Petra Church International Ministries

Isaiah 1: 2-202 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!    For the Lord has spoken:“I reared children and brought them up,    but they have rebelled against me.3 The ox knows its master,    the donkey its owner's manger,but Israel does not know,    my people do not understand.”4 Woe to the sinful nation,    a people whose guilt is great,a brood of evildoers,    children given to corruption!They have forsaken the Lord;    they have spurned the Holy One of Israel    and turned their backs on him.5 Why should you be beaten anymore?    Why do you persist in rebellion?Your whole head is injured,    your whole heart afflicted.6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head    there is no soundness—only wounds and welts    and open sores,not cleansed or bandaged    or soothed with olive oil.7 Your country is desolate,    your cities burned with fire;your fields are being stripped by foreigners    right before you,    laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.8 Daughter Zion is left    like a shelter in a vineyard,like a hut in a cucumber field,    like a city under siege.9 Unless the Lord Almighty    had left us some survivors,we would have become like Sodom,    we would have been like Gomorrah.10 Hear the word of the Lord,    you rulers of Sodom;listen to the instruction of our God,    you people of Gomorrah!11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—    what are they to me?” says the Lord.“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,    of rams and the fat of fattened animals;I have no pleasure    in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.12 When you come to appear before me,    who has asked this of you,    this trampling of my courts?13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!    Your incense is detestable to me.New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—    I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals    I hate with all my being.They have become a burden to me;    I am weary of bearing them.15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,    I hide my eyes from you;even when you offer many prayers,    I am not listening.Your hands are full of blood!16 Wash and make yourselves clean.    Take your evil deeds out of my sight;    stop doing wrong.17 Learn to do right; seek justice.    Defend the oppressed.[a]Take up the cause of the fatherless;    plead the case of the widow.18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”    says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet,    they shall be as white as snow;though they are red as crimson,    they shall be like wool.19 If you are willing and obedient,    you will eat the good things of the land;20 but if you resist and rebel,    you will be devoured by the sword.”For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.IntroductionThe Judgement of GodHolinessWrathThe Mercy of GodPatienceRedemptionThe Reasoning of GodHis DesireHis WillHis GloryOur ResponseFearGratitudeObedience

We are joined again by guest speaker Wenneyam Nikiema.

1 Kings 21Naboth's Vineyard21 Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.”3 But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.”4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won't you eat?”6 He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.' But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.'”7 Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city with him. 9 In those letters she wrote:“Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.”11 So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 13 Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. 14 Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” 16 When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.

Psalm 1:1–3Blessed 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. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.Galatians 6:9 – 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.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.Hebrews 10:24–25 24 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.5. Sermon Title: Spiritual Summer 2025: Stepping Up Spiritual Summer 2025  Step Up in DevotionRomans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice..." Step Up in ServiceGalatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Step Up in Spiritual Growth Psalm 1:3 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…” Step Up in FellowshipHebrews 10:24–25“Let us consider how we may spur one another on… not giving up meeting together…” This is Your Spiritual Summer!  

Ephesians 2:19-2219 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.            May: Focus on the Family Month             Building the Church Family Together            The Church as a Spiritual Family           Foundations of a Godly Church Family            Marks of a Godly Church Family           Threats to a Godly Church Family            How to Build a Godly Church Family 

Nehemiah 4:14 “Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”Ephesians 6:11–18 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.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.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.Deuteronomy 6:6–86 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.Psalm 127:1“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”            May: Focus on the Family Month             Fighting for the Family           1. THE FAMILY IS UNDER SPIRITUAL ATTACK                      Psalm 11:3 – “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”          2. GOD HAS GIVEN US SPIRITUAL WEAPONS                       Ephesians 6:10–18 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”          3. REBUILD THE ALTAR IN YOUR HOME                       Deuteronomy 6:6–7, 9 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.7 Impress them on your children. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.          4. FIGHT TOGETHER, NOT AGAINST EACH OTHER                Nehemiah 4:14 “Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."  Our Response 

