SouthPoint Church

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: We can accidently make others feel unloved…because our good intentions don't translate Love has two inseparable ingredients: - Feelings of Love - Actions of Love They FEEL An Emotion You DO An Action They don't FEEL Emotional You DO An Action Everyone has a “relationship battery” It's hard to win at life when we're losing at our relationships The only real power we have to fix relationships is to work on ourselves “There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.” - John 15:13 …Jesus knew the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. - John 13:1 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. - 1st John 4:9-10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. - 1st John 4:9-10 Love is more than a feeling; it's a decision of the will to act for good on behalf of another. Everyone has a relational battery we either charge or drain. People “feel” loved in different ways. Maturity is acting-in-love even when we don't feel like it. Our words, actions, and attitudes will make a…Deposit OR Withdrawal Everyone has a relational battery we either charge or drain. People “feel” loved in different ways. Maturity is acting-in-love even when we don't feel like it. -Acts of Service -Affection -Gifts -Time With -Words of Affirmation …teaches couples that everyone feels loved differently. What touches one person's heart has no meaning at all to another. And the problem is, people don't know this. People tend to show love in the way they like to receive it and are then surprised when their efforts aren't appreciated. - Verified by Psychology Today 2/24 Everyone has a relational battery we either charge or drain. People “feel” loved in different ways. Maturity is acting-in-love even when we don't feel like it. To feel loved, we must see love in a way that moves us. Follow Jesus's example of “selfless love” in practical ways that meet the needs of another.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Our best or worst days are rarely about things; they're usually about relationships It's hard to win at life when we're losing at our relationships Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, the study revealed. -The Harvard Gazette The only real power we have to fix relationships is to work on ourselves I am the common factor in every one of my struggling relationships “You can see the speck in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, ‘My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,' …when you don't see the log in your own eye? You're nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye; then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye.” - Matthew 7:3-5 It's natural to easily see the faults of others while being blinded about our own flaws. Always, always start by looking in the mirror first! We struggle at relationships because we're blind to the fact that we're actually part of the problem We ALL have… - a distorted view of our own flaws - soul damage that causes a warped response - disordered desires that create dysfunction “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” - John 13:34 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Challenge: What's my part in the problem? How is hurt shaping my responses? Where am I being unfairly selfish?

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: WHY are we here celebrating Easter? Easter celebrates the historical event of Jesus's resurrection If Jesus stayed dead, His words, actions, ideas, and teachings are useless Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 -Con man -Crazy delusional -Christ the King When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” “…This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!” - Mark 2:5-7 The thief said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!” Jesus replied, “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” - Luke 23:42-43 …the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.” - Matthew 27:62-66 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. - Matthew 27:62-66 JESUS PROMISES: - Forgiveness - Eternal life - God's love conquers evil & you matter NO RESURRECTION: - No forgiveness – No eternal life – evil wins and life is meaningless Jesus can't be good if he was lying about who he claimed to be For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. - 1st Corinthians 15:3-8 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. - 1st Corinthians 15:3-8 PAUL THE APOSTLE -Martyred in 64/65 AD -Corinthians written 55 AD -Jesus crucified 33 AD -That's 22 YEARS, not centuries later! “Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who became his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, AND THAT HE WAS ALIVE.” Flavius Josephus – Antiquities of the Jews- 90's AD Personally Matters: -Jesus's love shows you matter -Jesus's death erases our sin -Jesus's life destroys death Jesus's resurrection proves that His love, forgiveness, and offer of eternal life are real!

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. And last of all He appeared to me… - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV) Why is Jesus the ONLY Way? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 (NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” - Matthew 7:13 “Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference.” - Frederick Douglass Aren't All Religions Basically the Same? View of God – Salvation – Human Nature – Origin & Creation – Meaning & Purpose – Morality – Reality – Heaven & Hell – Good & Evil – The Eternal Soul Why is Jesus the ONLY Way? Why Did Jesus Have to Die ON THE CROSS? Atonement AT-ONE-MENT You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. - Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV) “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Matthew 9:13 (NIV) ANIMAL SACRIFICE -Physical Demonstration -Representative Substitution -Repentant Response -Repetitious Circle “The cross is not where Jesus saves us from God, but where Jesus reveals God as savior. The cross is not what God inflicts upon Jesus in order to forgive, but what God in Christ endures as he forgives. The cross is where the sin of the world coalesced into a hideous singularity so that it might be forgiven en masse.” - Brian Zahnd THE CROSS -Legal Resolution -Philosophical Example -Spiritual Rescue -Relational Landmark

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: If God is good, why is there evil? How can a loving God allow hell to exist? It's fair to question the ugly twins of evil and hell Answers rarely solve personal pain We're ALL betting our lives on something Betting our lives demands evidence, not just emotions What makes genuine love real? -Freedom of choice -Dignity of decision -Justice of protection Would genuine love? -Force affinity & affection -Rob dignity & choice -Ignore evil & harm Genuine love means evil and hell are a possibility. ● EVIL is not God's plan for us ● HELL was not made for us ● SALVATION is freely offered to all of us “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus of Nazareth John 10:10 ● EVIL is not God's plan for us ● HELL was not made for us ● SALVATION is freely offered to us “…away to the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels!” Matthew 25:41 ● EVIL is not God's plan for us ● HELL was not made for us ● SALVATION is freely offered to all of us For 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. John 3:16 Evil and hell reveal we failed God's love for us… Jesus is God's unfailing love that can save anyone “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.” Revelation 21:4

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: All of us are betting our lives on something No one should bet their life on “blind faith” “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” - John 14:11 Whatever we bet our life on needs more than emotion; it should have strong evidence Why should I trust the Bible? Myths: ● NT was written centuries later ● Bible is corrupted - many versions ● Has contradictions For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. - 1st Corinthians 15:3-8 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 PAUL THE APOSTLE -Martyred in 64/65 AD -Corinthians written in 55 AD -Jesus crucified in 33 AD --- That's 22 years, not centuries, later! --- Myths: ● NT was written centuries later ● Bible is corrupted - many versions ● Has contradictions Bible written in: Hebrew – Aramaic – Greek The Great Isaiah Scroll, a Dead Sea Scroll dating back to around 125 BC, is remarkably similar to the Masoretic Text, the standard Hebrew Bible, with only a few minor textual variations, confirming the accuracy of the transmission of the Book of Isaiah over a millennium. Myths: ● NT was written centuries later ● Bible is corrupted - many versions ● Has contradictions The two criminals also said cruel things to Jesus. - Matthew 27:44 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him… But the other criminal rebuked him. - Luke 23:38-40 Using an unequal standard creates an unfair picture Literary Evidence Manuscript Evidence Archeological Evidence LITERARY EVIDENCE 66 different books 40+ Authors (varied backgrounds) Written on 3 different continents Written in 3 different languages Over a 1,500-year time span It's a coherent message & has thematic unity NON-CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL SOURCES: Tacitus Suetonius Josephus Pliny the Younger Lucian Talmud -Jesus lived during the time of Tiberius Caesar. -He lived a virtuous life. -He was thought to be a wonder-worker. -He had a brother named James. -He was acclaimed to be the Messiah. -He was crucified under Pontius Pilate. -An eclipse and earthquake occurred when He died. -He was crucified on the eve of the Passover. -His disciples believed He rose from the dead. -His disciples were willing to die for their beliefs. MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE 1,000 years – 10 copies – GAELIC WARS 750 years – 7 copies – NATURAL HISTORY 500 years – 500 copies – ILIAD 50 years – 24,000 copies – NEW TESTAMENT ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE Luke: 32 countries, 54 cities, 9 islands, 0 mistakes ---------- Politarchs – city officials No reference in existing Greek literature 1st century archway with inscription “In the time of Politarchs” ----------- Lysanias the Tetrarch of Abilene (no mention) 2 Greek inscriptions from Abila dated 14-29 A.D. “Freedman of Lysanias, the Tetrarch” “It may be stated categorically that no archeological discovery has ever controverted a single biblical reference.” - Archeologist Dr. Nelson Glueck (Time Magazine Person of the Year) Believing the Bible does not require any blind faith. It has mountains of evidence that points to its trustworthiness. “A person who rejects Christ may choose to say that I do not accept it, he may not choose to say there's not enough evidence.” - Simon Greenleaf

