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Matthew 28:16-19 NIV 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”THE BODYMatthew 28:19 NIV   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,Ephesians 3:4-6 NIV 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.THE BODYTHE BLESSINGGalatians 3:5-9 NIV 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.Galatians 3:26-29 NIV 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.THE BODYTHE BLESSINGTHE BEAUTYI Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ NIV Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.Romans 12:4-5;9-10;15-16 NIV4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another.

Which is Better, Life With or Without Jesus?  Which is better, life with or without Jesus?“Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's real rebellion. Sex, drugs and rock ‘n' roll is easy. True Christianity … that's rebellion.”- Alice Cooper  Philippians 3:1-14 (ESV)“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”    Why is life with Jesus worth it?1.     You personally know Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:8 (ESV)“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 2.     Your standing before God is based on Christ, not you. Romans 3:22 (NIV)“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”Philippians 2:12 (NIV)“Just as if I had always obeyed” Faith + Works = justificationGrace + Merit = justificationChrist + My inherent righteousness = justification (Could you please put a red X over (Works, Merit, My inherent righteousness?)Faith + Works = justificationGrace + Merit = justificationChrist + My inherent righteousness = justification Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone = justification Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”      3.     Your purpose is greater than earthly comforts. Philippians 3:10, 13 (NKJV)“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Matthew 16:26 (NIV)“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Message for 03/31/2024 "Jesus Has Authority Over Death" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Matthew 9:18-19 NIV -.While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Matthew 9:20-26 NIV - Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”And the woman was healed at that moment. 23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader's house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region. Luke 7:11-15 - Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don't cry!” he said. 14 Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” 15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. John 11-38-44 - Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man's sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” Romans 5:6-11 - When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Matthew 28:1-10 - Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” 8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” Luke 24:36-41 - And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. 1 Corinthians 15:55 - O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 - For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 11:25-26 - Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this…?

Mark 14:43-65 NIV - Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled.A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Mark 14:43-65 NIV - Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled.A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Mark 14:43-65 NIV - Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled.A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Mark 14:43-65 NIV - Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled.A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Join us this Sunday as we explore "Primal Questions (Part 4)" inspired by 2 Corinthians 6:18 that reminds us: "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” In the midst of the Lunar New Year festivities, let's discover the beauty of deep, meaningful connections and how they enrich our lives. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the essence of thriving relationships as we step into the Year of the Dragon. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Key Passages // 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV): Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NIV): If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 John 3:1 (NIV): See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV): And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Who are you becoming and is God speaking to you to make some changes in that area? We are relationally created to live in committed, covenant relationships with fellow Christians to become more like Jesus, and through the love for another, reach out to those around us. Kingdom focused friendships will make you look in the mirror and drive you to growth, but also they will strengthen the gifts Christ has placed in you to serve others well.“You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”John 15: 14-17 (NIV)“Just as our love for God begins with listening to God's Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them. God's love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives us God's Word, but also lends us God's ear.”Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Life TogetherTo plug into our daily bible study, text "DLR" to 501-200-3122 and follow the link to sign up. For more information on how to get connected at New Life Church - Downtown Little Rock, follow us on Instagram @nlcdowntownlittlerock or visit our website at newlifechurch.tv

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | November 5, 2023 1) The world is thirsty.2) Jesus offers living water to EVERYONE. John 4:9-14 (NIV)The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:27 (NIV)Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 3. We point people to Jesus. John 4 28-30 (NIV)Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. John 4:39-42 (NIV)Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:34-35 (NIV)“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)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.” Acts 2:38 (NIV)Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel:

