Podcasts about greater story

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Do you ever stop to look back to see all that God has been doing in your life? In this message, Pastor Nate Nupanga teaches how Joseph sees the big picture of what God is doing through his life and how you can be part of something bigger than yourself.

God's calling on our lives is not defined by specific circumstances or a predetermined blueprint, but rather by an overarching theme or purpose that remains constant regardless of the twists and turns our lives take. In this sermon, we explore the often messy and complicated journey of discovering and living out God's calling in our lives. Our calling is tied to our core identity and the unique way God has wired us, not just a specific role or job. It endures through different seasons, successes, failures, joys and pains our lives. The thematic nature to God's calling for you means it is more about the person we are becoming and our Christ-centered purpose over our lifetime, rather than just a series of jobs, roles or accomplishments. Be challenged to shift from a Christian-centric vision for our life to a Kingdom-centric vision, where our lives become part of God's greater story, and our commitment, connection, and compassion are no longer limited by personal agendas but shaped by the needs of others. | Scripture | Mark 1:17 Genesis 17:4-6 John 15:5 John 21 Isaiah 6:5

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

A Greater Story- Vangen Psalm 103:8-19 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

A Greater Story- Huebner Psalm 103:8-19 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

14 January 2024 | Pastor Evan kicks off our new series in Ephesians looking at the greater story we find ourselves in based on Ephesians 1:1-14 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Speaker: Jason Day Title: The Stories Of Christmas: The Greater Story Date: 12/24/23 Website: http://www.themissionredlands.com

The more you think about it, the less you can comprehend it.    “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”  - Matthew 1:18 (KJV)

From Matthew 1:18-25

This podcast is following the sermon series at Forefront Church called, "The Greater Story" as we preach through the bible in 20 months. In The final episode of the series, Rob, Drew, and Darren discuss Revelation 21-22 and give a recap on how the Bible begins in a garden but ends in a city. To listen to the Sunday sermons and download the LifeGroup discussion guide, check out our Greater Story Resources page at: https://www.forefrontchurch.tv/greater-story-resources

Bobby and Nan Bullard are Directors of Partners in Ministry, a missions partnership ministry that provides fuel to empower indigenous missionaries who are reaching their own neighboring unreached people groups.  While God is still using the Bullards in the professional sphere, He has led them to channel much of their energy and resources over the years to accelerate the work of passionate believers abroad who live in close proximity to people groups who have never been exposed to the gospel.  Their stories express the joy of generosity and how they have been able to step into a much greater story through the work they are involved in. They also share how the strategy and work of Partners has grown and evolved over the years, paving the way for incredible impact in years to come. Major topics covered include: Bobby and Nan's transition into ministry involvement Generosity as a lifestyle rather than an action The effectiveness of empowering indigenous missionaries Stories of God's miraculous provision and the importance of trusting His plan Creating a global community of gospel patrons to fuel the Great Commission The Endowment 2414 initiative, sustaining ministry for decades to come QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I want you to know that the Lord is getting ready to widen that highway.” “But a wiser man is he who knows himself eternally, and sees his value not in his life, but in his Lord.” “We're not in the middle of this blue ball in the middle of the universe for no reason. There is a purpose for our lives.” “Ministries all over the world are coming together around getting the gospel to every tribe and nation.” “The body of Christ is not just my local church; it's so much bigger than that.” “The resources and finances to complete the Great Commission exist right now in the hands of Christians.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Partners in Ministry Renew World Outreach (see our interview with founders, the Paluskys) Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Gospel Patrons (see our interview with author John Rinehart) Endowment 24:14 The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 24:14 | And Then The End Will Come And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Luke 12:13-21 | Bigger Barns WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

God didn't just write your story...  He is IN your story!He is in every moment... past, present, and future. He's been there all along and He's not going anywhere.  In today's message, Erin and Jill talk about how our stories are wrapped up in God's Greater Story! But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)Erin and Jill refer to Kelly's episode. You can listen to her episode here.Shop HH x MH Collection here.Learn more about our Podcast, Episode Guests and Hunter's Hope here.

Christmas is all about Jesus.  The Christmas story is a story to be told year-round.  However, hearing it as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus and light the last Advent Candle, is especially touching, amazing and awe-inspiring.  Gather around as Harriett shares the story, The Birth of Jesus, as told in the Gospel of Luke. 

The final week of Be Rich 2022.

The final week of Be Rich 2022.