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: How do I become the “me” I want to be? Everyone has a hidden flaw that keeps us from being the “me” we want to be. All of us are born with a bent towards greed and self-preservation. We can't add + to the world if we're always subtracting -. We'll never become the “me” we want to be without an antidote to our natural drive for self-preservation and greed. On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” - Luke 10:25 Jesus answered, “There was once a man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him, stripped him, and beat him up, leaving him half dead.” - Luke 10:30-37 “It so happened that a priest was going down that road; but when he saw the man, he walked on by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also came there, went over and looked at the man, and then walked on by on the other side.” - Luke 10:30-37 “But a Samaritan who was traveling that way came upon the man, and when he saw him, his heart was filled with compassion. He went over to him, poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them; then he put the man on his own animal and took him to an inn.” - Luke 10:30-37 “…where he took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,' he told the innkeeper, ‘and when I come back this way, I will pay you whatever else you spend on him.'” - Luke 10:30-37 Then Jesus asked, “Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to the man who was beaten up by robbers?” The expert in the Law of Moses answered, “The one who showed pity.” Jesus said, “Go and DO the same!” - Luke 10:30-37 Generosity is the antidote to greed. Love always results in practical generosity. We can't love God while actively ignoring what matters deeply to His heart! For 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. - John 3:16 Generous with: -Our attention -Our time/space -Our money Real love will naturally result in practical generosity. Christ's love inspires us to be adders, not subtractors.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: How do I become the “me” I want to be? Certain behaviors impact all of our being, and if not disciplined they will derail other areas of our lives Certain behaviors impact all of our being, and if not disciplined they will derail other areas of our lives We can't become better while at the same time harming ourselves and others The discipline of purity helps us in all areas of our life because it's choosing to love God and others over self-gratification, which is the very definition of “becoming the me we're meant to be.” PURITY: Is NOT about sex being bad! It's about NOT exploiting people for self-gratification Purity is simply choosing to love God and others over our desire for self-gratification Two Sides of Purity: - Avoiding HARM - Pursuing HEALTH “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.” - Matthew 5:13-16 “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:13-16 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a person with lust has already committed adultery with them in their heart.” - Matthew 5:27-28 Objectifying people for sexual gratification is harmful! Discipline what we: -Allow our EYES to see -Allow our MINDS to imagine -Allow our BODIES to do “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” - Matthew 6:22-23 Discipline what we: -Allow our EYES to see -Allow our MINDS to imagine -Allow our BODIES to do 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. - 2nd Corinthians 10:5 What we: -Allow our eyes to see -Allow our minds to imagine -Allow our bodies to do 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. - Romans 12:1 The discipline of purity motived by love for Jesus and others… Aligns our actions with our aim to become who we're meant to be!

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: How do I become the “me” I want to be? National Quitters Day: Lasting life-change needs more than motivation and willpower External motivation, also known as extrinsic motivation, has limited ability because it often only provides temporary results, can diminish intrinsic motivation (the desire to do something for its own sake), and may not lead to sustained long-term engagement or quality performance, especially when compared to internal motivation driven by personal interest or values. - GOOGLE External motivation cannot do what only internal inspiration can. News about Jesus kept spreading. Large crowds came to listen to him teach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. - Luke 5:15-16 Prayer (communication) is not a religious obligation; it's a relational necessity! “And when you pray…” - Not for public show - It's personal and private - Be real – not religious - Matthew 6:5-7 “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who seeks will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.” - Matthew 7:7-11 “Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish?” - Matthew 7:7-11 “As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” - Matthew 7:7-11 Prayer is the relational connection where our busted heart meets the perfect heart of Father God, which alters how we see, think, and act. The study also found that social contagion was strongest among close friends. When our friends engage in certain behaviors or adopt particular attitudes, we are more likely to do the same. This is because we are more likely to trust and emulate the behavior of those closest to us. - Harvard / UC San Diego Study We often think that self-control comes from within, yet many of our actions depend just as much on our friends and family as ourselves. Those we surround ourselves with have the power to make us fatter, drink more alcohol, care less about the environment and be more risky with sun protection, among many things. - BBC article 5/24 Prayer Reconnects Us Prayer Reestablishes Us Prayer Releases Us Prayer Reimagines Us Regular prayer relationally connects us to our Heavenly Father. Being connected to God inspires meaningful and lasting life-change. ACTS: Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: A distorted view hinders us from seeing the correct path AND eventually leads to damage and dysfunction Emotionally: I feel so… Financially: I deserve so… Sexually: I desire so … Relationally: I expect so… ALL of us are born with the distorted view of self-centeredness How do we undistort our view so we can walk a path that avoids damage and dysfunction? Sometimes we get stuck being the “me” we don't want to be The change we want requires a power and path we don't naturally have. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. - Psalm 119:105 “So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise person who built their house on rock. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock.” - Matthew 7:24-27 “But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish person who built their house on sand. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, the wind blew hard against that house, and it fell. And what a terrible fall that was!” - Matthew 7:24-27 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. - 2nd Timothy 3:16 The instructions and commands (words) of Jesus create clarity so we can walk the correct path that leads to life REVEALS - God's goodness and grace REFLECTS - Humanity's defective condition REDIRECTS - Our faulty views & broken patterns God gives us the Scriptures as a “corrective lens” so we can walk the path that leads to life YouVersion Bible App Get the FREE Bible App for your phone or tablet at bible.com/app

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: How do I become the “me” I want to be? I Want to Be: Kind – Thoughtful – Secure – Helpful – Active – Generous I am: Angry – Selfish – Jealous – Prideful – Lazy – Greedy Sometimes we get stuck being the “me” we don't want to be We trick ourselves into believing that wanting to change is the same as the willingness to change. The change we want requires a power and path we don't naturally have. He called a little child and had him stand among them. Then he said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children… - Matthew 18:2-4 …you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:2-4 KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: The space/place where God's way/rule (goodness) is lived out INFANT - Totally dependent TEENAGER - Pursuing independence CHILD - Securely interdependent There's a trust and love that surrenders to our Heavenly Father's guidance instead of our own OBSTACLES: Dysfunctional TRUST Different PATH Dependent POWER Without the willingness to surrender, we stay stuck, wanting change without actually experiencing it.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Work is a gift God has given us. Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him. 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. - Colossians 3:23-24 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. - Hebrews 13:20-21 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” - Luke 16:10 Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him. - Work is WORSHIP. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do... - Ephesians 6:7-8 - Work is worship. - Work is AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE JESUS WITH OTHERS. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house… - Matthew 5:14-16 …In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. - Philippians 2:14 - Work is worship. - Work is an opportunity to share Jesus with others. - Work is A PROVISION. …Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. - Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. - Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV) Joy isn't found in what I get… Joy isn't found in what I get… Joy is found in knowing what I'd give up everything for! Sacrifice is the response to God's grace, not a condition of it. Hidden treasure exposes lesser gods I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. - Philippians 3:8 (NIV) “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) Jesus…gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. - 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." - John 12:32 (ESV)

