIV) Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (ESV) Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (ESV) I Corinthians 15:31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! (ESV) 4. Devotion

Matthew 28:19–20 - 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV) Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (ESV) Why don’t people follow God’s Word? 1. They don’t know the Word. Joshua 1:8 - Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (NLT) Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV) 2. They don’t believe the Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (NLT) 3. They don’t like it. James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV) James 1:25 - …if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (NLT) Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) Psalm 119:97-112 - Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. 108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 1 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. (NIV) 4. They aren’t true disciples. 1 John 2:3-6 - And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.  4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.  6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (NLT)

Matthew 28:19–20 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) Romans 10:9–10 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (NIV) Romans 10:13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NIV) Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV) Acts 15:11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (NIV) 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NIV) Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV) 1. Say It 2. Show It Matthew 28:19 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, (NIV) 1. What is baptism? 2. Who should be baptized? 3. How should you be baptized? Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. (NIV) Acts 8:38–39 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (NIV) 
 4. When should you be baptized? Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV) Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV) Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (NIV) 5. Why should you be baptized? 1. A New Lord 2. A New Identity Galatians 3:27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. (NLT) 3. A New Family Galatians 3:26–27 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NIV) 4. A New Testimony Matthew 10:32–33 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (NIV) 5. A New Life Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to NEW LIFE because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT) 6. A New Commitment Acts 8:36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (NIV)

1. Mary was stuck in heartbreak John 20:11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb (NIV) John 20:13–17 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (NIV) Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV) 2. Peter was stuck in failure 3. Thomas was stuck in doubt John 20:27–28 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (NIV)

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV) Psalm 31:4-5 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (NIV) 2 Timothy 1:12 - That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. (NLT) 3 Keys to trusting God on bad days 
 1. Trust that God loves you, in spite of your feelings Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV) 1 John 4:16 - And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (NIV) Ephesians 3:18 - And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. (NLT) Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV) 2. Trust that God is trustworthy in spite of what you’re experiencing Luke 23:46 - Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. (NLT) Psalm 20:7-8 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. (NIV) 3. Trust God’s hands in spite of what you’re seeing 3A. God’s hands are powerful enough to help Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV) 
3B. God’s hands are steady enough to lead you Psalm 139:10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (ESV) 3C. God’s hands are big enough to bless you 1 Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. (NIV) 3D. God’s hands are strong enough to keep you John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (NIV)

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)  John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV) 1. Jesus paid for your sin debt Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV) 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)  Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV) Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (NIV) 2. Jesus can turn your worst days into your best days Hebrews 8:6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. (NIV) Jeremiah 31:31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. (NIV) 2A. Better Promise #1: Inward Transformation Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NIV) 2B. Better Promise #2: Personal Relationship Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV) 2C. Better Promise #3: Forgiveness of sin Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV) Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (NLT) 3. Jesus finished His mission so that you could finish your mission Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV) John 1:41–42 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (NIV)

John 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (ESV)   Psalms 69:21 They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. (ESV)   Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (NLT)   Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)   1. Jesus knows your feelings    1A. Jesus knows how you feel about disappointment   1B. Jesus knows how you feel about the death of someone you love   1C. Jesus knows how you feel when someone gossips and lies about you   1D. Jesus knows how you feel when you are betrayed   1E. Jesus knows how you feel when people doubt you   2. Jesus knows your temptations    Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)   2A. FEAR OF BEING EXPOSED   2B. FEAR OF REJECTION   2C. FEAR OF BEING HURT   2D. FEAR OF FAILURE   2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)   3. Jesus knows you can approach the throne of grace with confidence   Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (NIV)   Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (NLT)   1 John 3:19–22 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)   4. Jesus knows if you come confidently to the throne, you will find help in your time of need   1 John 3:21–22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)   Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

Matthew 27:45-46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.  46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV) 1. Choose to be real while still being reverent. Matthew 11:28-29  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NLT) 1 Peter 5:5-9 - “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (NLT) 2. Choose to rest in what you do understand as you wrestle with what you don’t understand yet. Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV) Psalm 143:1, Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief (NIV) Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (NIV) Psalm 119:68 - You are good and do only good. (NLT) 
 3. Choose ultimate over immediate. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) Romans 8:18 -  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV) Romans 8:28 -  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) 4. Choose to worship rather than worry. Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. (NIV) Psalm 22:22-24 - “I will proclaim your name to my brothersand sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. 23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” (NLT) Psalm 34:1-3 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.[a] 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. (TLB) Hebrews 12:28-29. 'Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe, 29 For our God is a devouring fire.' (NLT)