And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”37And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 38Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail,39and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. 41And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.”45Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.” 48When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.52And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gathf and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. 53And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. 54And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent. 55As soon as Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” 56And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.” 57And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

Links:A Greater Story by Sam CollierLinks to connect with Guest:Instagram | Story Church Atlanta | PodcastLinks to connect with Toni: Personal Instagram | Broken Crayons Instagram | FacebookWebsite: https://www.tonijcollier.com/Pre-order NEW Book: Brave Enough to be Broken

Institute for Global Engagement's Nick Pitts unpacks the need to recognize we're in a constant battle against evil and seeing the acting hand of God as much mightier than our own. Philos Project's Luke Moon talks about the tone of Biden's trips to Israel and Saudi Arabia and the efforts of denying those trying to delegitimize the nation of Israel. Click here for today's show notes

Today's episode with Josh Wildman will push you to live out your faith more both at work and at home. He is CEO of a company with 300 people and they've got God in their vision statement which some people agree with and others have a tough time doing it– especially with the cancel culture in which we live. He also listens to God and takes bold moves based on what he's hearing. He took a three-month sabbatical in 2019 and we discuss what that looked like and how he leads differently now that he's back. We have some enneagram discussions (he's an enneagram eight, so we discuss control a lot) and talk about the importance of vision and values with your employees. This episode is filled with a lot of good tactical steps, but will also push you to live out your faith more.    In this episode, you'll discover…    What is the key train to win at home and at work? (2:58) How do you push through the people that feel they cannot work for your company because they are not believers, since you have God in your vision statement? (15:21) How do you keep your personal identity from getting in the way? (17:33) How do you reinforce the vision and values of your company? (19:07) When did you know it was time to hand over your story for a Greater Story? (25:30)   Josh's Bio:  Wildman is a 3rd generation family business founded in 1952 by my Grandfather Rex Wildman. Wildman has experienced steady growth over the past sixty-four years. They are a diversified group of five businesses which include Wildman Uniform & Linen, Wildman Facility Service, Wildman Imprints, Winona Services, and You The Fan which includes the brands Sportula, Stadium Views, and Joe Journeyman. Their services range from industrial laundering, to sales and marketing training, and their products from fall protection to children's books, and grilling utensils. What's Next?    Are you crushing it at work but struggling at home? If you want to learn how to win at home, then go to https://CoryMCarlson.com/subscribe and download your free copy of “10 Ways To Win At Home.”   If you're looking for a resource to help you with these times when your work is now in your home, check out my book Win At Home First on Amazon. Forbes Magazine rated it one of 7 books everyone on your team should read.

I met today's guest on Linkedin and learned quickly that we have very similar values. After a brief conversation, I knew I wanted to learn more about him and his business. Elliot is in business with his wife and they started a company of their own in March of 2020 before we all knew how COVID-19 would impact everything. We talk about the ups and downs of this and how they got through it– they even drove for UberEats! This story is very helpful to all of us as we have all experienced highs and lows. He and his wife have ten different values they use to help them make their decisions. They also have a two-year, a five-year, retirement, and a legacy plan. These help them make decisions as well– what kind of risk are we going to take today to help better position ourselves down the road. He talks about how this can give him a better reason for his why.  Elliot tells us a story between him and his grandfather where he shook his hand and looked Elliot in the eye and told him to “go get a job where you make a lot of money.” Elliot is pursuing his passion and believes going after his passion will lead to success and joy in life. This episode is very helpful from a tactile standpoint to help each of us get better as we are leading at work and at home. In this episode, you'll discover…    What is the key train to win at home and at work (2:45) How do you and your wife work on communication to make it effective (3:30) How do you keep from always talking about work with your wife since you own a business together (5:30) When did you know it was time to hand over your story for a Greater Story (20:03) How do you elevate your mindset (24:20) How do you structure your life around your faith (30:47) Elliot Beeson Bio Elliot Beeson is the co-founder and creative director of Aktual Design and sets the vision and strategy for the company. In 2020, Haley and Elliot created a powerful and result-driven design process that solves real business problems. Since then, Elliot has overseen Aktual Design's growth to become a small team of 5 who have helped more than 50 companies diversify and grow. A graduate with a degree in project management and a self-taught designer, Elliot has embedded his creative roots in Aktual Design's culture, products, and process. This design-driven approach has enabled a system of trust that allows businesses in all industries and stages to facilitate growth and recognition by their audience.  When Elliot isn't working, you can find him in the mountains on his gravel bike, rock climbing at the local bouldering gym, and eating some yummy food. Elliot and Haley have a daughter and love traveling together as a family. What's Next?    Are you crushing it at work but struggling at home? If you want to learn how to win at home, then go to https://CoryMCarlson.com/subscribe and download your free copy of “10 Ways To Win At Home.”   If you're looking for a resource to help you with these times when your work is now in your home, check out my book Win At Home First on Amazon. Forbes Magazine rated it one of 7 books everyone on your team should read.  