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: WHY another church? WHO are we? WHERE are we headed? Clarity helps you avoid wasting your time - so you can decide if you want to join this adventure called SouthPoint Church. WHY another church? Jesus was going through Jericho, where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. - Luke 19:1-10 So he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way. …“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” - Luke 19:1-10 But the crowds were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. …“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:1-10 WHO are we? JESUS IS A BIG DEAL EVERYONE IS LOVED AND WELCOMED EVERYONE HAS A NEXT STEP LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER WE'RE CONTRIBUTORS NOT CONSUMERS Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! - Luke 15:1-5 “If any of you has 100 sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will you do? Won't you leave the 99 in the field and go look for the 1 lost sheep until you find it?” - Luke 15:1-5 JESUS IS A BIG DEAL EVERYONE IS LOVED AND WELCOMED EVERYONE HAS A NEXT STEP LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER WE'RE CONTRIBUTORS NOT CONSUMERS WHERE are we headed? For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. - 2nd Corinthians 5:14-20 And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. - 2nd Corinthians 5:14-20

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Living in a broken world where everyone is flawed means ALL of us will end up with a wound. Overly Sensitive – Unhealthy Reaction – Self Medicate – Unwanted Outcome – Overly Sensitive Ignoring unresolved hurt keeps us stuck in a loop of dysfunction which is tiresome UNRESOLVED HURT: Wound – someone said or did something hurtful Lie – a wound that creates a false truth about you Vow – we make a promise that becomes a prison NOTHING fixes itself…this is especially true about the hurts we all experience Do DIFFERENT not Do More Ignore Pretend Excuse Medicate Spiritualize Jesus's unconditional and unfailing love gives us the courage to face even our most painful moments …the men who had been standing there came over to him and said, “We know you are one of his disciples, for we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter began to curse and swear. “I don't even know the man,” he said. - Matthew 26:73-75 Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. - Matthew 26:73-75 Simon Peter said, “I'm going fishing!” The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him…and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat… - John 21:3 & 7-8 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” - John 21:17 Unresolved hurt is not a blemish to hide from Jesus - Jesus's unconditional love calls us to run to him with our hurts Professional Counseling Celebrate Recovery Stephen Ministry Small Groups Jesus's unconditional and unfailing love gives us the courage to face even our most painful moments

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: A “yes” is always attached to a “no” Unhealthy boundaries lead to chaos, stress, and pain which are exhausting Financially Vocationally Recreationally Physically Relationally DIVIDING LINE: Wise/ Unwise Mine/Theirs Healthy/Happy Right/Wrong Identity/Image Too many “yes's” even to good things ends up being a “no” to a good life Do DIFFERENT not DO MORE “Come to me, ALL you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Jesus of Nazareth News about Jesus kept spreading. Large crowds came to listen to him teach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray. - Luke 5:15-16 After the people had seen Jesus work this miracle, they began saying, “This must be the Prophet who is to come into the world!” - John 6:14-15 Jesus realized that they would try to force him to be their king. So he withdrew again to a mountain by himself. - John 6:14-15 “You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied. “If I don't wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don't really belong to me.” Peter said, “Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head.” - John 13:8-10 Jesus answered, “People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean…” - John 13:8-10 Jesus didn't change what's His/right/healthy/wise just to make people happy Right or Wrong Mine or Theirs Wise or Unwise Healthy or Happiness Acknowledging our limitations frees us to set boundaries that protect us from ourselves and others.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: What refuels your soul? Refuel – Family/Work/Chores – LIFE Living exhausted and on empty never leads to the life we want INTERNAL FUEL (emotionally) Relaxation Enjoyment Friendship Without the fuel of friendship our souls will stay exhausted HARVARD UNIVERSITY: The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that close friendships, more than money, fame, or even your cholesterol level are connected to keeping people happy and healthy in the long term. Likewise, behavioral economist Arthur Brooks has studied the intersection of happiness, relationships, and purpose. He validates the Harvard study's finding that "taking care of our relationships" is critical, and that "our connections with others are nourishment for body, mind and soul." In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General—Dr. Vivek Murthy—issued a report that drew attention to an epidemic that affects 1 out of 2 American adults. Half of us are lonely. - Weill Cornell Medicine Do DIFFERENT not Do More “Come to me, ALL you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Jesus of Nazareth PARADISE AND PERFECTION Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to live alone...” - Genesis 2:18 - SEEN - Authentically known - SUPPORTED - Genuinely cared for - SHARPENED - Truthfully loved He appointed twelve that they might be with him… - Mark 3:14 Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed… - Matthew 17:1-3 …so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. - Matthew 17:2-3 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” - Matthew 26:37-38 Because of what Jesus said, many of his disciples turned their backs on him and stopped following him. Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. - John 6:66-68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life.” - John 6:66-68 Jesus modeled that relational connection is an essential part of being human Friendship refuels our souls and it's not a luxury but a necessity - However, relationships require intentionality and courage

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: The Good Life: Being Better Doing MORE “More” is a never-ending chase because more is always temporary Is there a different answer than the chase for “more”? “Come to me, ALL you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Jesus of Nazareth Rest For Our Souls: LEARN Contentment PRIORITIZE Connection SET Boundaries PURSUE Healing The opposite of chasing more is contentment - but contentment is not natural for any of us The truth is, we're not wired to feel content or satisfied. Ever! - Psychology Today Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. - Ecclesiastes 1:8 What does contentment mean? Where does “enough” come from? 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13 True contentment doesn't come from a “what”, it can only come from a “who”! “Don't worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?' Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things.” - Matthew 6:31-33 “And your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:31-33 Contentment will never come from the “what” we have or what we experience, but from the “who” we're becoming CHALLENGE: Don't chase more… Learn the contentment that comes from Jesus! SYMPTOMS: Compare – Complain – Covet CURE: Gratitude

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Christmas silently reminds us that life promises us things it doesn't deliver. Celebrating is momentary fun, but HOPE is what's needed to carry us over the long haul Life without genuine HOPE breaks us on the inside and on the outside The holidays don't magically fix things…The holidays magnify what's already true Christmas is not about creating the impossible…it's about celebrating an incredible promise kept The Promise – A Savior - Genesis 3:15 (He will crush head/strike heel) - Genesis 12:3 (all peoples will be blessed) - Genesis 49:10 (scepter…from Judah) - Psalm 22:16-18 (pierced hands/feet – cast lots) - Isaiah 7:14 (the virgin will give birth) - Isaiah 9:1-2 (Galilee – a light in the dark) - Isaiah 9:6-7 (Wonderful Counselor/Prince of Peace…) - Isaiah 53:3-12 (our iniquity was laid upon Him) The first Christmas is the historical fact that proves God keeps His promises! The same God who personally showed up in a manger…Is coming back as a King and will fix all that is broken! At this time a man named Simeon was living in Jerusalem. Simeon was a good man. He loved God and was waiting for him to save the people of Israel. God's Spirit came to him and told him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. - Luke 2:25-28 When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to do what the Law of Moses says should be done for a new baby, the Spirit told Simeon to go into the temple. Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God… - Luke 2:25-28 Anna, a prophet, was also there. She was a descendant of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. Her husband had died seven years after they were married, and she had been a widow for 84 years. - Luke 2:36-38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming of the Savior that the Messiah had finally arrived. - Luke 2:36-38 - God loves us so much that He personally shows up - We are loved despite our flaws and failures - God is both faithful and able to fix what we can't Christmas provides an unstoppable hope that fuels peace, joy, and love even in a busted and broken world! CHALLENGE: What are you putting your hope in this holiday season?