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT 1. Jesus recognized those close to him were struggling as well. John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved… NLT Philippians 2:3-4 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. NIV Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ESV 
Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. NLT 2. Jesus encouraged his loved ones in the midst of his pain. John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. NIV 3. Jesus highlighted the importance of not walking alone. John 19:26-27 - “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ESV Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. MSG

Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (NIV) What happens when you help others who are experiencing the same struggle 
 1. IT DISTRACTS US FROM OUR OWN NEEDS 2. IT HELPS US TO SEE THE SOLUTION  3. IT ALLOWS US TO PUT EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVE Isaiah 58:10-11 If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too. When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it. (MSG) How Do We Help Others 1. OFFER THEM STABILITY Luke 23:43 ("Assuredly, I say to you…” (NKJV) Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (NIV) 2. OFFER THEM SUPPORT Luke 23:43 …today you will be with Me… (NKJV) Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT) Luke 23:43 "…in Paradise.” (NKJV) 
John 14:1-2 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2–3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV) Hebrews 12:2–3 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (MSG) 1. Betrayed 2. Falsely accused 3. Rejected 4. Abused 5. Humiliation Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV) Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (NIV) 7 Things Forgiveness Is Not 1. Forgiveness is not pretending I’m not hurt 2. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did 3. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness  4. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting 5. Forgiveness is not reconciliation 6. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology 7. Forgiveness is not a feeling 5 Things Forgiveness Is 1. Forgiveness is hard Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) 2. Forgiveness is personal 3. Forgiveness is a process Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV) 4. Forgiveness is doing good to them Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV) 4A. Do good by not retaliating Romans 12:17–19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV) 4B. Do good by praying for them Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV) 4C. Do good by blessing them Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV) Romans 12:20–21 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV) 5. Forgiveness is setting you free

I Samuel 30:1-5 (NIV) David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it and had taken captive the women and all who were in it, both young and old. They killed none of them but carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel I Samuel 30:6-7 (NIV) David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, Own Your Spirit Pray for Guidance I Samuel 30:8 (NIV) …and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” Go Together I Samuel 30:9 (NIV) David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind. Expect Recovery  I Samuel 30:18 (NIV) David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken…

Job 1:1–3 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. (NIV) Job 1:18–19 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (NIV) Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. (NIV) 1. God is at work even when you don’t understand His ways Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? (NIV) Job 9:2 “Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? (NIV) Job 38:3–5 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? (NIV) Job 40:3–5 Then Job replied to the Lord, 4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. 5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (NLT) Job 42:1–2 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. (NLT) Job 42:3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. Job 42:6 I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT) Isaiah 55:8–9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV) Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. (NKJV) Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (NIV) Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV) 2. God is working on you and around you, even when it doesn’t feel like He’s listening to you Job 38:1 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: (NIV) 3. God is your Eternal Hope, Because Heaven is your Eternal Home Job 19:25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. (NIV) Hebrews 11:37–39 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. (NLT) Hebrews 11:13–16 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (NLT) Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. (NKJV) Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NIV) Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)    1. Jesus never promised you would not get weary and burdened     John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)     2. Come to Jesus    1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)     3. Allow Jesus to give you rest     3A. Jesus can take away your struggles     Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)     1 Peter 2:24 "'He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed.'” (NIV)     3B. Jesus can take you through your struggles    Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV)    2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)      4. Stay yoked with Jesus       5. Learn from Jesus    5A. Pick your people    Mark 14:32-34 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (NIV)    5B. Focus on your purpose

Proverbs 5:22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. (NLT) John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV) John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (ESV) Romans 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV) Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV) Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV) 6 Steps To Break Free From Addictions 1. Look to Jesus for hope and help Mark 5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. (NIV) 2. Be honest about your addiction Luke 8:30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. (NIV) Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (NIV) 3. Build healthy boundaries Luke 8:33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. (NIV) Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT) 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Stay away from every kind of evil. (NLT) 4. Replace bad habits with good habits Luke 8:35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. (NLT) 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV) 5 HOLY HABITS 1. Daily time with God 2. Attend Church every Sunday 3. Serve on the Dream Team 4. Give God the first 10 percent 5. Attend a small group 5. Surround yourself with godly friends Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)  1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV) Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV) Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV) 6. Take it one day at a time Luke 8:39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)