Joshua 24:14–15  14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Ephesians 5:21-25, 6:1-4 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord... 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... 6:1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.  I Peter 1:13-1613 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Hebrews 12:14 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.           May: Focus on the Family Month            Building a HOLY FAMILY           1. A Holy Family Starts with a Holy Choice                    Joshua 24:15 "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."          2. A Holy Family is Built on Biblical Roles.                   Ephesians 5:22–6:4                     Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord...                 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...                 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.                    Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.          3. A Holy Family Practices Personal Holiness.                           1 Peter 1:13–16 "Be holy, because I am holy."           4. A Holy Family Pursues Peace and Discipline.                          Hebrews 12:14 "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."        Our Response 

Matthew 12:46-5046 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”John 3:3–8Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.'8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-2219 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.Hebrews 2:10-12For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation, I will sing your praise.” 2 Corinthians 5:20"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us..."            May: Focus on the Family Month             Church: The Family of Christ           1.    Christ's Family is Entered Through Spiritual Birth                   John 3:3 "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."2.Christ's Family Lives in Covenant Relationship        Ephesians 2:19 "You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household." 3. Christ's Family is Called to Love        John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." 4. Christ's Family is On a Mission         2 Corinthians 5:20 "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us..."  Our Response 

Matthew 28:18-2016 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, 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.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Mark 16:15-2015 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Luke 24:46-4946 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” John 20:21-2321 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”                  A Sermon Series "Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus"                  1. The Procession of the Commission – John 20:21 "As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you."                 2. The Preeminence of the Commission – Matthew 28:18 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."                 3. The Perimeter of the Commission – Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."                 4. The Proclamation of the Commission – Luke 24:47 "Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name..."                 5. The Purpose of the Commission – Matthew 28:19-20 "Make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."                 6. The Power for the Commission - John 20:22 "And with that he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"                   7. The Presence in the Commission – Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always...”                Our Response 

John 20:1-20 The Empty Tomb1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 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.'” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.Jesus Appears to His Disciples19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Acts 17:30-31 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”                  Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus - The Resurrection of Christ                 1. The Resurrection Is God's Vindication of Jesus                 2. The Resurrection Declares That Jesus Is Lord                 3. The Resurrection Is God's Proof of Judgment                 4. The Resurrection Calls for Repentance                  5. The Resurrection Gives Hope for the Future                Our Response  

John 11:11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.”5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world's light.10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[b] from Jerusalem,19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.35 Jesus wept.36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.39 “Take away the stone,” he said.“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Focusing on the person of Jesus (Hebrews 12:1) Christ's Power in His Timing (Vv 1–7) Christ's Power in His Tears (Vv 28–37)Christ's Power in His Truth (Vv 21–27)  Christ's Power in His Triumph (Vv. 38-44) Our Response 

Luke 4:14-2114 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,    because he has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners    and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free,19     to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Introduction (Hebrews 12:1) The Anointed One: Prophet, Priest, and King (v.18)     JESUS OUR PROPHET: The Voice of God             "...to proclaim good news to the poor and... recovery of sight for the blind." (v.18)  JESUS OUR PRIEST: The Mediator and Sacrifice       "He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and to set the oppressed free." (v.18)  JESUS OUR KING: The Ruler of God's Kingdom (v.19)  “To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”Our Response 

Matthew 4Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.3 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.5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:“‘He will command his angels concerning you,    and they will lift you up in their hands,    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'”7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 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 Introduction (Hebrews 12:1) Sovereignty & Temptation (v.1) Facts about Temptation (Vv. 2-3) The First Temptation: Intellect/Physical (Vv. 3-4) The Second Temptation: Will/Psychological (Vv. 5-7)The Third Temptation: Worship/Spiritual (Vv. 8-9) Our Response: How to Fight?      1. Recite      2. Resist      3. Reediness