His Presence Changes Everything

ONE, Together part 2 WELL BALANCED 10/11/23 In Depth Rom 12:4- NIV Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (amp-mutually dependent on […]

Happy Easter everyone! Today we'll take a fresh look at the Easter story, but we're not going to start at the traditional place - the gospel, the story of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day in triumphant glory. Don't worry, we'll be sure to end up there! But today we're going to start with a verse in the Old Testament, from the prophet Isaiah. We want to show you that the Easter story was not some surprise event. It was predicted by the prophets hundreds of years before it happened, and even though the disciples didn't see it coming (they were expecting a different kind of triumph), it was part of God's brilliant plan all along. The Bible bears this out, because there are traces of the cross throughout the Old Testament. Here's one of them: Rend the HeavensIsaiah 64:1-2 (NIV) Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!Let me tell you about why this passage was so important to Jewish people in Isaiah's day. And then I'll tell you why it should matter to you on this Easter Sunday, thousands of years after it was written. Let's focus in on the passage:Rend the Heavens - pay attention to this phrase, cause we'll see it again in the NTSpeaks of God's revelation of himselfIsrael had hoped God would reveal himself as conquering king! Come down and make the nations quakeThis is what many of Jesus followers were looking for from him: a conquering Messiah who would overthrow the Romans. Then he ended up hanging on their cross.Q: How do you see God? What are you hoping for from him?Jesus' MinistryWe've been studying the Gospel of Mark as a church since the beginning of the year. In chapter 1 we looked at the baptism of Jesus. Let's look at it again with Isaiah 64 in mind: Mark 1:10-11 (NIV) Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”This is the beginning of the Isaiah 64 prophecy - Jesus starts his earthly ministry(Notice the Triune God here…)But instead of a fire to make the nations quake, here's a sampling of what Jesus did:Heals a leper (“I am willing…”)Heals a paralytic (only after he forgives his sin)Invites fishermen and tax collectors to follow himChallenges the religion policePreaches good news, not hellfireTorn in TwoFast forward to the crucifixion. This is where it gets really interesting. Jesus was convicted at a sham Jewish trial, beaten by Roman soldiers, and nailed to a cross. Pay attention to what happens the moment after Jesus dies on that cross:Mark 15:37-38 (NLT) Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.This is the climax of the Isaiah 64 prophecy. “Oh that you would rend the heavens…” Matthew 27:51 (ESV) And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.Exodus 26:31-33 (NLT) “For the inside of the Tabernacle, make a special curtain of finely woven linen. Decorate it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. Hang this curtain on gold hooks attached to four posts of acacia wood. Overlay the posts with gold, and set them in four silver bases. Hang the inner curtain from clasps, and put the Ark of the Covenant in the room behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and...

Series: All! Jesus has all authority, So that all nationsMight pledge all allegiance to him.Title: “How to Practice Church Discipline” (Darien Gabriel)Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 NIVHeavily relied on O'Donnell for this one. (See below)Bottom line: We all practice church discipline by lovingly confronting those who sin against us (per Matthew 18) with the aim of restoring the relationship.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSSERMON OUTLINE & NOTESMAIN REFERENCES USEDDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscussion questions for group and personal study. Reflect and Discuss1. What does it mean to become like children in verse 3? What is the difference between having childlike faith and being immature in your faith?2. How does the requirement of humility in verses 1-4 compare with our culture's view of greatness?3. Explain how a biblical view of the church goes against a culture that prizes independence?4. How should the parable of the Lost Sheep in verses 10-14 inform our view of church discipline?5. Respond to the following objection to church discipline: If our church disciplines members, then unbelievers will be turned off and discouraged from coming.6. What is the ultimate goal of church discipline?7. What does Matthew 18 have to add to our view of church membership?8. List things that should and should not be matters of church discipline.9. What is the main point of the parable of the Unforgiving Servant (wv. 23-35)?10. If you aren't showing mercy to others, how might that be an indica tion that you are not being shaped by the gospel?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastWeekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:Q. What do I want you to know? A. How to practice church disciplineQ. Why? A. Because it leads to a holier and healthier church familyQ. What do I want you to do? A. Practice church discipline/confrontation per Matthew 18Q. Why? A. Because these steps lead to a holier, healthier church family. OUTLINE & NOTESOur oldest grandson is almost 2-1/2 years old. He trusts his parents and grandparents right now. He has an implicit faith in us. When we tell him something, he just believes us. You might call him innocent. He is not! You might call him naive. But for now he trusts us implicitly and humbly. He just knows he doesn't know near as much as we do.This is what I think Jesus was trying to communicate to his 12 earlier here. To know that you're a son off the king, you must humble yourself and turn and become like a 2-3 yr old trusting your Heavenly Father in all he says.ContextMatt. 