As we've been going line by line through The Lords's Prayer for the past six weeks, it's possible to miss the forest for the trees. So, in this convo, Pastors Philip and Eric discuss the most life changing surprises from this prayer. The Father's Heart (2:46): How can we feel close to our Heavenly Father in prayer when He can seem so distant at times? Remember that we're not spiritually immature if we don't always feel close to God. Jesus is retooling our approach to speaking to God the Father, reminding us that He's for us and desires to hear from us. Prayer Change Us (12:36): How do we live in the balance of praying for something and allowing prayer to also change our hearts? If you feel like your prayers aren't working, God may in fact be working on you. When we pray, we are processing the world in a way that is really beneficial to us. So, if your world isn't changing because of your prayers, remember that that isn't the ultimate goal. God intends for prayer to work its transformation first and foremost on us. A Greater Story (22:03): The Lord's Prayer teaches us to lose ourselves in the grandeur of God, where our stories become a part of God's greater story. And the most amazing part is that we're invited to join Him on mission, to be a part of His kingdom story. To watch the sermon for this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/CrzZ3EUEEQM Questions for living the message can be submitted to 312-682-1888 or emailed to livingthemessage@moodychurch.org

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] The sinful fallen world we live in is only temporary. We as Christians, those who have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior only face pain, sickness, troubles and death in the temporary. After the return of Jesus and His reign on the earth, death, and the devil himself will be destroyed. God will then create a new heaven and a new earth. God will then once again dwell with us, His people as He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden before sin entered the world. He promises through His word that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Remember it's only temporary. Overcome because you don't hope for the temporary. Persevere because your faith in Jesus Christ has guaranteed you a perfect eternity. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross. Jesus lived holy and righteous. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. [Acts 9:17-19] The conversion of Saul, a “pharisee of pharisees” on the Damascus Road is amazing. Jesus Christ took a man who was condemning Christ Followers and turned him into a fellow believer who would be a herald of the Gospel and make up a large part of the New Testament scripture that we read today. Saul was going along that road full of self-righteousness and religion. Being highly educated in his time he was still spiritually blind. Saul believed in his own righteousness through upholding religious tradition. When Saul encountered Jesus that day, he knew that He was alive. Knowing that Jesus is alive changed everything. Saul knew that Jesus followers were preaching that he was the Messiah, the son of God. Knowing that Jesus had risen and was alive meant that Saul finally saw Jesus for who He is. The son of God, the risen savior, Holy, perfect, and righteous. This led Saul to repentance and reliance on Jesus alone, not his own self-righteous acts. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.” [Acts 1:7-8] All of Jesus's talk about the kingdom of God and the soon-to-arrive Holy Spirit prompted the disciples to ask him if he was restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time. But Jesus told them that the timing for Israel's earthly promised messianic kingdom was not for them to know. The Father would determine that by his own authority. Nevertheless, they would soon receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them so that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples would go as Jesus's witnesses to proclaim him and make kingdom disciples in Jerusalem in obedience to the Great Commission. This kingdom work continues today, as the church goes to the ends of the earth to proclaim King Jesus with kingdom authority in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Tony Evans Bible Commentary) - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”[Matthew 28:18-20] The God of the bible is a missionary God and the bible is a missionary book. From the beginning to the end it's all about glorifying God and extending His glory to the ends of the earth. We are all called to take part in the mission of God. The only question left for us to ask ourselves is am I taking part in God's mission? - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” We must hear, understand, and believe in that empty grave in order to receive peace, purpose, and eternal life. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

A look at how we might have to small a view of what was accomplished with Jesus' resurrection, ushering in God's work of making all things new.

Mark 15 moves us from the scene in the garden of Gethsemane to the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus has been forsaken by His disciples, rejected by the Chief Priests and Jewish leaders, and now condemned to the cross by Pontius Pilate. He quietly suffers as He is mocked, scourged, and spat on by Roman soldiers. He is then led outside the city to be nailed to the cross, giving his life as a perfect sacrifice for the very people who put Him there. Jesus was put on the cross not just by the Jewish and Roman leaders, but by you and I as well. Through His sufferings on the cross, Jesus made a way for us to be in perfect relationship with God the Father through his one and only Son. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Mark 14:32-36 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba,[f] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Our guest is Sam Collier, former lead pastor of Hillsong Atlanta, and now lead pastor of Story Church. Sam is also the author of A Greater Story, host of The Greater Story Podcast, and a musician, radio host and producer. We discuss his recent transition from Hillsong, keys to finishing well, the power of counseling, self-awareness and much more. Plus, check out the 5 Things from the Internet List. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access to access the list and all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: Chemistry Staffing—helping churches of all sizes find the right leaders to add to their team. Get your FREE helpful download designed to help you understand what's going on in the ministry workforce fueled by The Great Resignation at http://chemistrystaffing.com/H3. Plus, sign up for a FREE 30-minute consultation to learn how to attract top talent to your church at http://chemistrystaffing.com/H3. And, Generis—accelerating generosity in your church, school, college or non-profit. Get started at http://generis.com/get-started. Generis helps you build a thriving culture of generosity to help fund the ministry and reach your God-inspired vision. Connect with Generis at http://generis.com/get-started and schedule a FREE discovery session.