1. Ask God for wisdom James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV) 2. Wisdom to go talk to the person  Matthew 5:23–24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (NIV) Matthew 5:25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (NIV) Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (ESV) Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV) 3. Wisdom to go with the right approach 3A. Wisdom to choose the right time and the right place Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT)  3B. Wisdom to have the right tone Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV) 4. Wisdom to speak the truth in love Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV) 4A. Speak the truth about what you did James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV) 4B. Speak the truth about what they did   5. Wisdom to listen   James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV) Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV) 6. Wisdom to forgive and to be patient with people Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV) Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

How to Find Hope When You're Hopeless Genesis 15:1-4 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” (NIV) Romans 4:18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (NLT) Romans 4:19-21 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. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV) Romans 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (NLT) Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV) 1. Focus on Faith not Facts Romans 4:19 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. (ESV) Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) 1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV) Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV) Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV) Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV) 2. Focus on how good God is not on how bad you are Romans 4:20-21 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV) Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (NIV) Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. (NIV) Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (NIV) Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV) 3. Focus on what you can do and not on what you can't do

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (NIV)  Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV) Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called." (NIV) 1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope." (NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:13"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV) 6 Huge Reasons Why You Need Hope  1. Hope helps you get through dark days Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (NIV)  H old O n P ain E nds 2. Hope brings you a source of joy and peace Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV) 3. Hope produces patience in you Romans 8:24-25- For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV) 4. Hope strengthens your faith  Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV) Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV) Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV) 5. Hope provides a future perspective  Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (NIV) Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) 6. Hope is the anchor for your soul  Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (NIV) Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (NIV)

Acts 4:23-24  On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. (NIV) Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV) 1. What is fasting? 2. Why should we fast? A. It’s a necessity, not a luxury. Matthew 6:16 – And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. (NLT) B. Spiritual leaders throughout scripture fasted. Moses fasted – Deuteronomy 9 David fasted – 2 Samuel 12 Elijah fasted – 1 Kings 19 Ezra fasted – Ezra 10 Nehemiah fasted – Nehemiah 1 Esther fasted – Esther 4 Daniel fasted – Daniel 10 Paul – Acts 9 Jesus fasted - Matthew 4 C. Some things only happen as a result of prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21 - But this kind of demon won’t leave unless you have prayed and gone without food. (TLB) 3. How do you know what to fast? Isaiah 58:3-5 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? (NIV) 4. What should you expect when you fast?

1. Jesus is King  Matthew 2:1–2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV) Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV) Revelation 17:14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (NIV) Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV) 2. You should worship Jesus the King  Matthew 2:2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV) 3. You should give to Jesus the king  Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV) 4. You should bow down to Jesus the King Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV) Philippians 2:10- So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (ESV)  Romans 14:11 It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”  (NIV)

Psalm 103:1–2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— (NIV) Psalms 78:11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. (NIV) Psalm 106:7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. (NIV) Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. (NIV) Psalm 106:21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, (NIV) Jeremiah 2:32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me. (NLT) Isaiah 17:10 You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, (NIV) Hosea 13:6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. (NIV) 1. Renews your youth like the eagle’s Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV) Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (NIV) Psalm 23:1–3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV) Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV) 2. Satisfies you with good things Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV) James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV) 3. Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV) 4. Redeems your life from the pit Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV) 5. Heals all your diseases Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV) 6. Forgives all your sins Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV) Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV) Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (NIV)

 1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)   Every part of the body matters    1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)    1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)   1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  (NLT) 

 1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)   Every part of the body matters    1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)    1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)   1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  (NLT) 

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) 1. Pray about everything Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) 2. Combine thanksgiving with prayer Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV) 3 Benefits of Combining Thanksgiving with Prayer 1. The peace of God Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV) John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV) 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV) Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV) 2. Peace that transcends all understanding Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV) 3. Peace that guards your heart and mind Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