18:1–20:34 The Community of the Messiah Revealed. This is the fourth of Jesus' five major discourses in Matthew's GospelAs his earthly ministry draws to a close, Jesus has spent considerable time clarifying his identity and mission (chs. 14–17). He instructs his disciples on the nature of his covenant community, explaining the kingdom community's characteristics (18:1–35), its implications for the sanctity of marriage (19:1–12), and its value (19:13–20:34). ESV Study Bible noteWhat's important to remember about this context is that Jesus is dealing with how local believers interact with each other. They pursue wandering brothers and sisters in Christ. They lovingly confront sinful behavior. This is different than confronting someone in the world outside of the church.IntroductionBottom line: We all practice church discipline by lovingly confronting those who sin against us (per Matthew 18) with the aim of restoring the relationship.Church discipline is the act of lovingly confronting one who sins against us so that they humbly respond with repentance restoring their relationship with us and the Lord. How do we do this?First, Why confront?My notes after reading O'DonnellHave you ever been legitimately confronted over something you did wrong? Or sin?It's a humbling experience. Makes you feel small. “But small, as we learned (earlier in Matthew 18), is the appropriate size to get into the kingdom as well as move up in it. Thus, if confrontation can lead to that kind of smallness, it is something we all, from time to time, very well need.” P. 509Why confront?This passage is about how the church (the people) confronts the one who sins against them. But before we tackle how, let's understand why we even do it.Most churches want to do this as much as a parent wants to spank a child in the Super Walmart. It's hard form some to hear that a church can excommunicate someone. It sounds harsh, judgmental, unloving and so against the spirit of the age. This is why we start with why?4 reasons one Christian confronts another:1 from our passage and 3 from the surrounding contextThe first reason for Christian confrontation is the value of one straying sheep.Notice how Jesus moves from his parable of the lost sheep directly to this. Matthew inserts nothing in between. Presumably, Jesus does not stop talking in between.From: Sheep—how God values each individual Christian, even and especially strayed sheepTo: ThisWhy? Because they are thematically linked.The Father's concern for sinners and the Shepherd's rescue of those who've wandered from the fold are now the church's concern. The Church confronts because we value each and every sheep, even and especially straying sheep.The second reason for Christian confrontation is the hope of forgiveness and family reconciliation.Immediate context: Theme is the forgiveness of a brother's sin.Note “Brother” is generic for Christian but is also familial language. He could have used “disciple”Family reconciliations are the best. Think of the prodigal son. (Luke 15)The third reason for Christian confrontation is, a little laxity leads to a lot of lapsing. Paul said, “a little leaven leaven's the whole lump.” 1 Cor 5:6A little leaven (neglected sin in the church) leaven's the whole lump (affects whole church)A little laxity (let this or that sin go unchecked) leads to a lot of lapsing (I guess if he does that, I can do this)Cutting off sin (18:8-9) “That by guarding our own personal holiness we guard others, especially those weaker in the faith” p. 511Ex. “Newly baptized Christian sees an elder in the church sinning, and that elder is not confronted and corrected by the church, then the younger Christian will likely be tempted to similarly sin.” p. 511“Christian confrontation helps protect and purify the church (like salt), and it helps prevent the spread of sin throughout the Body of Christ.”The fourth reason for Christian confrontation is that it is a command of Christ…because Jesus is Lord.”Reproof and love go together.“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Lev 19:17-18Tolerating sin is not loving.Because God loves, God disciplines.It's the loving shepherd who goes after the lost sheep.The unloving shepherd stays at homeHe's either indifferent (what's 1 out of 100), orHe's lenient (oh, sheep will be sheep)So, Christians are to confront sinning Christians becauseWe value one straying sheepWe hope for forgiveness and family reconciliationWe know that a little laxity leads to a lot of lapsing, andChristian confrontation is a loving command from the most loving man who ever lived.Then, How confront?3 Strikes and You're Out (Quick and dirty)Confront one on one. If they listen, you've won them over. It's over.If they don't, proceed to step two.Confront with 2-3 witnesses. If they listen, you've won them over. It's over.If they don't, proceed to step three.Confront with the church. If they listen, you've won them over. It's over.If they don't, you expel them from the church and treat them as a non-Christian.More detailed outline…How to Lovingly Confront—3 Steps (O'Donnell)Go and win (gain) First, 3 important detailsNotice who is confronting whom—it's brother to brother…Not brother to person in the world.There's a time for that—this isn't about that.Notice when this occurs—only “if your brother sins against you.” (In ESV text; footnoted in NIV)Just between you and him alone (if have “against you” personally as in ESV)And it is “sin”, behavior that is clearly and consistently contrary to Christ's commandsThis is not bad personality traits or poor hygieneNotice (speaking on sin) that Jesus assumes Christians will sin Step 1: Go and win (Gain) PRIVATE CORRECTION / LOVING CONFRONTATION First step is not…To waitTo sit and sulkTo give a cold shoulder or silent treatmentIndifferenceTit for tatTo gossipTo slanderRather, step 1 is a private conversation—underline “just between the two of you” (15)Gently and/orWith holy harshnessNathan modeled this in a balanced way with King David (2 Sam 12:1-7)Paul throughout his ministry; Gal 2:11 I opposed Peter to his faceJesus showed holy harshness in 18:8-9Regardless, the spirit is that of humility and love, a solemn concern for your brother's soulSo we go hoping to win i.e. restore, gain to God and to fellowship with the churchHoping to bring light to their darkness. If he sees this darkness, confesses it, asks for forgiveness, you're won or gained your brotherStep 2: Establish Testimony (evidence) SMALL GROUP CLARIFICATION Jesus is practicalJesus is also realistic. Most of us get defensive when confronted. Why? Because we're proud. Instead of melting like butter, we harden like clay.