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: We often have a love-hate relationship with Christmas The holidays don't magically fix things…The holidays magnify what's already true Having unfair and unreal expectations of Christmas will lead to disappointment How do we experience what we hope for at Christmas? Christmas is not about creating the impossible…it's about celebrating an incredible promise kept This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 1:18-23 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. - Matthew 1:18-23 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because… - Matthew 1:18-23 …what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:18-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). - Matthew 1:18-23 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world… And everyone went to their own town to register. - Luke 2:1-7 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. - Luke 2:1-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. - Luke 2:1-7 The first Christmas wasn't about a pass from problems, it was about a promise kept. The God who is for us came to be with us. - Holiday pressures magnify - Unrealistic expectations create disappointment - Christmas isn't recreating the impossible, it's a remembrance Christmas isn't where control and consumption overcome chaos Christmas is a remembrance of a love that kept a great promise Challenge: Let go of false expectations that a season can't deliver Let's remember it's the great love of a promised Savior

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: RAISING YOUR GRATITUDE LEVEL Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) GRATITUDE EMBRACES FAITH When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. - Luke 17:14 THE MATH FOR DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT Entitlement + Unmet Expectations = Deep Disappointment THE MATH FOR DEEP JOY GRACE + GRATITUDE = DEEP JOY GRATITUDE REQUIRES INTENTIONAL ACTION One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. - Luke 17:15 GRATITUDE DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. - Luke 17:16 GRATITUDE LEADS TO WHOLENESS Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well. - Luke 17:19

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: No matter WHO won or lost, roughly half of America was going to be sad, mad, and disappointed while the other half was going to be happy and glad Political hate is dividing friends, families, and churches - We don't just disagree, we dehumanize the other side Immoral to hate: -because of skin color -because of gender -because of ethnicity -because of social status -because of beliefs -but it's okay if it's political “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus of Nazareth – John 13:34-35 A divided community is a defeated community A divided church is a defeated church Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Jesus of Nazareth – Matthew 12:25 When the “Jesus community” joins in the political polarization and hostility, we lose credibility to point people to Jesus. How can you be a Christian and vote for ____________? No party or candidate can perfectly represent ALL that Jesus and the Gospel are meant to be We prioritize our “pet political” issue and demand that others do the same – Justice – Poverty – Life – Morality Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence… Joshua 5:13-14 Jesus' followers primary purpose isn't to be on a political side, we're meant to be servants of a King “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” John 17:21-23 “May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:21-23 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Unity is not Conformity Unity = Direction Conformity = Sameness The greatness of King Jesus unites us even if we disagree politically We can disagree and still love without dehumanizing! Pray - Listen & Learn – Love I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 1:1-4 Pray - Listen & Learn – Love Jesus' followers adopt a posture of humility, listening, and learning, even when disagreeing, so that Christ might be honored

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:36 (ESV) A sacrifice isn't a sacrifice unless it costs you something. David said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” - 2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV) “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:23-24 (ESV) 1. TRUE WORSHIP IS AN OUTPOURING Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) If you don't allow God to fill you, something else will. 1. True Worship is an Outpouring 2. TRUE WORSHIP IS OBEDIENCE “...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” - 1 Samuel 15:22b Worship is ascribing worth to God because He's worthy. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?” - Luke 6:46 1. True Worship is an Outpouring 2. True Worship is Obedience 3. TRUE WORSHIP IS AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION It's an outward expression of our inward devotion to our Father. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. - Romans 1:16

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Our limitations in the midst of overwhelming need…whisper to us that doing nothing is better than doing something that falls short It's impossible to live a life that counts when we choose to do nothing Sometimes we buy into a half-truth that can rob our life of meaningful purpose How do normal people experience a meaningful purpose in the midst of the daily grind of life? Half-Truth: The need is almost always greater than our resources. Do real limitations disqualify us from meaningful purpose? 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. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” - Mark 6:35-44/Matthew 14:15-21 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?” - Mark 6:35-44/Matthew 14:15-21 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. - Mark 6:35-44/Matthew 14:15-21 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 the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied… - Mark 6:35-44/Matthew 14:15-21 Observations: - There's an overwhelming need - Disciples had insufficient resources - Lack didn't stop disciples call to purpose - Bringing to Jesus first is the key - God turns lack into plenty When our lack is offered to others on behalf of Jesus, God makes it more than enough! Anyone can experience purpose by partnering with Jesus regardless of our limitations 1. We are God's plan to change the world and impact eternity 2. The motive to love and honor Jesus is the difference maker 3. God turns our lack into His plenty Do for ONE what you wish you could do for many ANNOUNCEMENT: January 5th 2025 SP will have three services 8:30am – 10am – 11:30am Opportunities: Next Generation Guest Services Online/Production/Worship Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can do Doing what we can on behalf of Jesus turns our lack into plenty

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Sometimes we pick a “look” that's unattractive! No one wants to look back on their life and have it look like a bad middle school picture. How do normal people experience a meaningful purpose in the midst of the daily grind of life? What kind of look do we need in our lives that allows us to experience purpose? After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. - Luke 5:27-31 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers…complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” - Luke 5:27-31 Jesus answered, “Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn't come to invite good people to turn to God. I came to invite sinners.” - Luke 5:27-31 Observations: - Levi was offered a generous amount of grace - Levi in turn was generous to others - Generosity built a “bridge” - Generosity is fueled by love and gratitude - Generosity is other-focused not self-centered Levi's response to God's extravagant generosity was to be extremely generous with others God is generous so His followers should be generous - Can't experience purpose without generosity Facts: - Only 5% of regular attenders tithe - Average giving in US is $17 weekly - 37% of regular attenders give $0 - Since 1990 there's been a 50% drop Most people aren't trying to be greedy and selfish - The distraction of the daily is a real enemy - Gratitude drives generosity not guilt - Generosity matters – build bridges - A posture of generosity requires intentionality and discipline ANNOUNCEMENT: January 5th 2025 SP will have three services 8:30am – 10am – 11:30am Opportunities: Next Generation Guest Services Online/Production/Worship Generosity is gratitude-in-action that builds bridges and allows for purpose

