Union Chapel Ministries

Matthew 6:25-34For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6Don't worry about your pastDon't worry about the opinion of others. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”John 14:27“Do not worry about your life.”  Matthew 6:25“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”Matthew 6:27For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12Don't worry about growing old.Worry is an achievementWhat, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.Romans 8: 31,37Worry is a killer.  Worry is a sin.  Don't worry about death.Don't worry about your enemies.  Don't worry about what you are not.

Luke 1:26-38There is so much that we can learn from Mary in her response to trouble and pain. Mary knew very well that there was going to be pain associated with this announcement. The first thing that we can learn from Mary is to: 1. Be honest in our pain. We must first acknowledge pain in order to receive healing. Pain reveals Where you put your trust & where you find your peace. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Luke 1:29 Mary was told why Jesus was to be born in Luke 2:35 “so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18God wants to sit with us in our pain. 2. Be patient in our pain. The second thing we see from Mary through this process is she waited to hear from the messenger of God. She quietted herself to hear what the angel had to say. We will never learn a single thing without pain. C. S. Lewis said that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains: It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”So this raises the question: “How do we become patient in our pain?”i. We Pray – When we pray, we are reorientated. When we are praying, we are reminded that we are not in control and do not have the answers.One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 ii. We Wait- Waiting is uncomfortable, and hard. Waiting causes us to slow down and view the world differently. Waiting takes strength Later in Psalm 27:14 the David writes: Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! iii. We fix our eyes on Truth: Don't distract yourself, this will be something you will be tempted to do. Life from God doesn't solve our fears or pains. It only distracts us for a little while. Distraction is not the same as deliverance. We want to stay distracted from our fear or pain so that we don't have to feel. But then we distract ourselves from pain, we distract ourselves from God as well. But when the center of life is fulfilling desires and avoiding pain, no redemptive purpose for pain can be given. It is merely something to be avoided and soothed.3. Be hopeful in our pain. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Luke 1:37-38We grieve differently than the World. To bookend the life of Jesus, near the end he shares these thoughts in John 16:20-23“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”John 16:20-23 NIV“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 Jesus gives us a hope that we do not have to be in pain forever.When we begin to worship, pain will find its rightful place.And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49Advent is all about hope coming to this world, in unlikely fashions and working in ways we never anticipated.Because of the birth of Christ, we can have hope in the midst of so much pain, the world is full of pain and Christ wants to be actively engaged with us as we walk through the darkest valleys. 

Psalm 103:1-21. Thanksgiving: The Holy Spirit is Always at Work in Everyone EverywhereLet all that I am praise the Lord;with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.Let all that I am praise the Lord;may I never forget the good things he does for me.Psalm 103:1-2 NLTThe Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.2 Peter 3:9 NLTThe Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17 “This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forgetThat though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad?The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!God reigns; let the earth be glad!” (UMH # 144 / OGRP # 19)2. Advent: Living Between the Cradle and the Coming AgainCome, Thou long-expected JesusBorn to set Thy people free;From our fears and sins release us,Let us find our rest in Thee.Israel's strength and consolation,Hope of all the earth Thou art;Dear desire of every nation,Joy of every longing heart.(UMH # 196/ OGRP # 163)3. Christmas: Messiah Jesus is the Center Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLTI have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”Luke 2:30-32

John 18:37 NKJV37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”MATTHEW 28:18-21 NIV18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” HOW DO WE LIVE WITH KINGDOM PURPOSE? 1. MAKE IT ABOUT GOD AND OTHERS John 15:9-14 NIV9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.2. BE PLANTED, NOT POTTED Psalm 92:13-15 NKJV13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, 15 To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.3. REALIZE YOUR ROLE AT UNION CHAPEL Ephesians 4:11-12 NKJV11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ, 