The 5 love languages 1. Words of affirmation 2. Physical touch 3. Receiving gifts 4. Quality time 5. Acts of service Luke 17:12-19 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (NIV) 1. Show it by coming to church with thanksgiving Psalm 111:1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. (ESV) Psalm 100:4  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (NIV) 2. Show it by singing songs of worship Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV) 3. Show it with a shout Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV) 4. Show it by lifting your hands in worship  Psalm 63:3–4 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (NIV) 5. Show it in your daily activities Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT) Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV) 6. Show it by obeying God’s word Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (ESV) John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commands. (NIV) 1 John 5:3 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, (NIV) 6A. Show it by being water baptized Matthew 28:19-20 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) Romans 6:3-5 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (NIV) Colossians 2:12 If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. (MSG) Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV) Acts 8:36–38 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. (NLT) Acts 10:47-48 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV) Acts 9:17–18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, (NIV) Acts 16:33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV) 2 Kings 5:5 - So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. (NLT) 2 Kings 5:9 - 9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.  NIV 2 Kings 5:10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” (NIV) 2 Kings 5:11-12 - 11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. (NIV) 2 Kings 5:13-14 - Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. (NIV) 1. Decide today to give God thanks no matter what. Psalm 50:23 - But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. (NLT) 2. Trust God’s Word when you don’t understand His ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV) 3. Ask God for His help. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)

NUMBERS 13:17-20 “Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. (NKJV) NUMBERS 13:26-28 “26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. 27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! (NLT)    7 WORLD CHANGING MINDSETS THAT WON’T ALLOW ME TO SETTLE      #1 I’M FREE BUT NOT FINISHED     EXODUS 16:3 And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” (NKJV)    #2 I’M NOT GOING UNLESS I’M SENT     NUMBERS 13:17-20 Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains. (NKJV)    JEREMIAH 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I [ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (NKJV)    #3 I’M GOING TO PUT A DATE ON IT     NUMBERS 13:25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days. (NKJV)    JOSHUA 3:5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (NKJV)    #4 THE FEAR IN MY HEART WILL NEVER BE GREATER THAN THE FRUIT IN MY HANDS     NUMBERS 13:27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.  (NKJV)    #5 I REFUSE TO ALLOW WHAT I’M LOOKING AT TO DETERMINE WHAT I SEE     NUMBERS 13: 28 -29 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan. (NKJV)   #6 NOTHING WILL STEAL MY VOICE     NUMBERS 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (NKJV)    #7 I WILL NEVER SEE MYSELF AS SMALL    NUMBERS 13:33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (NKJV)

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV) Luke 6:37–38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:5-6 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 4 Laws Of Sowing And Reaping 1. You reap what you sow   Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. (NIV)   2. You reap more than you sow Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV) Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)  3. You reap after you sow 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV) Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)    4. You reap based on how much you sow   2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV) Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)

Ephesians 3:20 God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine. (NIRV) Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV) 1. It’s about my heart Mark 12:41–44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV) 1A. My heart of sacrifice It’s not equal giving. It’s equal sacrifice. 1B My heart of faith Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (NIV) Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (NIV) Luke 17:19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (NIV) Luke 18:42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (NIV) 1C. My heart for the house of God Psalm 69:9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. (NLT) Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. and meditating in his Temple. (NIV) 1 Chronicles 29:3 Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple: (NIV) Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (NIV) EROI: Eternal return on investment. 1D. My heart of obedience

Ephesians 3:20 says, God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine. 1. You have to have a need Mark 6:35–36 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” (NIV) 2. You have to put what you have in Jesus’ hand Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV) 4 Reasons People Don’t Put What They Have in Jesus’ Hands 2A. People don’t understand that God wants them to participate in the miracle 2B. People have more logic than faith Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV) Three Levels of Giving: 1. What can I afford? 2. What can I sacrifice? 3. What can I trust God to do through me? 2C. They overlook the God factor 2D. It’s hard to care for others when we are comfortable ourselves 3. God does miracles when we partner with him Mark 6:41-42 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV) 3 Principles on Partnering with God So You Can Experience Miracles 1. Partnering with God begins by giving God what you have 2. Partnering with God requires steps of faith and obedience 3. Partnering with Jesus produces more changed lives John 6:14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (NIV) When we partner with Jesus it changes lives. We see it every week at People’s Church!