Matthew 1:1-17This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife, 7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, 8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, 9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiahand his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.12 After the exile to Babylon:Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, 15 Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary,and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. Series: Fix Your Eyes upon Jesus Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith"  Importance of Genealogy  God the Promise Keeper: Jesus is the fulfillment of God's Covenant.  God, the Grace Giver: Jesus is the revelation of God's Grace  God, the Loving Father: Jesus is the mediator of God's Love  Our Response  

1 John 1:1-41 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. Purpose: Assurance & Authenticity Christ, our Life, has eternally existed with the Father. (v. 2b)Christ, our Life, was manifested in the flesh. (v.2a)Christ, our Life, is the foundation of our fellowship with God. (v. 3b)Christ, our Life, is the foundation of our fellowship with other believers. (v. 3a) Christ, our Life, brings the fullness of joy. (v.4) 

1 John 1:5-105 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Christian Life: Fellowship The Foundation: God is Light (v.5) The Implication: Walking in the Light (v.6-7) The Clarification: Warning against Sin (v.8. 10) The Application: Our Response (v.9) 

1 John 2:1-2My dear children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. Fellowship: God vs. the World  1. DON'T SIN (2:1a) 2. DON'T DESPAIR WHEN YOU DO SIN (2:1b) 3. SHARE JESUS WITH THE WORLD (1 John 2:2b) Our Response

1 John 2:15-17"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." Assurance: Loving God, His People, and His Command God vs. the World: Do Not Love the World (v.15) What is the world? (v. 15) What is in the world? (v. 16)What will happen to the world? (v17) Our Response

I John 4:7-127 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Our Assurance: LOVE Galatians 5:6 “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”Our New Command  John 13:34-3534 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”Our Reality1. We must receive His Love.  2. We must learn to love.  Our Result 1. Loving God 2. Serving God Our Response 

I John 5:6-126 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.7 For there are three that testify:8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.9 We accept human testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. Purpose of I John: Assurance  The Testimony of the Water and the Blood (v.6)  The Testimony of the Spirit (v.6-8)  The Testimony of God (v.9-10) The Testimony of Eternal Life (v.11-12)  Our Response

I John 4:20 – 5:420 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. Purpose of I John: Assurance  True Love for God (4:20-21)  True Love for God's People (5:1-2)  God's Commandments are not Burdensome. (5:3)   Our Response 

1 John 5:1-5“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Victory for Born-again Christians (v.4)  The Purpose of I John: The Assurance of the New Birth  TEN Evidences of the New Birth Those who are born of God obey His commandments. ( 1 John 2:3-4) Those who are born of God walk as Christ walked. ( 1 John 2:5-6) Those who are born of God don't hate others but love them. ( 1 John 2:9) Those who are born of God don't love the world. ( 1 John 2:15) Those who are born of God confess and embrace Jesus as the Son of God. ( 1 John 2:23) Those who are born of God practice righteousness. ( 1 John 2:29) Those who are born of God possess the Holy Spirit. ( 1 John 3:24_) Those who are born of God listen submissively to the apostolic Word. ( 1 John 4:6) Those who are born of God believe that Jesus is the Christ. (1 John 5:1) Those who are born of God overcome the world. ( 1 John 5:4)  Two Common Misunderstandings Living Out the Victory of Faith

I John 5:4-5 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?Acts 1:4-54 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-41While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John's baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.7 There were about twelve men in all. Ephesians 5:18-20 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Victorious: God's Calling (I John 5:4-5) Receiving the Holy Spirit  (Acts 1:4-5) Filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20) Living with the Power of the Holy Spirit 

I John 5:1-5 5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Our theme for 2025: VICTORIOUS Confidence or Condemnation 3 Signs of Confidence in Victory     1. The first sign is theological. (V.1, 10)     2. The second sign is moral. (V3)     3. The third sign is social (2) 