II Corinthians 8:1-7 A “faith promise” offering is simply FAITH in God to provide an amount of money followed by a PROMISE to give it. Paul called this the “grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Grace is always a provision of something we don't have. A “faith promise” offering is a commitment to give what we will trust God to provide.I. An offering supplied by God's grace. “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches… They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability… See that you also excel in the grace of giving.”II Corinthians 8:1-7The grace of new opportunity  The grace of discipline  The grace of the unusual  II. An offering to be completed within a year.“Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by our completion of it.”II Corinthians 8:10-11III. An offering to be carefully administered.  “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” Paul understood the need for financial accountability and strategic investment!II Corinthians 8:20-21

Acts 3:1-10I. HEALING IN THE BIBLEIn the Old Testament.The Ministry of Jesus. The teaching of Jesus  “The time has come,” he said. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”Mark 1:15 All who believe will be totally healed on that day!The Kingdom of God is both “now” and “not yet"The ministry of Jesus“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”Matthew 4:23 The commission of JesusII. HEALING IN CHURCH HISTORYIII. HEALING TODAY

Matthew 28:16-201. The Command of Jesus (Great Commission)2. Needs of Others.  3. The Gospel is Good News.  I. PRESENCE“…if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”I Peter 3:1-2II. PERSUASION (not pressure)III. PROCLAMATION Invitational Relational Telling our own storyIV. POWERV. PRAYER

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12A life without connection brings:a. Isolation“Rising from the debris of our lost values is the new value on the individual. The ‘me' generation has given way to a ‘me' world. The question is, how will the church, the ultimate ‘WE' organization, adjust?” – Church Consultant, Lyle Schaller in The Connecting Church by Randy FrazeeLoneliness is a warning light on the dashboard of your life that confirms that you are running low on the primary fuel you need: connection.b. Exhaustionc. FrustrationGodly and meaningful connection brings:a. Productionb. Provisionc. ProtectionAn unconnected life brings isolation, exhaustion, and frustration but when you enter into a life of Godly and meaningful connection, you'll see that it brings production, provision, and protection!Next Steps to Help Live a Connected Life:1. Surrender to Jesus2. Join a small group3. Connect with others through serving4. Get baptized5. Attend the “DISCOVER” class

Matthew 19:1-9The culture does not need from the Church anger and judgment nor accommodation and compromise. The Church's best posture is to joyfully teach and model God's original design and intent while loving, accepting and forgiving ourselves and one another when we fall short.I. Isn't this much ado about nothing?II. Why is the Church so focused on these issues?III. Can't we agree to disagree?Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.Jude 3 God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.Romans 1:24-25Consequently, their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.Romans 1:26-27  If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? I Corinthians 14:8IV. Why are some Christians so angry and bigoted?The goal of our instruction is love, from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.I Timothy 1:5 1. Extravagant love for all people.2. Inside the Church we must be clear about Christian identity.How do we become more distinctive? We do it by quietly building good marriages, families, churches and friendships. We don't need better words, we need better demonstrations of God's best design! 

Acts 6:5; 7:54-60I. Commanded to forgiveMore people will be emotionally, relationally, spiritually and physically healed by the power of forgiveness than by any other power.II. Unforgiveness is destructiveUnforgiveness makes you weak because it makes you subject to the weakness of another.The great paradox of Christian forgiveness is that as long as I stay in a forgiving mode, I am stronger than those who are pursuing me to hurt me.III. The grace to forgive1. Forgiveness is a matter of choice not emotion.2. God will do through us what we cannot do ourselves.3. Understand that forgiveness is a process4. Remember, the power of God to forgive is in you through the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 33:1-231. What do you Desire? a. Why wouldn't I want to desire God? i. A relationship with God is disruptive, it will cost you something. ii. Are you willing to be inconvenienced by Jesus? b. What you do – determines what you want. c. Moses had to work this out. d. Moses was still receiving the blessing of God without the presence of  God. 2. God is accessible to anyone. a. God wants to be seen by you. b. Make it generational. 3. How do we do this practically? i. Loneliness is the inability to spend time with God. ii. Muddy water will only become clear when you give it time to  settle. a. Word iii. Memorize the word of God. iv. Psalm 119:11 v. Spending just 5 minutes a day will change everything. b. Worship i. Worship is placing God where He rightly deserves. ii. Humble yourself. iii. Get together with other believers, fellowship. c. Prayer i. Pray as you can, not as you can't. 4. Ask God one of these questions. a. God, what are You like? b. God, what do You want to say to me? c. God, what do I desire? d. God, what do You want me to do? e. God, who do You say that I am? 