How Do I Hear The Voice of God? 6 Lessons on Hearing The Voice Of God 1. Realize God wants to speak to you John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV) 1A. Every follower of Jesus can hear God’s voice 2. Eliminate the wrong voices John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (NIV) 3. God speaks through Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV) 4. God speaks through trusted voices who know the Bible 5. God speaks through peace Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV) 5A. God speaks by leading us not driving us Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (NIV) 1. What can I afford? 2. What can I sacrifice? 3. What can I trust God to do through me? 6. Set time aside to hear the voice of God John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)

Romans 12:1–2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) Luke 9:23–24 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (NIV) Luke 14:27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (NIV) 2 Components of a Living Sacrifice 1. You must leave where you are Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. (NLT) Genesis 12:4 4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5 He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, (NLT) Genesis 11:31–32 One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there. 32 Terah lived for 205 years and died while still in Haran. (NLT) 2. You will leave when you remember the promises of God Genesis 12:2-3 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (NLT) Everyone Committed 1. Everyone committed to attending 5 Sundays in a row: September 15 – October 13 2. Everyone committed to attending a small group for 8 weeks: September 8 – October 31 3. Everyone committed to making a 3 year commitment on October 6 4. Everyone committed to giving in the miracle offering October 13 – December 31

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far MORE abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. (NASB) 1. God first does more in you so that he can do more through you Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (NASB) 2. We are an everyone church 1. Everyone committed to attending 5 Sundays in a row: September 15 – October 13 2. Everyone committed to attending a small group for 8 weeks: September 8 – October 31 MORE Website: Peoples.Church/More 3. Everyone committed to making a 3 year commitment on October 6 4. Everyone committed to giving in the miracle offering October 13 – December 31

The Secret to Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:10-11 - A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (NIV) 1. Recognize the real fight. Ephesians 6:12 For we [d]  are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (NLT) 2. Get dressed for battle. Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (NLT) A. Belt of Truth Ephesians 6: 14a - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth… (NLT) John 8:44 - He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.  (NLT) B. Breastplate of Righteousness Ephesians. 6:14b - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. (NLT) Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart. (NIV) Romans 12:9 - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  (NIV) C. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace Ephesians 6:14 - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. (NLT) D. Shield of Faith Ephesians 6:16 - In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. (NLT) Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV) E. Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6:17 - Put on salvation as your helmet. (NLT) 3. Learn to use your sword. Ephesians 6:17 - Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NLT) Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. (NIV) 4. Master the weapon of prayer. Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  (NIV)

1. Casting out demons was a vital part of Jesus’ ministry Matthew 4:24- News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. (NIV) Matthew 8:16- When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. (NIV) Matthew 9:32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. (NIV) Matthew 12:22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (NIV) Matthew 15:22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” (NIV) 2 Timothy 2:25–26  Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (NIV) 2. Can Christians be demon possessed?  2A. Jesus taught that demons look for unoccupied people Matthew 12:43–45 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” (NIV)  2B. Christians are occupied with the Holy Spirit Romans 8:9–10 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. (NLT) 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (NLT) 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (NIV) 2C. Christians are instructed to resist the devil James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (NIV) 1 Peter 5:8-9 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. (NIV) 3. Can Christians be demon oppressed? 2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV) 7 Ways You Are Giving Demons Access Into Your Life 1. Sinful anger Ephesians 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV) 2. Unforgiveness 2 Corinthians 2:10–11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (NIV) 3. Exposing yourself to deceiving spirits 1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. (NLT) 4. Movies, music, social media Matthew 6:22-23 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV) 5. Being idle and a busybody 1 Timothy 5:13–15 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (NIV) 6. Lying and deception Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (NIV) 7. Living in sin James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 5:1–5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 3 For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. 4 So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. (NIV) 1 John 3:8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 2:11, “In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (NIV) 10 Things The Devil Doesn’t Want You to Know 1. He’s trying to deceive you 
Revelation 12:9: This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. (NLT) 1A. He’s trying to deceive you into believing that he doesn’t exist 1B. He’s trying to deceive you into believing right is wrong and wrong is right 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (NIV) Acts 13:8–10 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? (NIV)  1C. He’s trying to deceive you to turn away from Jesus 
2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”. (NIV) 1 Timothy 4:1: The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV) 2. He’s constantly lying to you 
 John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV) 2A. He lies to you about God 2B. He lies to you about you 2C. He lies to you about people 3. He’s trying to make you a liar Acts 5:3: Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (NIV) 4. He’s trying to devour you 
1 Peter 5:8: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV) John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV) Luke 13:11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. (NIV) Luke 13:16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” (NIV) 5. He’s trying to fill you full of fear
 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV) 6. He’s constantly tempting you to sin Matthew 4:3: The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NIV) 7. He’s attacking you with false accusations 
Revelation 12:10: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.'" (NIV) 8. He’s persecuting Christians 
Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (NIV) 9. He trying to stop the work of God 1 Thessalonians 2:18 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. (NIV) 10. He’s trying to keep nonbelievers from becoming believers 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (NIV) 

People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.