I John 5:1-5 5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Our theme for 2025: VICTORIOUS          1. Victory over the World (V.4)          2. Victory by Faith (V.1)          2. Victory in Love and Obedience (Vv.2-3)           3. Victory and Testimony (V.5) 

I John 5:1-5 5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Philippians 3:13-1413 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.Joshua 1:7-97 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Forgetting what is behind (Phil 3:13) Strong & Courageous 2024 God's Command God's Word God's Presence Our Response: Repentance

John 1:14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  Matthew 16:13-1713When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15“But what about you?”he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  Who Do You Say I am Celebrating JesusHis IdentityJohn 1:1-5“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”Philippians 2:5-7"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"Jesus is the SaviorJohn 3:17-18"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." Jesus is the TeacherJohn 14:6-7"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him." Jesus is LordRevelation 19:16"On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords."Matthew 10:34, ""Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.1 John 3:8"The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." Our Response 

John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  Understanding the Christmas Season  The Season of Peace  Luke 2:13-15 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The Season of SalvationJohn 3:17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.The Season of Giving John 3:16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son... Celebrating Jesus 

Hebrews 6:12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.Importance of Finishing Strong The Notion of Finishing Strong - Daily Faithfulness                   Lamentation 3:22-23 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.                Luke 16:10 10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” REPENTANCE              Acts 3:19 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord RENEWAL         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. REDEDICATION         Psalm 37:5 “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” 21 Days Year-End Prayer 

Hebrews 6:12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Joshua 14:6-156 Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 8 but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.'[a]10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. 15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites. Theme for 2024: Strong & CourageousThe Importance of Finishing StrongExamples of Finishing Strong:1. Solomon's Example (1 Kings 3, 11)2. Caleb's Example (Joshua 14:6-15)             Remembering God's Promise               Persevering in God's Promise               Claiming God's Promise               Receiving God's Promise  Be Strong & Courageous Until the End!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Celebrating Thanksgiving  1. Thanksgiving is a Command, Not a Suggestion.2. Thanksgiving is a Way of Focusing on God's Faithfulness.3. Thanksgiving Leads to Joy and Peace.4. Thanksgiving is an Act of Worship.5. Thanksgiving is God's will for us.  Thanks-living  

Philippines 2:12-188 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Review Philippians 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.Philippians 2:12-13Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Sanctification: Renewing of Mind (vv.8-9)  Kingdom Partnership (vv. 10-20)       God's Purpose, Power, and Provision (vv. 10-13)       Our Participation (vv. 14-18)       Our Reward (vv.17, 19-20)  

Philippians 2:12-18 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.Philippians 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.Philippians 2:12-13Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:15Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky Philippians 2:16-18And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:12-16 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.  The Manner Worthy of the Gospel: Unity Philippians 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...as you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. The Problem of Disunity: v.1414 Do everything without grumbling or arguingChristian Life: Becoming more like Jesus (vv. 12-13) continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Clarification: What does it mean to be saved?  How do we work out our salvation daily?  Repentance to the Father v.12 "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..."   I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."    Remembrance of the Son I Corinthians 15:1-4Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures... Dependence on the Holy Spirit Philippians 1:6 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  Philippians 2:15-1615 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Philippians 2:12-16 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. ”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.  The Life worthy of the gospel: UNITY  Phil 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...as you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.  Christian Life: Becoming more like Jesus (vv. 12-13) continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.  The Problem of Arguingv14 Do everything without arguing 

Philippians 2:1-162 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 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.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.  The Life worthy of the gospel: UNITY  Phil 1:27 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...as you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.  Christian Life: Becoming more like Jesus 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! The Problem of Grumblingv14 Do everything without grumblingGrumbling & Immaturity  Grumbling & Blaming Proverbs 19:3 A person's own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. The Example of Israel in Exodus I Corinthians 10:9-10 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.Numbers 11:1-2 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died Numbers 14:26-29 26 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 27 “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: 29 In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me.  Grumbling: Faithlessness Jude 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.  How do we deal with grumbling?  Repentance to God the Father  Remembrance of the Son Dependence on the Holy Spirit  