Psalm 1:1-3Introduction to the Bible: *The most popular/preeminent book 7 billion total, 44 million copies per year *The most powerful/influential book The Bible is preeminent in influence. Why? Because it has the power to change lives! *The most precious book (Matthew 4:4)I. A manual for life — God has spokenChristianity is a revealed faith. We cannot find out about God unless God reveals Himself. God has revealed Himself in a person, Jesus Christ. He is God's ultimate revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2; II Timothy 3:16-17). If it is God's Word, then it must be our supreme authority for what we believe and how we live. It's a manual for life. II. A love letter from God – God speaksIt is also a love letter from God to you. John 5:39-40 The Bible is only so wonderful and exciting because it is about Jesus. It helps us come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. *To those who are not Christians First, He brings faith to those who are not yet Christians. Romans 10:17. *To those who are Christians Become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18); Joy and peace in the midst of a storm (Psalm 23:5); Guidance (Psalm 119:105); Health/healing (Proverbs 4:20-22); Defense against spiritual attack (Matthew 4:1-11); Power (Hebrews 4:12); Cleansing (John 15:3) III. How do we hear God speak through the bible? 1.  Time, Place, Method Ask God to speak Read & study the Bible (What does it say and mean? How does it apply?) Respond in prayer Put it into practice Matthew 7:24 

I John 5: 1-5, 11-13  “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun.”II Corinthians 5:17“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”I John 5:13 I. The natural order 1. Cosmological argument 2. Evidential Evidence.   3. Moral Argument.II. The Word of God III. The Work of JesusIV. The Witness of the Spirit

Acts 2:1-21  I. LoveII. PowerGod wants to unleash on the world a passionate, focused, disciplined, humble, Spirit-filled church... Authentic in our expression of the love of God, purity of God and power of God.III. PurityThe unresolved gap between our confession as a Spirit-filled Christian and the conflicted internal condition of our own lives is the crevice into which the post-modern, emergent culture has fallen.The great witness of the Holy Spirit is, above all else, a changed heart and a changed life.

Matthew 28:19-20Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,Matthew 28:19 (ESV)Peter replied, ‘Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gif of the Holy Spirit.'Acts 2:38 (NLT)I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!Luke 12:50 (ESV)Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.Romans 6:3-4 (NIV)For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.Colossians 2:12 (NLT)Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!II Corinthians 5:17Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.Mark 16:16 (ESV)What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?James 2:14For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…II Chronicles 16:9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “you are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”Mark 1:9-11

2 Corinthians 5:14-211. You have a new kind of love.God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.1 Timothy 2:4 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.John 6:44 2. You are a new creation.Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]?Romans 2:4 Amplified BibleGodly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.2 Corinthians 7:10-11There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.Romans 8:13. You have a new purpose.When your life belongs to Jesus you no longer exist for yourself.  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. 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. 2 Corinthians 5:18-204. You have a new hope. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.Romans 8:22-23The Apostles Creed

John 3:16-21I. THE PROBLEMAll have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.Romans 3:23The pollution of sin:What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.'Mark 7:20-23The power of sin:Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.John 8:34The penalty for sin:For the wages of sin is death.Romans 6:23The partition of sin:Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.Isaiah 59:1-2II. THE SOLUTIONThe “self-substitution” of God:He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree…by His wounds you have been healed.I Peter 2:24The agony of the Cross:We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.Isaiah 53:6I choose God's love.We have come to know and believe the love He has for us.I John 4:16 I pray that you might have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Ephesians 3:18-19III. THE RESULT

What do you have to do?John 4:4-101. The things that God calls us to do are greater than the excuses we make. Put it another way — it's not about you. John 4:11-152. We will never be satisfied by anything other than God, and serving God is a great place to start. She came to this well to get her physical needs met, Jesus wants to do something deeper. John 4:25-303. When God calls us to Go — He will equip us. We might not feel equipped, but God calls us to rest in Him.John 4:31-42What do you have to do?