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: My life has radically been changed by: An Invitation to church An Invitation to work-out An Invitation to serve An Invitation to Stephanie for a date An Invitation to YoungLife An Invitation to move to St. Mary's An Invitation to start SouthPoint An Invitation to dinner An Invitation to ride a motorcycle Invitation: I See You You Matter Someone Cares All of us have a hidden superpower that can unleash radical life-change in others. How do normal people experience a meaningful purpose in the midst of the daily grind of life? An invitation is a God-given secret superpower that allows anyone to have meaningful purpose in the grind-of-life Jesus went on into Jericho and was passing through. There was a chief tax collector there named Zacchaeus, who was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was a little man and could not see Jesus because of the crowd. - Luke 19:1-10 When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.” Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus…But the crowds were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. - Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Listen, sir! I will give half my belongings to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay back four times as much.” For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. - Luke 19:1-10 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” - Matthew 4:19 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 Jesus reveals the life-changing power of an invitation… and followers are meant to copy His example. - We're inviters because God invited us first - Invitations require courage - Invitations are designed to be “others” focused - We're inviters because God invited us first - Invitations require courage - Invitations are designed to be “others” focused At SouthPoint we're inviters who believe that invitations have the power to change lives ANNOUNCEMENT: January 5th 2025 SP will have three services 8:30am – 10am – 11:30am Opportunities: - Next Generation - Guest Services - Online/Production/Worship An invitation is a gift anyone can offer We can't invite everyone but, we can invite someone

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Sometimes we pick a “look” that's unattractive! We all stop at some point in life and look at ourselves and ask this question, “Does my life count for something?” Grinding through life just to eke out sporadic and temporary pleasures is a look that doesn't age well. Does our life have the look of just surviving or meaningful purpose? How do normal people experience a meaningful purpose in the midst of the daily grind of life? What's true of us individually is also true of us as a community A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum, and the news spread that he was at home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn't room for a single person more, not even outside the door… - Mark 2:1-12 Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem….when four men arrived, carrying a paralyzed man to Jesus. Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. - Luke 5:17/Mark 2:1-12 So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” - Mark 2:1-12 “Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and pick up his mat and go on home?” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone… - Mark 2:1-12 Observations: - Someone needed what only God can give - There was an obstacle (including religious people) - Friends simply but selflessly paid personal cost to bring to Jesus! - Friends' faith made a difference - Inside must be fixed first In the daily grind of life, these friends choose to do what they could to get their friend to Jesus! - Jesus is the life-giver, not SP - We believe in doing whatever it takes (short of sin) to get people in front of Jesus - We're selfless space-makers willing to pay the cost so others can see Christ - People can belong before they believe ANNOUNCEMENT: January 5th 2025 SP will have three services 8:30am – 10am – 11:30am Opportunities: Next Generation Guest Services Online/Production/Worship Cause & Care Administrative Jesus personally invites us to a meaningful purpose in partnering with Him in everyday living We're all-in believers in doing whatever it takes (short of sin) to get people to the feet of Jesus!

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Jesus Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in JERUSALEM, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Jesus Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all JUDEA and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Jesus Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and SAMARIA, and to the ends of the earth.” - Jesus Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ENDS of the earth.” - Jesus Acts 1:8 Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. – Paul 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. – Peter 1 Peter 3:15

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: There's a constant barrage of conflict that's unavoidable and it damages our soul… There's a constant barrage of conflict that's unavoidable and it damages our soul…a damaged soul naturally leads to a defensive response of hostility and cynicism. How do we find healing for our souls so we can have peace with the world? Our current definition of peace is impossible to experience in the real world. Peace: Freedom from Disturbance or a State of Tranquility In a world that is broken, and where everyone is flawed, Conflict and Chaos become unavoidable How do we find healing for our souls so we can have peace with the world? - Isolation mode - Medicate mode - Fight mode …and as they were sitting around the table eating, Jesus said, “I solemnly declare that one of you will betray me, one of you who is here eating with me.” - Mark 14:18 Jesus said to them, “All of you will run away and leave me…” - Mark 14:27 They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” - Mark 14:32 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. - Luke 5:16 Jesus's response to conflict from a broken world was to regularly pray! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6-7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4: 6-7 Prayer: CONNECTS us to Prince of peace SUPPLIES hope to our soul PROTECTS our heart from poison The damage of conflict is unavoidable. Prayer transforms our response to damage from hostility to hope. TABS: Thank Ask Breathe Surrender

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Our natural impulse to deal with people from a place of self-interest makes peace with others impossible. ME – YOU – OTHERS Self-Image - How does it make ME look Self-gratification - How does it make ME feel Self-preservation - How does it make ME benefit Conflict: A disagreement or opposing views about needs, wants, and expectations. It's impossible to have peace with others unless we change our default way of interacting with people. Our current definition of peace is impossible to experience in the real world. Peace: Freedom from Disturbance or a State of Tranquility In a world that is broken, and where everyone is flawed, Conflict and Chaos become unavoidable How do we have peace with others? PEACE WITH OTHERS: Security/Provision – Identity/Value – Righteousness/Relate Rightly Righteousness: Acting in accord with divine or moral law “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:31 Jesus knew he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment… - John 13:3-5 …and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing. - John 13:3-5 “You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied. “If I don't wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don't really belong to me.” Peter said, “Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head.” - John 13:8-9 Jesus answered, “Are you really ready to die for me? I am telling you the truth: before the rooster crows you will say three times that you do not know me.” - John 13:38 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. - Philippians 2:3-5 Righteousness: We're benefactors/not exploiters We're forgiving/don't payback Boundary setters/not codependent Receiving God's love, grace, and provision transforms our interactions with others from selfish to selfless…which brings peace regardless TRUTH: We can't give what we don't have.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Sometimes we lack peace because our poor decision created a painful and dysfunctional result. Angry – Stressed – Fearful – Hurt – Frustrated – Anxious – Insecure - Greedy – Hateful – Resentful – Envious – Selfish – Jealous – Lustful A lack of inner peace keeps us stuck in a loop of dysfunction which leads to more and more stress Our current definition of peace is impossible to experience in the real world. Peace: Freedom from Disturbance or a State of Tranquility. In a world that is broken, and where everyone is flawed, Conflict and Chaos become unavoidable. How do we find inner-peace? Inner-Peace: SECURITY: Eternal Life IDENTITY: Child of God SURRENDER Surrender: It's the admission that life is hard and unfair… Yet we choose to OBEY God regardless of how we feel or the effort required Surrender requires: Self-discipline - We surrender our desire to “feel good” in the moment so we can have what “is good” even if it's delayed. “Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” - Matthew 7:24-27 “Anyone who hears my teachings and doesn't obey them is like a foolish person who built a house on sand. Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and the winds blew and beat against that house. Finally, it fell with a crash.” - Matthew 7:24-27 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. - 2nd Timothy 1:7 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11 We'll experience the pain of DISCIPLINE Or we'll experience the pain of DYSFUNCTION Three keys to discipline: - Trust in God - Courage to fight feelings - Grace to keep practicing Full surrender to Jesus transforms our view of discipline from being a pain to a pathway of peace.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Our definition of peace is impossible to experience in the real world. Peace: Freedom from Disturbance or a State of Tranquility In a world that is broken, and where everyone is flawed, Conflict and Chaos become unavoidable. Aiming at the impossible sets us up to be continuously disappointed. Jesus's Peace: A wholeness, a wellness, and a completeness of every area of life We want PEACE: - Inner Peace - Relational Peace - Practical Peace - Spiritual Peace Peace with CREATOR Peace with OURSELVES Peace with OTHERS Peace with WORLD “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40 Trying to manufacture a peace with creation…without having peace with our Creator leads to failure and futility. Only our Creator can answer these: Who am I meant to be? What am I meant to do? How do I live out who and what I am? Problem: All are naturally disconnected from our Creator. God: Perfect & Holy Us: Flawed & Sinful For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. - Colossians 1:19-22 …Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault… - Colossians 1:19-22 Who am I meant to be? What am I meant to do? How do I live out who and what I am? See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! - 1st John 3:1 Who am I meant to be? What am I meant to do? How do I live out who and what I am? Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but ALSO the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: - Philippians 2:4-5 Who am I meant to be? What am I meant to do? How do I live out who and what I am? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” - John 13:34 Peace with God through Jesus gives us the needed foundation to have peace with rest of creation!