Mark 14:22-25 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

While He [Jesus] was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [Mark 14:1-11] While those who were present at the table sought to criticize Mary for her actions, but Jesus saw something different. He saw an act of worship and came to her defense. Jesus is concerned about the condition of hearts and it is true worship that catches His attention. Mary didn't care who was in the room, the only thing she cared about was honoring Jesus. True worship is not in devotion to or governed by the thoughts and criticism of men. True worship flows from a heart of true devotion to Jesus. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

“...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [Luke 15:20] - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” [Luke 19:9-10] In Matthew 9:12 when Jesus is first calling Matthew as a disciple He says this, ”It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus came on a great rescue mission. He didn't come so that the righteous people who have a good life can all gather and sit and enjoy His grace. Jesus came and paid it all for us so that we can extend His glory to the ends of the earth, to the sick, the needy, the broken. Jesus died for all that would come to know Him. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

In Matthew 18:1-6, as in many others passages, we see Jesus take the ideas of this world and turn them upside down. The kingdom of heaven is all about Jesus' righteousness, sacrifice, glory, and greatness not ours. We see that greatness doesn't come from anything we can do, be, or accomplish it comes from surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Greatness in the kingdom of heaven starts with surrender, continues in humility, grows in faith, and leads to a desire to see the lost come to know the father. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

In Matthew chapter 13, verses 44-46 Jesus shares 2 parables about about the Kingdom of Heaven. We look at these parables in the same way we do the rest of the New Testament, by looking for Jesus in every chapter. The bible is a book that's all about Jesus, not us. These two parables testify of Christ and His love for Israel, and His church. So great a love that He sold, He gave all that he had even to death in order to buy the field, and purchase the pearl. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” [Matthew 14:15-16] Jesus then sees crowd's immediate need for food and He takes the little bit of food a little boy has and multiplies it into abundance for everyone present. At this same time Jesus is teaching His disciples a valuable lesson. The disciples saw this situation only from a worldly perspective, but Jesus wanted to reveal to them who He was and what He could do. In John 6:25-59, which takes place the next day after the miracle, Jesus shares the real meaning of what he wanted to show the disciples and the crowd. He wanted to show them that he was the Bread of Life and that those who put their faith in Him will have spiritual bread that nourishes and lasts for all eternity. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Sometimes we face storms and trials of all kinds and sometimes life seems like it couldn't get any better. We have to grow by our faith and understand that all things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purposes. Some storms we bring on ourselves by disobedience. Some storms are brought on by Satan and his tactics in the world. As children of God, Co-heirs with Christ we have to know that no matter the circumstance or situation God is using it for our sanctification. Whether we can see it in the moment or not we have to have the faith to seek God in it. We have to stand strong in Who God is and that he ultimately is working everything out for our good and His glory. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Pray and Fast in Secret. When no one knows, the only motivation can be for the pleasure and will of God. Pray and Fast for God's approval, not Man's approval. A lot of times prayer can be such a good temperature gauge of our spiritual lives. We can ask ourselves if I spend more time in prayer alone than I do in a group of others. When we pray and fast it has to be for the right reward. The reward is closeness to God, being in the center of His will. Pray from your heart. Sermon Text: MATTHEW 6:5-15 - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” [Matthew‬ ‭4:10‬] ‭ Immediately after Jesus' baptism the very next passage in the Gospel of Matthew shows us Jesus' temptation in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry. We can draw some correlation from the fall of Adam and Eve when Satan came and tempted, questioned the authority of God and ultimately led them into sin through deceit and lies. This time around we find Jesus winning this battle by using God's Word in His time of need. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” [Matthew 3:11] We see John the Baptist in this text doing exactly what was prophesied in Isaiah 40, preparing the way for the Lord. John knew what God called him to do and he succeeded in doing it. Let us see what really makes a successful life. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Luke 2.23-38

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” [Matthew 2:11] In Matthew, chapter 2 we see Magi from the east begin a journey to Jesus as they remember God's word from a prophet in Numbers 24. The magi pick up everything they have and begin their journey straight to Jesus. We all started our journey of faith in Christ at some point in our lives. Let's look at how our journey to Jesus requires faith, is fueled by worship, and desires our best. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com