Ephesians 2:19-22• God formed me for his family.  • God's family is called the church.  • I'm called to belong to his church.  1. In God's family I learn my true identity. 2. In God's temple I'm supported by others.  3. In Christ's body I discover my unique value.   4. In God's flock I'm protected and I'm cared for.5. In God's garden my life becomes productive.

Isaiah 1:18-20I. Public worship connects us to God.For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.Matthew 18:20II. Public worship inspires us to faithful living.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—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Hebrews 10:24-25Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12III. Public worship ennobles us for higher purpose.But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.I Peter 2:9-10  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.Revelation 22:17

Philippians 2:5-11 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.Philippians 2:5 (NIV)Barriers to having the mindset of Christ in our relationships:1. SELFISHNESSThe person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others - ignoring God! --- harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for it in his life is weeds. But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life and eternal life.Galatians 6:7-8 (The Message)Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.Philippians 2:4 (NLT) Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit, then you won't feed the compulsion of selfishness.Galatians 5:16 (The Message)2. PRIDEPride will destroy a person. A proud attitude leads to ruin.Proverbs 16:18 – (NCV)First pride then the crash, the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.Proverbs 16:18 (The Message)…Be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves… your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.Philippians 2:3, 5-6 (NLT)3. INSECURITYThe fear of human opinion disables.Proverbs 29:25 (Message)Love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. I John 4:18 (NLT)4. RESENTMENTTo worry yourself to death with resentment is a foolish, senseless thing to do.Job 5:2 (Today's English Version)Since my heart was embittered (resentful) and my soul deeply wounded, I was stupid and could not understand.Psalm 73:21-22 (New American Bible)You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Colossians 3:13 – (NLT)How to have the mindset of Jesus in our relationships:Resist selfishnessExchange pride for humilityReceive authentic love in place of insecurityOvercome resentment with forgiveness

Ephesians 6:10-13John 10:10 1. Your relationships are under attackHe was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.John 8:44Your enemy isn't your spouse, your parents, siblings, children, or boss.  2. The devil usually attacks with distractions and seductions.Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.Song of Solomon 2:15But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people … but rather thanksgiving.Ephesians 5:3Play it forward: where is this distraction/seduction taking me? Is the end result something I want?  3. Take charge of your heart.  Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.Proverbs 4:23 NLTYou understand the source of a thought by looking at the direction it will take you.For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.2 Corinthians 10:3-6Tear down the lies that try to tear your relationship apart.Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.1 Peter 4:8Ask each other: where are we most vulnerable to spiritual attacks?  Fight back with the power of God. You have the power of His Word, the power of prayer, and the power of His love on your side!

Hebrews 12:14-17Lies we believe that keep us from forgiving:Lie #1: If I get even, I'll get better.Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”Hebrews 10:30 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”Lie #2: I can forgive quickly.What does the process of forgiveness look like:1. Face your painQuestions you need to answer:What happened?How do I feel?How has it impacted me?How can I move on?  2. Release the offenseForgiveness is infinitely more important for you than the person who hurt you.Esau despised his birthright by trading it for a bowl of lentils. Don't despise the freedom, forgiveness and love Jesus paid for by holding on to your pain.3. Pray for the person who hurt youWhat will happen if I refuse to forgive?Matthew 6:14-15Bitterness and pain will deteriorate all of your relationships.greiner@unionchapel.com

What would change if we really believed that we were on mission together?Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”Matthew 9:35-38a. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.2. We aren't called to be fruitful, but faithful.a. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that we have to be fruitful in sharing the Gospel.“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Mark 4:3-8 NIV1. There is a mission.3. We're not called to just proclaim the Good News, but to become the Good News.“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. 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 NIV“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11 NIVWhat would change if we really believed that we were on mission together?