“Jesus' lesson on becoming like little children applies well here as well. Humility is needed! and such humility is helped along by bringing others to hear the case.” P. 5162 or 3 others/witnesses comes from Deut 19:15. Why?To protect against a false accusation—brother B is exaggerating or lying about brother A's offense. To help brother A, if he's been rightly accused, to see his sin as sin, or in other words, to add their voice of reproof so he might repent, andTo be public witnesses, if needed, if the matter comes to the whole church (2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19)Step 3: Church Censure CHURCH ADMONITION & POSSIBLY EXCOMMUNICATION A censure is an official reprimand and judgment. Here it is the church saying, “3 strikes and your out—you've been excommunicated from the fellowship.”p. 516First, let's be clear on who is to blame here—it's the unrepentant brother—he has refused to “listen”This text isn't just how to confront—it's how to respond to confrontation3 Strikes and you're out“If a sinner won't cut off his sin, the church cuts him off.” V. 17That is, treat him like someone who has betrayed the covenant (like a traitor tax collector) and someone who does not currently believe in the covenant (gentile or pagan); their actions move leaders to declare that they are not a follower of ChristIn NT, excommunication meant not allowing this unrepentant “brother” to participate in the public gatherings—A worship serviceLord's SupperPrayer meetingA judicial meeting For some, this is the limited versionFor others, it was unlimited restriction:“If any false teacher ‘comes to you…do not receive him into your home or give him any greeting'” (2 John 10)“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice (i.e. Matthew 18:15-17), have nothing to do with him.” (Titus 3:10)“[Do] not …associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is justly or sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviled, drunkard, or swindler”—[Do] not even eat with such a one.” (1 Cor 5:11)“Yet for both—with limited and unlimited restriction—the hope was held out that this ‘severe measure' would make the sinner come to his senses, that this ‘brother' would act like a brother should —repent and return.” P. 5171 Cor 5-62 Thess 3:14-15Coming out of 15-17, Jesus masterfully assumes there will be pushback. “Says who?” AUTHORITY“You see, when a brother or sister is excommunicated, before they leave (and/or sue) the disciplining church and go to another, they will nearly always reply to the disciplining church, ‘You're not God. Who gives you the right?' And to that objection our Lord leaves his church 18-20, his gentle way of saying ‘shut it'” pp. 517-18“These verses are not about the value of prayer meetings.”“Rather, these verses are about Jesus giving his divine authority to forgive sins (or loose) or not forgive (to bind) into the hands of the church.” P. 518“If the local church gathers together in the name of Christ—even two or three—to judge another brother (that's the context, v. 17 esp.), then what these brothers decide on earth is decided (already) in heaven. Why? Jesus' answer is, ‘Because I say so'…It's a matter of transference of authority.” P. 518“The church has been given the authority to forgive (receive back into fellowship) or excommunicate (remove from fellowship). This is how we use the keys to the kingdom.ConclusionOur bottom line today is that we all practice church discipline by lovingly confronting those who've sinned against us with the aim of restoring the relationship. Are you ever confronting sin?When you do, do you do so with humility and love and the aim to restore the relationship?Is someone confronting you? Are you responding with humility and repentance?Is the Lord challenging you to join your local church?What is God saying to you right now?Let's pray.Church discipline -various levels by warren wiersbe“Various levels of church disciplinePersonal differences between Christians (Matt. 18:15–18; Phil. 4:1–3). If a brother or sister sins against me (either deliberately or unknowingly), I should go to that person privately and seek to get the matter settled. Only if the person refuses to settle the matter should I bring anyone else in; and the problem must not go to the church family until every other means has been exhausted.Doctrinal error. Determine first of all why the person is teaching wrong doctrine. Perhaps it is because of ignorance and lack of Bible knowledge. In that case, patiently teach him the truth (2 Tim. 2:23–26). If he persists, rebuke him (Titus 1:10–14). Paul had to do this to Peter (Gal. 2:11ff). If the error continues, avoid him (Rom. 16:17–18), and then separate yourself from him (2 Tim. 2:18ff; 2 John 9ff).A believer overtaken by sin (Gal. 6:1–3).Even the great Apostle Peter denied the Lord. And David yielded to lust and committed adultery. When a Christian is caught in known sin, the spiritual members of the church must seek to restore him with gentleness and love. The word restore here means “to set a broken bone”—and that takes tenderness and patience. Too often the church quickly passes judgment on a believer who has sinned, and the damage done causes problems for years to come.A repeating troublemaker (Titus 3:10). The word heretic does not refer to doctrinal error, but to a proud attitude of one who gets people to “take sides” in the church. The Greek word means “to make a choice.” This leads to divisions and cliques in the local church (see Gal. 5:20 where heresies ought to be translated “sects, parties”). There is hardly a church that does not have its parties for or against anything—the pastor, the building program, even the color of the kitchen walls. Usually these “heretics” are people who like to be important; they want a following. Often they have deep emotional problems that Satan can use to create spiritual problems in the church. Perhaps they are frustrated at home or on the job; or perhaps they have, in the past, been hurt by some pastor or church. These “factious people” should be given two official warnings. If they repeat their sin of dividing the church, they should be given a third warning and rejected. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned” (Titus 3:10–11, niv). It is my conviction that such people should not hold office in the church. It is also my conviction that, if they leave the church “in a conviction that, if they leave the church “in a huff,” they should be restored to fellowship only twice. The third time—they are out!Open immorality (1 Cor. 5).The church must mourn over the sinner (the same word is used for mourning over the dead) and seek to bring him to repentance. If he refuses, the church collectively should dismiss him (1 Cor. 5:13, where the Greek word means “expel”). If he repents, he must be forgiven and restored to fellowship in the church (2 Cor. 2:6–11). In the case of the “lazy saints,” Paul told the believers to exhort them, warn them, and if they did not repent, withdraw intimate fellowship from them. This probably meant that these believers were not permitted to share in the Lord's Supper, and that the church members would not invite them to their homes. Second Thessalonians 3:14 does not apply to every case of discipline. It applies only to the matter of saints not working for a living. “Have no company” literally means “do not get mixed up with”; the same word is used in 1 Corinthians 5:9. There is a difference between acquaintanceship, friendship, and fellowship; for fellowship means “to have in common.” For obedient saints to treat disobedient Christians with the same friendship they show to other dedicated saints is to give approval to their sins. However, Paul (knowing the tendency of human nature to go to extremes) cautioned them not to treat the offenders like enemies. “They are still your brothers in Christ,” he added. Lot was out of fellowship with God and Abraham because he lived in Sodom; yet Abraham rescued Lot from the enemy because Lot was his brother (Gen. 14, and note especially v. 14). It requires much patience, love, and grace to help an erring brother; and this is why Paul added a final motive for earning a living.”Church Discipline by Warren WiersbeThe Question of Chapter 18"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matthew 18:1 The rest of the chapter is a response to that question. --God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling, p. 6From John Stott wrote in "Christian Counter-culture":"The addition of the words as we also have forgiven our debtors is further emphasized in verses 14 and 15 which follow the prayer and state that our Father will forgive us if we forgive others but will not forgive us if we refuse to forgive others. This certainly does not mean that our forgiveness of others earns us the right to be forgiven. It is rather that God forgives only the penitent and that one of the chief evidences of true penitence is a forgiving spirit. Once our eyes have been opened to see the enormity of our offence against God, the injuries which others have done to us appear by comparison extremely triffling. If, on the other hand, we have an exaggerated view of the offences of others, it proves that we have minimized our own. It is the disparity between the size of debts which is the main point of the parable of the unmerciful servant. It's conclusion is: 'I forgave you all that debt (which was huge)...; should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'" pp. 149-150MAIN REFERENCES USED“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O'Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes“Matthew” by RC Sproul“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)Outline Bible, D WillmingtonNIV Study Bible (NIVSB)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling

Sermon Notes The message of Genesis: God has transformed our evil into something good. ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬, ‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "(To the serpent) 'And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.' The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the Lord God said, 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat and live forever.' So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken." Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Just as one trespass (Adam's sin) resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act (Jesus' obedience) resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous." God disciplines His children, but He also relentlessly pursues them in love. Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "When the sun had set, and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces." "This is what you can do to me if I don't keep my end of the deal." 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ." God is somehow going to use this family to restore the world back to The Garden. Genesis‬ ‭28‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "When (Jacob) reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." John 1:50-51 NIV "Jesus said, 'You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.' He then added, 'Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'" Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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.'" God really loves us!