Philippians 2:1-112 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3 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.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God,    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing    by taking the very nature of a servant,    being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man,    he humbled himself    by becoming obedient to death—        even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place    and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,    to the glory of God the Father. Living a life worthy of the Gospel  The Call to Unity (vv. 1-2) Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  The Call to Humility (vv. 3-4)3 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.  The Mindset of Christ (v. 5) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus   Humility & Obedience  Applications 

Philippians 1:27-3027 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. GOSPEL: the Good News of Jesus Christ  Living a life worthy of the Gospel  1. Whatever happens! (v. 27a)27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.   2. One Spirit (v. 27b) I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 3.No fear! (vv. 28-30)28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Matthew 24:3-5, 36-393 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. 2 Corinthians 11:1-20I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.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.4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.  5. Sermon Title: Spiritual Summer: A Discerning Spirit Part VReview  Doctrinal Discernment: Gospel Essentials  Characteristics of False Prophets/Teachers Paul's Response and Our Response  

Psalm 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 2 Tim 4:1-3In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Peter 2:1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. Defining Discernment  Discerning False Doctrines  Two Common False Doctrines  3 Tests      The Test of Origin      The Test of Authority      The Test of Consistency  Truths of the Gospel 

Psalm 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Philippians 1:9-11And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Matthew 7:1-6 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.Defining Discernment  Who are you to judge?  The Attitude of Discernment: How to Judge 

Psalm 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.Ephesians 4:14 14As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming I Thessalonians 5:21-2221But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;22abstain from every form of evil.I John 4:1 1Beloved, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.The Definition of Discernment The Impact of Discernment The Source of Discernment 

Psalm 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Spiritual Discernment in Today's World The Nature of Discernment The Purpose of Discernment 

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we want each of you to show the same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised   Proverbs 6:6-11Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Fighting against Laziness     Rebellion     Range     Result     Remedy 

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we want each of you to show the same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised   Proverbs 6:6-11Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. The Problem of Laziness   The Folly of Laziness   The Battle against Laziness   

Psalm 90:12Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ephesians 5:8-208 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper,    and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.”15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Spiritual Summer (v.8-13)  Time Management (Psalm 90) and Self-Control (v.14)  Paul's 4 steps to time management 1. Analyze (v.15) 2. Prioritize (v.17) 3. Economize (v.16)4. Utilize (v.16)  All about Christ - for Him, by Him, and with Him 

Galatians 5:1-6, 13-265 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.2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.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.18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.26 Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other. Spiritual Summer Freedom & Faith  Purpose of Freedom in Christ 1. To Fight against Flesh (v.13b)2. To Serve others (v.13c) 3. To Fulfill God's Moral Law (v.14) 4. To Avoid Harming others (v.15) 

Proverbs 25:28 - "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."2 Timothy 1:7- "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-control."Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Titus 1:8 - "Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." Spiritual Summer by His Grace  Spiritual Battle: Flesh vs. Spirit  Understanding Self-Control  The Fruit of Self-Control  Applying Self Control 

Proverbs 3:1-3My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Spiritual Summer Remembrance of God (Psalm 77:11-12) "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." Repentance of us (Matthew 3:8) "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."  Reinforcement of the holy lifestyle (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. 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." 

Psalm 119:9-16, 114-116, 140, 1669How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. 114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;166 I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands. Spiritual Summer       His Grace and Our Response Spiritual Battle       Sin and the Devil  Spiritual Food      Power of the Word      Practice of the Word         1. Seek the Word (v10)         2. Hide the Word (v11)        3. Pray the Word (vv.12-13, 114-116)         4. Apply the Word (vv.14, 140)         5. Hope in the Word (vv.1