Mark 12:28-34We all need relationshipsThe Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone."Genesis 2:18a We all have Relationships.We all choose Relationships.“Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'”1 Corinthians 15:33Who are we engaging with the Gospel?Christ-Centered Relationships forgive.“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”Matthew 5:23-24 NIVChrist-Centered Relationships are a gift. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”Proverbs 13:20Christ-Centered Relationships are Christ Centered.“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”Colossians 3:12-17What steps do you need to take to put Jesus back in the center of your relationship?

We share stories and celebrate what God did during SERVE week.

Psalm 112:1-6Manage Exposure Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.Proverbs 13:201. Expose them to the joy of knowing God personally.Now this is eternal life: That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.John 17:32. Expose them to the presence and power of God in His Church.3. Expose them to the thrill of being used by God.Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve but as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.Joshua 24:14-15

Ephesians 6:10-13I. Satan has definitely declared war on you!I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.II Timothy 4:7-8Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.I Timothy 6:12Could it be that the Church of Jesus Christ is a sleeping giant in the world?Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.Ephesians 6:10-13The Devil is not God's equal.II. Weapons at our disposal: Prayer & preachingIII. It's time for us to wake up!And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.Romans 13:11When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.Proverbs 29:2

Ephesians 6:10-20Vs. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Vs. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.Vs. 13 …so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Vs. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…Vs. 18-20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Acts 2:1-131. The historical significance of PentecostJohn 7:37-392. Pentecost marks a cataclysmic shift in the way we relate to God.3. The Holy Spirit is available to each and to all.Acts 2:3-4Joel 2: 28-32 Acts 2: 38-39  4. The work of the Holy Spirit happens best when we are together.Acts 2:1Acts 1:14 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Luke 11: 11-13 Why should you be filled with the Holy Spirit?• Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit your Helper/Counselor/Advocate. John 14:26• He will teach you all things and remind you of everything Jesus has said.• The Holy Spirit will help you know what to say when the time is right. Mark 13:11• He will teach you what to say. Luke 12:12• He will fill you with joy just like He did Jesus. Luke 10:21• The Holy Spirit will empower you to share Jesus and serve others. Acts 1&2• He will help you speak God's word boldly. Acts 4:31• The Holy Spirit will encourage you when you're afraid Acts 9:31• He will do miracles and heal people through you. Acts 10:38• He produces the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Galatians 5• The Holy Spirit will pour God's love into your heart. Romans 5:5• He helps you when you're weak, helps you pray, and He prays for you. Romans 8:26• He is your source of peace and joy. Romans 14:17• The Holy Spirit gives joy in the midst of severe suffering. 1 Thessalonians 1:6• He guards the sound teaching you've received. 1 Timothy 1:14• He renews you. Titus 3:5• Holy Spirit gives you gifts to serve other people. Hebrews 2:4• He softens your heart when it gets hard. Hebrews 3:7• He will put God's laws in your heart and write them on your mind. Hebrews 10:15

Matthew 6:25-34What you think about God has everything to do with how you live your life.- Pastor Gregg. 1. God is always working.Obed Edem (2 Samuel 6)Where the presence of God is, you can expect to see the works of God. Don't just chalk things up to coincidence. God is always working. 2. God works in our failures.Sampson (Judges 16)You can expect that even despite ourselves God will see us through to the very end. For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise againProverbs 24:16a3. God works in the mundane. Water into wine (John 2)If it matters to you it matters to God because you matter to God. 4. God works in our victory.Psalm 127“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”Psalms 127:1 NIVWhen Satan undertook to draw Eve away from God, he did not hit her with a stick, but with an idea. It was with an idea that God could not be trusted and that she must act on her own to secure her own well-being. - Dallas Willard Don't be confused, God is in the middle of every victory and every failure, that's not the issue – The issue is whether or not you will acknowledge it. 