Obedience to the last command of Jesus If your gospel isn't touching others, it hasn't touched you.  Curry R. Blake By Pastor George Lehman Matthew 28: 16-17(NIV) – 16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:18-20 (Amp) - “Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, all authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.  Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be). John 17:18 (NIV) – Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. These words of Jesus were nothing less than the Spirit of a great world conquest. This was the beginning call to obedience to “GO” All the nations, all the world, every creature, to the uttermost part of the earth. The heart of Christ was set on claiming His rightful dominion over the world that He had redeemed and won for Himself. He counts on His disciples to obediently undertake and carry out the work. Our walk with God begins with the word “follow” and ends with the words “GO”. The devil shakes when he hears us say, I'll do as You say Lord. His promise to us. Matthew 28:18 (Amp) – “......All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”   Matthew 28:20 (Amp) – Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be). I have won, so you now can “Go” with confidence and authority and win back the world for God. Go and plunder hell and populate heaven. Notice: Christ does not teach or argue, ask, or plead, He simply commands; “GO” He has trained His disciples in obedience.  He can now count on them. Can He count on you? They accepted the command and passed it on to those who through them believed on His name. Within a generation, simple men, whose names we do not even know, had preached the gospel, and covered the whole of Europe. We are the fruit of their obedience. This command is for each one of us too today. There exists in the church of Christ NO privileged group to which alone belongs the honour, or the duty of carrying the Gospel to every creature.    - Andrew Murray We are His body.  We now occupy His place on earth.  His will and love carrying out through us the work He began in winning the lost back to Him. How miserably the church has failed in obeying the command! How many Christians there are who don't even know such a command even exists! How many Christians there are who hear of it but do not wholeheartedly try to obey it! Many Christians seek to obey it but only when it's convenient, comfortable, easy, with no persecution and when they have time available. We need to accept these 3 commands and place ourselves at God's disposal. #1  Accept His command. There are so many factors that weaken the force of this command. The impression is that a command that is general in its nature and given to all - Its not as binding or as important as one that is personal and specific. If it's not easy to ‘go' and circumstances are difficult, then we believe absolute obedience cannot be demanded. We think God understands. These attitudes are not obedience.  This was not the spirit in which the first disciples obeyed. Over the past 100 years the Barna research claims that 42% of born-again Christians are obedient to this command and share their faith. 58% are disobedient. Why not make up your mind even if no one else does.  You will by His grace give your life to live for His Kingdom. You make the choice to accept His command.   #2  Place yourself at His disposal. (Isaiah 6:8 – “Here I am send me.”) Many times, the great command has been strongly linked with missions - like to go to China or Africa.  We think it's meant for others. Matthew 28:19 (Amp) – Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  What is the calling for every child of God? “Nothing less than to make every man a true disciple – living in Holy obedience to all of Christ's will”. So many Christians are always waiting to be spoon fed and never realize that they are called to make disciples. Let God know He can have you completely. You are a student in the school of obedience.  Study the great command.  Accept it with your whole heart and place yourself at His disposal. #3  Begin at once to act on your obedience. In whatever circumstance you find yourself, it is your privilege to have within reach souls that can be won for God.  Andrew Murray The day you got saved, you were called into service. 2 Timothy 2:4 – No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of (civilian) life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him. God requires of you to boldly and humbly take up your life's calling of helping in the great work of winning back the world to God. Remember these words preceded the command to make disciples… “I am with you always”. Christ's power in heaven and His presence on earth – between these two pillars lies the gate through which the church enters the conquest[oorwinning] of the world. How obedient have you been to the Great Command? Jesus said: Matthew 24:14(NIV) – And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. You may want to recommit your life to the great command. Then pray this prayer with me: Blessed Son of God.  Here I am.  By your grace, I give my life to the carrying out of your last great command. Let my heart be as your heart.  Let my weakness be as your strength. In your name I take a vow of complete and lasting obedience. ****

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” "Again Jesus spoke" ties in to 7:38. Remember that 7:53-8:11 is not in the original; it interrupts the flow.Thus the statement is spoken in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles.In the second "I am statement," Christ claims to be the light of the world (v.12).Just as the pillar of fire led the Israelites through the desert after the Exodus, so Jesus will lead his people.Hence the emphasis on following the light. (The Israelites followed the pillar.)For more on the background to the "I am" statements, in addition to previous comments on John 6:35, see Isaiah 41:4 and 43:10-11, where the OT Greek LXX reads ego eimi ("I am").Jesus does not say, "Look -- there's the light," or "I've found the light!" Rather, he boldly claims, "I am the light."The Bible teaches that because God is our light (Psalm 27:1), Jesus is the light (John 8:12). Further, the Word is a light (Psalm 119:105), and as we live out the truth, we ourselves are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).The truth that Jesus is the light of the world (v.12) will be vividly illustrated in chapter 9 when Jesus heals the man born blind (9:5).13 Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. 