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Everyone wants to have PEACE in their lives Yet, most of us can't find the peace we're seeking The world has gone mad! So, yes, the world is getting angrier. According to Gallup's Global Emotions report, negative emotions remained at their highest level in 2023 (tied with 2022). Anger is a piece of this data, and it remains near an all-time high worldwide. - Verified by Psychology Today 5/2024 Why so disturbed? - We're overwhelmed - We're afraid - We're financially strapped - We're late - We're in pain A life without peace is filled with self-sabotage Misunderstanding what PEACE is and how it works actually keeps us from finding the peace we seek. Peace is multi-dimensional: Physical – Relational – Spiritual – Financial PEACE definition: - Freedom from disturbance - State of tranquility If everyone is flawed and the world is broken then conflict and chaos are unavoidable PEACE needs to be… - more than a feeling - more than a circumstance Shalom means: “May you be fulfilled” Wholeness/Completeness For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. - Isaiah 9:6-7 “I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.” - John 14:27 “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.” - John 16:33 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace… - Ephesians 2:13-14 Observations: - Peace is complete wellness and wholeness - Peace requires a power we don't possess - Peace is a Person (a relationship) The peace we so desperately need isn't a feeling or circumstance, it's a person named Jesus!

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Without authenticity we experience “less-than” in life: - Less connected to others - Less connected to our purpose. No one wants to be a “sell-out” in the story of their own life No one intends to be a “sell-out” but the slow drift of distraction diverts our attention from our purpose to “feeling better”. How do we avoid the natural drift of distraction that can cause us to “sell-out” and miss our destiny? “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.” - Mark 4:7 “Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” - Mark 4:18-19 Be very careful as distractions can rob us of the life God has for us. 1. Anchor of His Word 2. Anchor of His Community 3. Anchor of His Cause “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.” “If you remain in me and my words remain in you…” - John 15:5 & 7 1. Anchor of His Word 2. Anchor of His Community 3. Anchor of His Cause …And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another… - Hebrews 10:24-25 1. Anchor of His Word 2. Anchor of His Community 3. Anchor of His Cause “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples” - John 13:34-35 God provides three connection anchors (Christ, Community, Cause) to keep us from selling-out to the drift of distraction. - Download YouVersion Bible App - Text “Groups” to 240-297-7400 - Text “Serve” to 240-297-7400

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Every human being has hypocritical moments ALL of us have hypocritical moments – No one wants to be a hypocritical person Hypocrisy is a refusal to admit that the “evil-of-self” lives equally in our hearts, so we present ourselves falsely and treat others unfairly. Hypocrisy makes us: BLIND and UNKIND How do we avoid the trap of moving from hypocritical moments to becoming a hypocritical person? Without authenticity we're less connected to others and to our purpose. How do we NOT become a hypocritical person? “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” - Matthew 6:1 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.” - Matthew 6:2 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.” - Matthew 6:5 “And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting.” - Matthew 6:6 Jesus reveals that hypocrisy has two harmful parts: - We focus on the wrong audience - We have a _______ view of people “And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' - Matthew 7:3-5 when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.” - Matthew 7:3-5 Jesus reveals that hypocrisy has two harmful parts: - We focus on the wrong audience - We have a warped view of people The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14 Who's my Audience (people or God) What's my Posture (better-than or humility) Where's my Heart (legalism or love) The grace and truth found in Jesus frees us to see ourselves and others honestly.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: POSEUR: A person who acts in a superficial way, while lacking the actual substance. Appearance vs. Actual Financially – Vocationally – Physically - Morally – Relationally Settling for the appearance of something without the substance of that thing causes us to miss out How do we authentically follow Jesus and not settle for the appearance of religion? Without authenticity we're less connected to others and to our purpose How do we authentically follow Jesus and not settle for the appearance of religion? “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with too much self-indulgence, drinking and worries of life…” - Luke 21:34 Brokenness weighs us down and warps our hearts so that we settle for the appearance of religion instead of an authentic relationship In a broken world where we're all flawed, having an authentic relationship requires us to fight for it! Fight for Authenticity: ● Make Time ● Be Connected ● Love Selflessly Very early the next morning before daylight, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. - Mark 1:35 & Luke 5:16 Fight for Authenticity: ● Make Time ● Be Connected ● Love Selflessly Later Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain. No one else was there. Suddenly his face began to shine with glory, and his clothing became dazzling white, far more glorious than any earthly process could ever make it! - Mark 9:2-4 Fight for Authenticity: ● Make Time ● Be Connected ● Love Selflessly …”I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.” - John 10:17-18 Being in love and being good are drastically different - An authentic relationship with Jesus doesn't just happen, it's intentional. Bible (verse of the day) Pray (Thank/Ask/Seek) Jesus 1st (one action) You Version - The Bible App

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: “There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God.” - Pastor Matt Fearing authenticity will: - Distance us from others - Drain our time and energy Authentic - Greater Purpose Feelings - Selfish Wants How do we avoid the less-than of living a disingenuous life and experience the fullness of an authentic life? Hidden Obstacles: The Actor The Hypocrite The Sell-Out At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. - Genesis 3:7-13 …the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” - Genesis 3:7-13 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” - Genesis 3:7-13 Shame – Covering – Hiding – Blame OBSTACLES TO AUTHENCITY: Image protection – from our flaws Rejection protection – from our failures Shame protection – from our feelings -Psychology Today But the other criminal protested, “Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.” - Luke 23:40-43 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:40-43 THIEF ON CROSS: Publicly humiliated and tortured Permanently excluded from life Physically tied to flaws & failures GOD THROUGH JESUS: Loved as son Pursued not abandoned Covered in grace not guilt God's love and grace found in Jesus FREES us to live authentically for Him and not others!

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: HOW and Why Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 1. Jesus removes performance barriers by issuing an open invitation to ALL 2. Jesus offers grace and guidance not rules and regulations. 3. Jesus provides a path to peace and rest. CHALLENGE: How can I look at my life through the lens of Jesus changes everything? What can I do today to embrace the perspective that Jesus changes everything? Who can I reach out to for support on this journey?