Ephesians 6:1-3God is clear on this subject. If you honor your father and your mother you will be blessed. One of the 10 Commandments includes this admonition. Honor your father and mother. Why is it so important?1. Every parent is flawed. 2. You would not be alive without them.3. God chose their DNA to make you unique.For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb… Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.Psalm 139:13,16How do I honor my mother through the seasons of life? As a child, I honor my father and mother by…1. Obeying themChildren, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.Ephesians 6:1As an adolescent/teenager, I honor my father and mother by…1. Respecting themEach of you must respect his mother and father.Leviticus 19:3Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it…Hebrews 12:92. Listening to themA wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.Proverbs 13:1Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.Proverbs 23:22As an adult, I honor my father and mother by…1. Appreciating themWhen your mother is old, show her your appreciation.Proverbs 23:22 Today's English VersionMay your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!Proverbs 23:25Your parents have an intense need to know they made a positive impact on your life.  2. Providing for them [In your church] treat the older women as you would your own mother, and treat the younger women as your own sisters…The Church should care for any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them…This is something that please God.I Timothy 5:2-4 New Living Translation My father and mother may abandon me, but the Lord will take care of me.Psalm 27:10 Today's English Version

Romans 12:1-2What you think about God has everything to do with how you will live your life.Past generations looked to God and the Bible for determining morality and truth.Our feelings should subject themselves to what is true rather than developing your worldview based on how you feel.Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Romans 12:2Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its mold.Phillips translationHe created them male and female and He blessed them. And named them mankind when they were created.Genesis 5:2No one ever discovers their true identity, their true self, their true purpose in this world apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 4:8-10I believe that standing for orthodoxy is exciting, faithful, courageous, challenging, hard (in the face of today's culture) and right. I think standing for a changing, shifting, progressive culture/church is boring, easy, compromising, lazy and bankrupt.The Thrill of OrthodoxyThe Boredom of ProgressivismThe Excitement of OrthodoxyChristianity is radically inclusive! Christianity is also radically exclusive! Marriage and Gender Issues MatterStand Up for Jesus

Luke 6:36-40Luke 6:20-26Here's the challenge: don't settle for success, security and acceptance when Jesus has immeasurably more waiting for you.  “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Luke 6:38Giving breaks the curse of selfishness that we all struggle with so we can experience the kind of peace, contentment and extravagant joy that can only come from God!When your finances don't measure up: Give moneyWhen your schedule doesn't measure up: Give timeWhen your relationship doesn't measure up: Give loveWhen God doesn't measure up: Give Him all that you are

Mark 4:21-25I. Come to worship prayerfullyII. Come to worship hungering for truthIII. Come to worship without prearranged agenda  IV. Come to worship asking to hear at the deepest level

I Corinthians 15:3-8There were many eyewitnesses at Jesus' death.There was no doubt Jesus was dead (John 19:38-42).Chief priests met with Pilate to demand a guard on the tomb.Female relatives and followers of Jesus were convinced He was dead. (John 19:39).Saints were raised from the dead to physical life (Matthew 27:51-53). After an earthquake, an angel descended.Angels spoke to the women. The disciples did not believe the women. Peter and John ran to the tomb. The resurrected Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene (Acts 1:8, 21-22; Luke 24:48).The disciples did not believe Mary.The guards were bribed. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The Emmaus disciples spoke to “the eleven,”  Jesus appeared, and they touched Him. After eight days, Jesus appeared again.The disciples traveled to Galilee. Christ catches fishermen's attention. More than 500 brethren saw Christ in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6).Disbelieving James and Jude. (John 7:3-5). Additional disciples saw Christ. The apostles returned to Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-8).Vicious enemy becomes defender (Apostle Paul, Galatians 1:13-14; Acts 8:3; Galatians 1:11-17).If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.Romans 10:9-10