18 I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” 19 Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.The Pharisees challenge his statement as unsubstantiated (v.13).They will not accept testimony without witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:15 requires witnesses for testimony to be valid.Jesus responds that his testimony corresponds with the judgment of his Father (vv.14-18), and thus is not at all invalid. God himself is Jesus' witness!They judge by human standards (v.15). See 7:24. Jesus claims to "judge no one": not a repudiation of judgment or the judgment day, but a denial of judging by human standards.Misunderstanding his reference to his Father (they are on "channel 2"), they then inquire about his earthly father (v.19).This interaction takes place in the treasury of the temple (v.20).The treasury was located in the Court of the Women, between the Court of the Israelites and the Court of Gentiles.The gadzophulakion (also Mark 12:41,43; Luke 21:1) is either the Temple Treasury or the offering box itself.The leaders wanted to arrest him, but it was not his time.21 Again he said to them, “I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 Then the Jews said, “Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come'?”Jesus said that he would go away, where they could not follow (v.21).Many Jews believed that suicides would be consigned to the deepest part of Hades, the underworld.23 He said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.” 25 They said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Why do I speak to you at all? 26 I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father.Jesus replies that he is from above -- it is they who are from below (v.23).Unless they believe what he has said ("I am," v.24), they will die in their unbelief.Again they question his authority, and identity (v.25).His response can be taken two ways, as in the NIV "Just what I have been claiming all along," or as above in the NRSV. The Amplified Bible has: "Jesus replied, [Why do I even speak to you!] I am exactly what I have been telling you from the first."28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.Jesus predicts that once he has been lifted up (crucified), men will better understand his divine origin and the truth of his words (v.28).Jesus claims to always obey the Father, for which reason he is not alone. God is with him in his life and words (v.29).Even at this point it seems that many believed Jesus was speaking the truth (v.30), although the antagonism continues into the final section of John 8.The negative reaction well illustrates 3:19-20. Darkness always resists the light.Verse 30 may be taken as the final verse in this section, or the first verse in the section that follows.31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free'?”Jesus now calls the Jews who believed his message (v.30) to an obedient faith (v.31). This is the only way the truth will set them free (v.32).They react poorly to the challenge, rejecting the freedom Jesus offers, which comes only from obedience (v.34ff).The irony of their retort is pathetic. What about the Egyptians? Midianites? Assyrians? Babylonians? Greeks? And what about the present Roman occupation (63 BC+)?They take their stand on nationalistic and religious pride (v.33).Ezra 9:9 is also à propos.34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.Just as a train is "free" only when it stays on the rails, so humans experience true freedom when they walk in the path of God's commands.For more passages about spiritual freedom, see Psalm 119:45; Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 3:12; James 1:25, 2:12; 2 Peter 2:19.There are three passages in John where Jesus spells out what it means to be a disciple. (This also makes an excellent "discipleship study.")John 8 -- We must remain in his word.John 13 -- We must love one another as he loved us.John 15 -- We must live a productive (fruitful) life.37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. 38 I declare what I have seen in the Father's presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father."They have no room for his message (vv.37,43), and are ready to do away with Jesus.Jesus claims to have come from the very presence of God (v.38). In a number of places in this gospel he says that he has come down from heaven.39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, 40 but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. 44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.”When the Jews retort, "We are not children of fornication" (v.41), they are claiming, in effect, "We are not guilty of spiritual harlotry."The prophet Hosea, and Jesus, accused Israel of spiritual unfaithfulness. They are defending themselves.It is possible that their words are a slur on Jesus' paternity, but this interpretation evolved in the early third century, and is probably not in view in this passage.Jesus reminds them that their antagonistic response is nothing like the attitude of Abraham, their alleged father. "Like father, like son." Their father is the devil (v.44), and they resemble him in several ways.Here Jesus also tells us several things about the devil (vv.44-45):His desires are contrary to God's.He is a murderer.He is not truthful, and lies.Putting it all together, we see a power bent on his own way, and willing to do whatever it takes to persuade others to follow him."Which of you convicts me of sin?" (v.46).What a claim! On the lips of no other human would these words have been received with anything other than astonishment or offense. But the truth is, none of the charges against Jesus we find on the lips of his enemies is true. Nor is there any hint of sin in Jesus' personal life.Jesus is saying, in effect, that his life backs up his message and divine origin. "What action of mine warrants this response on your part?" There is no excuse for anyone to reject his teaching, let alone with such vitriol.Compare John 8:46 to 1 Kings 8:46.Those who do not accept the truth show that they are not of God (v.47).48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. 