Colossians 2:18-19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (NIV) 4 Insights On How To Activate Angels In Your Life 1. Be aware of the spiritual realm Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV) 2. Resist demonic attacks  Daniel 6:13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” (NIV) Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)  Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV) 2A. Resist with the Word of God   Matthew 4:3- 4 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (NIV) 
  2B. Resist with the fear of God Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (NIV) 6 Blessings God Gives To Those Who Fear Him 1. Wisdom Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (NIV) 2. God speaks to those who fear him Psalm 25:14 "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." (NIV) 3. Protection for you and your children Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. (NLT) 4. Life Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. (NLT) 5. Prosperity Proverbs 22:4: True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. (NLT) 6. Angelic help Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (NIV)  2C. Resist with worship Matthew 4:10-11 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV) 3. Earnestly pray and seek God Acts 12:5–7 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. (NIV) 4. Trust God at all times Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (NIV) 4A. Trust God when you’re being attacked   Psalm 91:7-12 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV) 4B. Trust God when you feel like giving up 1 Kings 19:4–6 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. (NIV)  4C. Trust God when you don’t want to do his will Luke 22:41–43 “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)

Psalm 103:20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. (NLT) Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (NIV) Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV) 8 Good Things Angels Do For God’s People 1. They can protect us Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)  Exodus 23:20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. (NIV) Psalm 91:11–12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV)  2. They can physically direct us Genesis 19:15–16 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” 16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. (NIV)  3. They can rescue us Acts 12:7–11 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (NIV) 4. They can provide for us 1 Kings 19:4–8 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” (NIV)  5. They can strengthen us Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  (NIV)  6. They can perform supernatural feats Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  (NIV) Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV)  Acts 12:10–11 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (NIV) Matthew 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. (NIV)   Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.  3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (NIV) 7. They can fight spiritual battles on your behalf Daniel 10:12-13 12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.  13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. (NLT) Jude 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”  (NIV) 2 Kings 6:16-17 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (NLT) 8. They are with Jesus when He returns for His people 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV)

4 Major Types of Angels In The Bible 1. Seraphim  Isaiah 6:2-4 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. (NIV) 2. Cherubim Genesis 3:24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (NIV) 3. Archangels 6 Facts About Archangels 1. Michael is the only archangel listed by name in the Bible (Jude 1:9) (Daniel 10:13) Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia (NLT) Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (NIV) Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee (NIV) 2. Michael stands guard over Israel 3. Michael directly opposes Satan Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV) 4. Michael battles against evil angels including Satan 5. Michael is a military commander 6. Archangels shout a loud command when Jesus returns for His church 1 Thessalonians 4:16- For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV) 4. Guardian Angels  Psalms 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (NIV) Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV) Matthew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (NIV) Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” (NIV) Acts 12:15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” (NIV) 5. Angels have different rankings and power Revelation 12:7- Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (NIV)  Peter speaks of Jesus going to Heaven and lists a hierarchy of angels: 1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (NIV) Job 1:6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT) Job 2:1 One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT) Psalm 82:1 God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: (NLT) Psalm 82:1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: (ESV) 6. Angels are messengers who speak to humanity Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV) 1. They can give us a promise from God Genesis 16:10 The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” (NIV) 2. They can warn us Genesis 19:15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” (NIV) 3. They can give us instructions Genesis 22:11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. (NIV) 4. They can give us directions Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (NIV) 5. They can encourage us Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (NIV) 6. They can announce God’s plan Judges 13:3 The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. (NIV) 7. They can give us the words we need to speak Zechariah 1:14 Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, (NIV) 8. They can encourage us not to be afraid Acts 27:23–25 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (NIV)  9. They can help us experience salvation

Ephesians 6:10-12 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) 1. What is an angel? angel - a spiritual being serving as a divine messenger and intermediary and often as a special protector of an individual or nation Luke 10:18-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (NIV) Isaiah 14:12-15 – “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!
You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.
13 For you said to yourself,  ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars.
I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.[e] 14 I will climb to the highest heavens  and be like the Most High.’ 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead  down to its lowest depths. (NLT) 2. Are angels created beings? Nehemiah 9:6 “You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you. (NLT) Colossians 1:15-16 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. (NLT) 3. Are angels male or female? Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  (NIV) Jude 1:8-9 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV) 4. How many angels are there? Hebrews 12:22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. (NLT) Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (NIV) Daniel 7:10 - Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. (NLT) 5. Should we worship angels? Revelation 19:10 – Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters[c] who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. (NLT) 6. Do we have guardian angels? Matthew 18:10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. (NLT) Acts 12:15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” (NIV) 7. Why do we really need to know about angels? 1. We can’t understand everything, but should strive to understand everything we can. 2. It gives us insight into God’s ways and how He works. 3. It gives us insight into the spirit world, the spiritual battle, and how to win.