Psalm 150I. Worship with our regenerated spirit.a. Worship in spirit b. Singing spiritual songsc. Giving thanks by the spiritII. Worship with our renewed mind.a. Worship with intelligent obedience.b. Pray with understanding.c. Praise with understanding.III. Worship with our revived emotions.a. Shouting and clapping hands unto the Lordb. Rejoicing and expressing thanksgivingc. Being silent before the Lord  IV. Worship with our rededicated body.a. Kneeling in worshipb. Bowing headsc. Raising headsd. Lifting handse. Waving hands in praisef. Dancing with joy before the Lord

Psalm 100Worship defined: Worship in truth and spirit is experiencing/encountering God.I. Serve God (with praise & adoration)Worship is seeing what God is worth and giving him what he's worth.Tim KellerI've experienced God's presence most powerfully in worship, often during the singing, I suppose because when we sing to him, we are looking hard in his direction.J.I. PackerChristian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life.Karl BarthThe world can be saved by one thing and that is worship. For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.Archbishop William TempleII. Serve people (with His sufficiency)In His presence is fullness of joy.Psalm 16:11

Mark 2:21-22“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”St. AugustineI. Revival is God-breathed not program planned.II. You really cannot stop something that you didn't start.God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.I Corinthians 1:28-29

Listen as we share stories from several Asbury students and Union Chapel staff who visited the Asbury Revival.

John 4:34-42Three Trends:1. Woke is making people, in general, miserable.2. Parents and others are getting angry with school boards and other politicians over what they are doing to our children.3. There is coming, and now is, a youth “backlash” against woke culture. Revival is birthed in the womb of humility and brokenness without which you will never personally receive.Question: Would you have felt comfortable with the 120 in the upper room on the day of Pentecost?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 4:35But where sin does abound, grace does much more abound.Romans 5:20

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV)1. God will never increase our love if we are disconnected from the source. 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. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.1 John 4:7-12;16Human love is directed to the other person for his own sake, spiritual love loves him for Christ's sake.Dietrich BonhoefferI say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 2. We must acknowledge that we serve a God of an upside Kingdom. The greatest act of love is self-denial. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God2 Corinthians 5:21 Humility and patience are the surest proofs of the increase of love. John Wesley. 3. Love is my responsibility. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.1 Corinthians 13:1-3Where is God asking you to increase your love?

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)Christians take the kingdom of God everywhere we go.“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)The purpose of “good works” is to glorify God.But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)The Kingdom of God is IN YOU!!We are God's hands, feet, and mouths to bring the kingdom of God into people's lives.He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.1 John 3:8 (NKJV)To destroy the devil's works, we must use what we've been given.These are kingdom weapons that flow from inside of us.On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.John 7:37-39 (NKJV)The power of the Holy Spirit wants to flow out of you.The only way to bring order out of the chaos is to exert power and authority against it.“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)The Kingdom in you comes with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.Mark 16:19-20 (NKJV)Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'”Matthew 13:24-30 (NKJV)There's a false church that has been sown.Your assignment from God can overcome any plan from the enemy.And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)The tares in your life are sown to challenge the kingdom in you.

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;Proverbs 27:15 (NIV)It is better to step in warm dog poop, or to pass a kidney stone, than to marry a self-centered, narcissistic man.Ryan 4:18Why do so many marriages struggle?“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'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)What is marriage? It is a man and a woman becoming one.The Foundation: FriendshipThe Walls: RomanceThe Ceiling: MarriageThe Roof: Sex

John 9:1-71. My Story- Divine Intervention2. Partnership With Doctors/CounselorsJames 5:13-15Romans 8:28(The Best Loved Most Misunderstood Verse In The Bible)3. Process- Ask Seek and KnockMark 84. Death"Why Not You?""Why Not Me?”