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Jesus changes your parenting. All people are made in the image of God so dignity and respect will be given to everyone. Every parent wants to be a better parent. Being a child today is not the same as it used to be. It's not doubt that's toxic to faith, it's silence. “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who receives; the one who seeks find; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” - 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. For everyone who receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” - Matthew 7:7 Jesus asks questions. “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” - John 6:5 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” - John 6:7 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. - John 6:6 Jesus – Ask Humanity – Know Jesus asks questions. Jesus seeks the truth. “All right but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. - John 8:7-8 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. - John 8:7-8 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” - John 8:10-11 Jesus: Ask – Seek Humanity: Know – Assume Jesus asks questions. Jesus seeks the truth. God always knocks. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” - Genesis 3:10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” - Genesis 3:11 Jesus: Ask – Seek – Knock Humanity: Know – Assume - Defend “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!” - Matthew 7:9-10 “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” - Matthew 7:11 1. Empathy 2. Grace 3. Heart “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 7:12 “DO TO others whatever you would like them to DO TO you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 7:12 Everyone is worthy of dignity and respect.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: We're contributors, not consumers. Jesus changes your finances. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy… - Matthew 6:19-21 …and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” - Matthew 6:24 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'” - Matthew 25:23 1. Recognize God as the owner 1. Recognize God as the owner 2. Manage His resources well “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much… - Luke 16:10-11 …So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” - Luke 16:10-11 1. Recognize God as the owner 2. Manage His resources well 3. Give generously 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. - Mark 12:41-44 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. - Mark 12:41-44 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.” - Mark 12:41-44 “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.” - Malachi 3:10 1. Recognize God as the owner 2. Manage His resources well 3. Give generously

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Jesus changes your marriage. Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” - Matthew 19:3-6 “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,' and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?” - Matthew 19:3-6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” - Matthew 19:3-6 1. PRIORITY PRIORITY: 1 – God 2 – Spouse 3 – Kids “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:21 “We love each other because he first loved us.” - 1 John 4:19 “...In all things God works for the good of those who love Him...” - Romans 8:28 1. Priority 2. PROTECTION “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.” - John 14:15-17a On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. - Acts 2:1-4 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit… - Acts 2:1-4 (Gk) Pneuma = breath YHWH 1. Priority 2. Protection 3. PROVISION Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. - Luke 19:1-9 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” - Luke 19:1-9 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” - Luke 19:1-9 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house…” - Luke 19:1-9 Here's How Jesus Changes You: 1. Get in a Place Where You Can See Jesus 2. Come as You Are 3. Keep Coming to Jesus Jesus changes everything.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.” “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.” “To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” - Mark 12:28-34 NIV But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” - Luke 10:29 Justification vs Justice Justification – We are made right Justice – We join God in making all things right "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the broken hearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed." - Luke 4:18-19 (Isaiah 61:1) "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy." - Psalm 68:5 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.” “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” - Luke 10:30-37 Does my worship lead me to acts of justice? Stop See Serve (not Save) When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. - Romans 5:6 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing." "I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?" "When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'” - Matthew 25:34 Loving our vulnerable neighbor isn't how we earn God's love and favor, it is the proof that we already have it. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9 "Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor.” - Zechariah 7:10 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.” “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” - Luke 6:32-35 Personal responsibility and a corporate opportunity. Dr David Anderson HEAL Helpful Empathetic Available Loving Strategic Partners – The Mission, St Mary's Caring, HOPE, SouthPoint After School Program, Elevate Guatemala SouthPoint4u.com/give

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: HURRY: Just Get it Done/”Check in the Box” – Stressful – “Me” Centric – Rigid URGENCY: Present – Prioritized – Others Focused – Flexible Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” - John 4:27-42 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” - John 4:27-42 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” - John 4:27-42 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” - John 4:27-42 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don't you have a saying, ‘It's still four months until harvest?' I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” - John 4:27-42 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony…So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days… ….now we have heard ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world. - John 4:27-42 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus said, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.” - John 9:3-4 The time to love and serve others is ALWAYS NOW. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:7-11 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:7-11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:7-11 1. Don't Hesitate: “The end of all things is near” 1 Peter 4:7 Be deliberate initiators of love Love is not a transaction Love is a gift 2. Build Relationships: “Above all, love each other deeply” - 1 Peter 4:8 “I can't love who I don't know” – Pastor Kyle Prioritize the importance of relationships 3. Love with Humility “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” - 1 Peter 4:9 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of the others” - Philippians 2:3-4 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” - Romans 12:10 “The day will come when you realize that as much as you believed you were doing the right thing, you were actually holding them back. You will come to understand that you were taking care of them because it made YOU feel good…” - Kobe Bryant Our intention when serving our neighbor should be to benefit them. Feeling good is a natural result. 4. Honor God “To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” - 1 Peter 4:11 God empowers us to participate in His will We are blessed to be a blessing to others Loving and serving our neighbors with URGENCY becomes easier when we know it honors God 1. Don't Hesitate 2. Build Relationships 3. Love with Humility 4. Honor God If we freely accept the love offered by others, we are, in turn, actually serving them with their spiritual growth. The time to love and serve our neighbor is ALWAYS NOW, with God and our neighbor as the focus.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. - US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy “You can feel lonely even if you have a lot of people around you, because loneliness is about the quality of your connections.” - US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. - Mark 2:1-3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. - Mark 2:3-4 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” - Mark 2:5 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. - Luke 5:18 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. - Luke 5:19-20 So He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. - Luke 5:24-25 Being a neighbor has a cost Being a neighbor has a cost Being a neighbor is a 2-way street Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Stay here and keep watch with me. - Matthew 26:38 The depth of our relationships is directly tied to the depth of our honesty and vulnerability Being a neighbor has a cost Being a neighbor is a 2-way street Being a neighbor means exclusion Joshua Davidson Therapy: Friendship Circle Professionals – Acquaintances – Friends – Close Friends/Close Family – Me While the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is widespread and has profound consequences for our individual and collective health and well-being, there is a medicine hiding in plain sight: - US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy While the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is widespread and has profound consequences for our individual and collective health and well-being, there is a medicine hiding in plain sight: SOCIAL CONNECTION. - US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Connection is when two or more people interact with each other and each person feels valued, seen, and heard. There's no judgment, and you feel stronger and nourished after engaging with them. - Psyc Central Ask a friend out to coffee Ask a friend out to coffee Be honest Ask a friend out to coffee Be honest Be vulnerable