Psalm 78:70-72 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them (NIV) 3 steps to stay in your lane the rest of your life 1. Keep our hearts clean Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me (NLT) Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (NIV) Tips to guard your heart 1. Desire a clean heart 2. Stay close to God Psalm 51:11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me (NLT) 2. Keep your head clear 1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (NIV) 3. Keep your hands steady Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV) Lessons from David on keeping your hands steady 1. Develop our skills 2. Stay focused on God’s purpose Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)

People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.

1 Samuel 24:3–7 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’ ” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way. (NIV) 1 Samuel 26:7–10 So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. 8 Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? 10 As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. (NIV) 2 Samuel 9:1 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (NIV) 2 Samuel 9:7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” (NIV) 5 Ways To Turn Your Pain Into Purpose 1. Pray for those who hurt you Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV) Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (NIV) 2. Forgive those who hurt you Matthew 6:14–15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) 3. Talk to the person not about the person Matthew 18:15–17 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (NLT) Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (NLT) 4. Do good to the people who hurt you Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV) Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV) Romans 12:19–20 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  (NIV) 5. Let God heal your heart Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV) Psalm 34:18 If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. (MSG) Psalm 30:2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. (NIV)

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV) James 1:3-4 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV) James 1:12- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV) Genesis 22:1- Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. (NIV) Psalm 105:19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. (NLT) Exodus 16:4-Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. (NIV) Job 23:10- But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (NIV) Psalm 139:23–24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV) 5 Tests You Need To Pass 1. Forgotten test  1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. (NIV) 2. Failure test 3. Family and friends test 4. Finance Test  1 Samuel 17:20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. (NIV) 1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. (NIV) Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV) 5. Fight Test 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV) James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. (NIV) Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV) 1. Distracted by the approval of people 1 Samuel 16:5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” (NIV) 1 Samuel 17:33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. (NIV) 2. Distracted by what others possess 3. Distracted by the harsh words of people  1 Samuel 17:28–29  When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 29 “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” (NIV) 1 Samuel 17:42–44 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” (NIV) 1 Samuel 17:45–47 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (NIV) 4. Distracted by the requests of people 1 Samuel 17:38–40 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV) Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV)

1. Guard your heart from things that dull your spiritual sensitivity. Proverbs 4:23 - 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV Psalm 1:1 - 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, NIV Psalm 101:3 - I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. NLT 2. Fill your life with things that align your heart with God’s. Psalm 119:97, 103 –- Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! NIV Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV Psalm 26:8 – Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. NIV Psalm 27:4 - The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. NLT Psalm 84:10 - One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin. MSG Psalm 27:8 - My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. NIV 3. Learn to lead your thoughts. Psalm 1:1-2 - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 2 Cor. 10:5 - 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. NIV Colossians 3:2 - 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  NIV Romans 12:2 - 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV Philippians 4:8 - 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ESV

1. The preparation process develops your calling   2. The preparation process develops your anointing  1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV) 2 Samuel 5:10 And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. (NIV) 3. The preparation process develops your character  Psalms 78:72- And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV) 4. The preparation process develops your skills Psalms 78:72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV) 5. The preparation process develops your relationships  1 Samuel 19:1–2 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. (NIV) 6. The preparation process develops your confidence  1 Samuel 17:36–37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (NIV)

Isaiah 44:2 This is what the LORD says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. (NIV) Isaiah 49:1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. (NIV) Isaiah 49:5 And now the LORD speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength. (NLT) Job 14:5 A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. (NIV) Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (NIV) Galatians 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased (NIV) Jeremiah 10:23 LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. (NIV) Psalm 40:5 Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. (NIV) Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (NIV) Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” (NIV) Psalm 75:7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (NIV) Psalm 22:9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. (NIV) Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. (NIV) Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV) 1 Samuel 16:19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” (NIV) Acts 13:36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)