John 2:1-11I. Need, Greed or Seed“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work”2 Corinthians 9:6-8“Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches – feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?' Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God”Proverbs 30:8-9“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook”I Kings 17:6”Then as Elijah lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.' Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. And he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God”I Kings 19:5-6,8II. God Is After Our HeartsGod goes through our treasure to get to our hearts.“Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”Acts 2:21“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him”2 Chronicles 16:9When I touch God, He immediately touches me back.III. Do Whatever He Tells You

Deuteronomy 15:7-15There is nothing in Scripture that says we should make personal gain our motive for giving. God doesn't want us to catch the vision of getting. He wants us to catch the vision of giving.“Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”Luke 6: 30-35 I. The Selfish HeartDeuteronomy 15:9 “Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought…” II. The Grieving HeartDeuteronomy 15:10 “You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.”Selfishness can attack us before we give, but grief can attack us after we give.When we get God's perspective on money – when we understand that God owns it all – it is easy to give it when He asks for it.III. A Generous HeartDeuteronomy 15:14 “You shall supply him liberally (generously) from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord has blessed you with, you shall give to him.”IV. A Grateful HeartDeuteronomy 15:15 “You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.”When we're grateful, we're generous. Genuine gratitude to God is a rare and powerful thing.

Luke 16:10-13I. True RichesMatthew 6:19-21What are the “true riches” the “treasures in heaven?” It's people and relationships. When we use money for righteous purposes, we are laying up treasure in heaven. II. TithingLuke 16:10The Bible says that we must be faithful with a little before we will be entrusted with much. It's not how much we have but whose it is. The tithe “belongs” to God. The message is if we will return the tithe, then God will bless or redeem the rest.People say, “The reason I don't tithe is because I can't afford it.” You will never be able to afford to tithe until you tithe because tithing is what breaks the curse and opens the windows.III. MammonThis is what the spirit of mammon tries to tell us: You don't need God. Trust in riches!Mammon promises us those things that only God can give – security, significance, identity, independence, power and freedom. Mammon tells us that it can insulate us from life's problems and that money is the answer to every situation.I Timothy 6:10- Money is not the answer to life's problems – God is.IV. Poverty and PrideMammon has friends. They will keep you from being blessed and fulfilled. They are called poverty and pride.Both poverty and pride have a common root – they get us to focus on “stuff” rather than God.Pride says, “Wealth comes from hard work.”Poverty says, “Wealth comes from the devil.”If you have been blessed by God because you've done things His way, stop feeling guilty. Don't be ashamed of having a heart God can bless!

Deuteronomy 28:1-15“Bring in the tithe…so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”Deuteronomy 14:29“Give generously to him (your needy brother) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”Deuteronomy 15:10 “You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.”Deuteronomy 23:20 I. Firstborn“Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine…That you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord's. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.”Exodus 13:2,12-13 The principle of the firstfruits is very, very powerful.  It always requires faith to give the first.  II. Firstfruits“The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.”Exodus 23:19 “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”Proverbs 3:9-10 III. Tithe“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.”Malachi 3:8-9  “So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, What is this?” that you shall say to him, “By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharoah was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the first-born of man and the first born of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.” Exodus 13:14-15 

“Just as we define our actions, our actions define us.”George Eliot“Our challenges don't define us, our actions do.”Michael J. Fox“Stupid is as stupid does.”Forrest GumpWould you do what you are about to do if you knew it would be the last thing you would do? “The unresolved gap between what we say and how we live is the crevice into which people fall.”Gregg Parris“There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.” British explorer Freya Stark“A postmodern culture that measures truth by relevance will measure the truth of our faith by the relevance of our lives.”Jim DenisonYou are my hiding placeYou always fill my heartWith songs of deliveranceWhenever I am afraid.I will trust in YouI will trust in YouLet the weak say I am strongIn the strength of the LordI will trust in You.