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher” he asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” - Luke 10:25-37 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;' and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” - Luke 10:25-37 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” - Luke 10:25-37 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.” - Luke 10:25-37 “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” - Luke 10:25-37 ‘But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.' - Luke 10:25-37 Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' ” - Luke 10:25-37 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” - Luke 10:25-37 We're not told to love some people sometimes. We are told to love everybody, always. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:7-8 People are hard to hate close up. Move in. - Brené Brown We're not told to love some people sometimes. We are told to love everybody, always. When hate is loud, love must not be silent. “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” - Matthew 25:42-45 “They will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' - Matthew 25:42-45 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 I can't love who I don't know. - Pastor Kyle Squire Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. - 1 Corinthians 12:27 www.southpoint4u.com/groups www.southpoint4u.com/serve Facebook: SouthPoint Men Facebook: SouthPoint Women We're not told to love some people sometimes. We are told to love everybody, always.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. - 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. - 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. - 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? Jim & Susie Smith – Daughter @ Frostburg – Susie's Mom has Cancer Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” - Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” - Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV) “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV) You can love your neighbor, and not love God. But it's impossible to love God and not love your neighbor. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” - Luke 10:29 (NIV) I can't avoid what Jesus assumes I can't love who I don't know Loving people requires action “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” - Brenee Brown Stranger – Acquaintance - Friend Know Their Name – Start Simple – Invite Them Into Your Life From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. - Acts 17:26-27 (NIV) God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. - Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Some invitations have the power to change our lives for good in ways we could never imagine. Without a ‘yes' the power of an invitation gets passed over. How do we make sure we're saying ‘yes' to the right invitations? After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. - Luke 5:27-32 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. - Luke 5:27-32 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” - Luke 5:27-32 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Luke 5:27-32 Jesus invites His followers to partner in His mission to bring God's Kingdom here. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:8-10 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. - 1st Peter 4:8-10 You're invited to: - Invite Others - Serve Others - Give Generously Our God-given mission has run into a space issue. Doing nothing just becomes a “no” to the people around us that God loves and wants to reach. Rapid Growth: Expansion-Completion-Addition Jesus invites ALL of us to partner with Him in His mission yet it requires a 'yes' to unlock the life change and impact we dream of.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Everyone will experience “it's complicated” in love, sex, and romance because we're all flawed. It's complicated: Dysfunction, Hurt/Bitterness, Addiction, Moral failure, Health (physical or mental), Divorce, Hardship Not knowing how to deal with “It's complicated” not only leaves us stuck, it leaves us stuck in a place that continues to create damage. ● Ignore ● Pretend ● Blame When we eventually end up in “it's complicated” how do we actually get unstuck? The modern take was supposed to be the ultimate path to our best life Unfortunately, the research and science proves the opposite Just because something is “good” doesn't mean it erases the damage of misuse How do we get unstuck when we eventually end up in “it's complicated”? Feeling stuck in marriage can cause us to feel separated from God A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Mark 1:40-42 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Mark 1:40-42 Jesus is NOT repulsed Jesus is NOT ashamed Jesus is NOT begrudging Jesus is NOT unable Jesus wholeheartedly steps into our mess out of His great love for us God's ‘unstuck' plan: We Acknowledge the problem We Admit our part We Alter our actions God's grace and goodness allows us to address ‘it's complicated' instead of settling for avoidance which only keeps us stuck.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: When the church is silent on sex, our primary inputs on sex becomes the distortion of culture and the fiction of media. When our expectations of sex come from fiction and not reality, we end up disappointed and frustrated. The messiness of real life is no match for the illusion of media. “Intimacy is key to having a healthy, functional and overall happy relationship.” John Hopkins - Chris Kraft, Ph.D., director of clinical services at the Sex and Gender Clinic “Our prediction models establish intimacy as the main predictor of sexual satisfaction.” Your Sexual Medical Journal Intimacy includes: ● Relational ● Physical ● Emotional Therefore, to help make your sex life better and more satisfying, focus on the following: #1 Increase general relationship satisfaction... …how both partners feel about the relationship overall impacts their feelings of sexual satisfaction as well… Given that, spending some time improving your relationship in other areas can benefit you in the bedroom. Psychology Today Don't weaponize scriptures or sex to manipulate and guilt another for self-gratification. Relational: Without intentionality and boundaries, we can give all our time and energy away and leave nothing for our spouses. Planned For – Say, No “In terms of how their sex life could be improved, people say they're looking for more love and romance, more quality time alone with their partner, more fun, and less stress.” Verywell Mind “There is strong evidence to suggest that relationship factors and dynamics contribute to a large portion of the overall variance in sexual satisfaction scores” University of Texas Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”… …Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.” John 13:8 & 9-10 Physical Orgasm gap (90% men & 48% female) Regularity (snack, meal, feast) Communication “…only 28% of women can have an orgasm from penetrative sex alone. “For a lot of women, they need direct clitoral stimulation in order to have an orgasm.”… …“Women have the same kind of erectile tissues as men, but all on the inside, woman need a lot of time for that stuff to come into play…After 15 to 20 minutes of foreplay,” ABC.net - 9/17 Gigi Engle is a feminist author, certified sex coach, sexologist, and sex educator. Gigi was nominated for a WEGO Health Award for her science-first sex, women's health, and relationships content. "More than half of women reported they had wanted to communicate with a partner regarding sex but decided not to; the most common reasons were not wanting to hurt a partner's feelings…” Verywell Mind The husband should fulfill his wife's sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband's needs… …The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. 1st Corinthians 7:3-5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. 1st Corinthians 7:3-5 Emotional Intimacy requires feeling valued! (Female & Male) Females & Males generally feel valued differently It's different for me (fair feeling/unfair excuse) Female: Being “for me” outside the bed confirms you're for me in the bed. Male: Being “for me” in the bed confirms you're for me outside the bed. “Interestingly, both men and women rate sex with love feelings as more sexually satisfying on average.”… …”While sexual desire may not be as intense as a couple moves into the attraction stage, having more meaningful sex (and dopamine-charged) becomes much more satisfying.” PsychCentral: Dr. Nicole Prause Sharing chores is the third-highest factor in successful marriages — behind fidelity and a happy sex life. University of Chicago “Committed relationships make women almost twice as likely to climax” Women's Health University of Chicago study Marriage is to be honored by all, and husbands and wives must be faithful to each other. Hebrews 3:4 A healthy marriage with intimate sex requires love, mutuality, selflessness, and God-given boundaries.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Everyone wants a great sex life Nobody wants a miserable sex life Interrupted Sex Life: Newborn/Kids Tragedy/Difficulty Medical/Physical A temporary season should not become a permanent lifestyle. Scientific Evidence: Sexual activity in America at 30yr low 1 out 5 marriages are ‘sexless' 1 out 2 (15yr–24yr olds) will have an STD Sky rocketing sexual dysfunction 43% women/31% men Pornography Epidemic 69% men/40% women Science has proven, “IT'S JUST SEX” is a lie. Biologically Physiologically Emotionally Mentally Spiritually SEX: is more than vaginal intercourse Any mental or physical activity taken to invoke erotic or sensual gratification Oxford Academic: The brain's role as the ‘master organ' governing sexual function Scientific America: Far from being a simple issue of hormones, sexual desire and orgasm are subject to various influences on the brain Psychology Today: So much of sex occurs in our brains “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a ‘person' with lust has already committed adultery with ‘them' in their heart.” - Matthew 5:27-28 A dumbed-down definition of sex will derail our dream for a “great sex life” God Designed Sex: - To Be Pleasurable - To Have A Purpose - Sacredness Protects During orgasm the brain releases a cocktail of neurotransmitters that boost feelings of happiness and relaxation (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin). Brain scans reveal that an orgasm has the same reward pathways as a heroin rush. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love…His left hand is under my head, and his right hand caresses me….Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. - Song of Songs 2:3-7 God Designed Sex: - To Be Pleasurable - To Have a Purpose - Sacredness Protects Sex, including casual sex, causes the brain to release neurotransmitters, which makes us feel more emotionally tied to a person. Basically, you're biologically wired to attach to any sexual partner… - Women's Health Medical Institute for Sexual Health: Oxytocin is released regardless of who the sexual partner is which can cause a woman to bond and trust a man even after a one-night stand. That bond/trust explains why it can be so painful emotionally when sexually active people break-up. Vasopressin occurs during an intimate physical relationship and cannot distinguish between right and wrong. We cannot separate the brain from the body. What our body does has a dramatic impact on our brain. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.' ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” - Mark 10:6-7 God Designed Sex: - To Be Pleasurable - To Have a Purpose - Sacredness Protects Medical Institute for Sexual Health: But we do know that sex can literally change a person's brain, influencing the thought process and affecting future decisions. When sex is experienced in unhealthy ways, at the wrong time, it can damage vital aspects of who we are as human beings. …studies have shown that having multiple premarital sex partners is negatively associated with marital quality and stability. Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. - 1st Corinthians 6:18 Understanding God's purpose and design for sex reveals a sacredness that can protect us from misusing sex!