51 Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”Unable to specify a particular sin, the Jews resort to name-calling (v.48). To this Jesus responds coolly and objectively (v.49ff).Why do they call him a Samaritan (v.48)?He was not a Judean -- at least by upbringing. Though born in Bethlehem in Judah, he probably had a Galilean accent, as nearly all his life he had lived in the north (Nazareth and Capernaum).Samaritans were viewed as heretics, as they had a slightly different Bible, even altering the Ten Commandments.They rejected the Temple and the Jewish priesthood.At least two Samaritan prophets made outrageous claims.Simon Magus (Acts 8) worked wonders and claimed to be "the Great Power."Dositheus claimed to be the Son of God.As for the claim of demon-possession, the second century Justin Martyr viewed both these Samaritans as possessed (Apol. 26:1,4-5).And yet Jesus was warm in his outreach to the Samaritans. For more on this, click here.Again Jesus returns to the theme of freedom.Whoever obeys his teaching, he promises, will not see death (v.51).He refers of course to spiritual death, not physical.52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.' 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,' 55 though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57 Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.The Jews are greatly offended at this claim, realizing that Jesus is implicitly elevating himself above Abraham and the prophets. Even Abraham, spiritual father of the nation, had died, and here is Jesus, claiming it is possible not to die at all!Jesus knows God (v.55). Nowhere in John does he claim to believe in God, but to know him. This knowledge is not academic, but intimate. Christ knows the Father as he knows himself. (Another implication of divinity.)In regard to verse 56, Abraham saw into the future. See, e.g., Genesis 15:5-6,17-21; 12:1-3. It was common among Jews in the first century to ascribe to Abraham knowledge of the end of days and the Messiah.Verse 57 does not suggest that Jesus was nearing 50.In fact, he would only have been about 35 at the time of his death.The age of 50 simply denotes an elder, a man at the end of his working life (Numbers 4:2-3,39; 8:24-25). Jesus is not even 50 years old (v.57); it is ludicrous that he would have special information about a man who had died nearly two millennia earlier."Before Abraham was born, I am" (v.58) has a parallel in the Greek O.T., which was the Bible of most early Christians. There we read: "Before the mountains were born / or you brought forth the earth and the world / from everlasting to everlasting you are (Psalm 90:2 [LXX Ps 89:2]).Jesus goes further:Abraham, to whom God had made promises about Messianic times, rejoiced in the things being fulfilled through Jesus' ministry.Pushing the crowd to the very limit, Jesus then implies his divinity: "Before Abraham was born, I am" (v.58).The response: the crowd wants to execute him for blasphemy.Jesus eludes them. (His time had still not come!)

A week or so ago Elaine and I visited a friend. She was babysitting her new grandchild. She said she'd be keeping the baby most of the week. Did you hear the word keep? She did not mean the child would stay at her house 24/7. She used the word keep to mean “watch” the child while the mother worked. Several of our other friends also have grandchildren. They use the words keep and watch interchangeably to describe babysitting. The words stress the protective nature of the care provided. Keep this in mind when hearing Jude 1:21, which says, “Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (NIV) What does it mean to “keep yourselves in God's love”? Well it doesn't mean that our efforts are more important than God's grace. Did you notice the plural? “Keep yourselves” carries the connotation of Christians watching over each other, of being on guard to protect each other and care for one another. But there's more to this story. The same word is used of Jesus keeping us in Jude 1:1, “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” (NIV) Just like loving grandparents watch over their grandchildren, Jesus watches over us. And we should also watch over each other. How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/ Visit Elmer Fuller's author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Living for the greatness of the Kingdom involves: Belonging Receiving Giving Growing 1 Corinthians 12:12–20 (NIV) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don't need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Ephesians 4:11–16 (NIV) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

By Charlie Lacey | Revelation 7: 9-17Revelation 7: 9-17 (NIV)Just over 2000 years ago Jesus was born in a stable, a very humble beginning – and he was visited by shepherds and Magi, who bowed down before him.  How many millions (or billions) of people have bowed the knee to Jesus since then?  The Church consists of everyone who has ever followed Jesus and everyone who ever will.

You are here for such a time as this. Don't run from what startles you. Embrace the fears of the unknown just because you can. This is the reason for the season. You matter! You may wish for something different in your life. But how are you living it? Desire to be supported and encourage by other like-minded women? Join us at Women of IMPACT. http://bit.ly/WomenofIMPACT Wishing is different from living. We can hope and wish upon a star, but your actions reveal that which matters most to you. When has impossible ever stopped you? I am sure there were times when you stumbled upon caves of fear. It was so dark and you were so uncomfortable, that you decided to stay right where you were. Then there are weeds that try to add some cushiness so you are not quick to run. You might get a little itchy, but you still stay put. At the worst possible moment, the greatest opportunity arises. You can let your excuses bury you, or you can let fear ignite you. The K.I.S.S. ~ Let fear ignite you! You may let your fear and facts, that only you see, guide your actions. Just because you can hang out with fear and get comfortable where you are, doesn't mean you should. Let fear ignite you just because you can. Life may dish out inconveniences, interruptions, and inconsistencies. But instead of grabbing hold of the negative of all that stuff, grab hold of the blessings of the positive hidden within that negative. The uncertainty is only what you are not willing to explore. Let fear ignite you and let the passion of your D.O.U.B.T.s. lead you. Identify your Dreams. Identify your Obstacles. Identify your Uniquenesses. Identify your Buts. Identify your Truths. Identify your Strengths. In order to step out into the bigger picture, God's plan, your fears cannot rule your days. No more fears. No more excuses. No more self-sabotage. Only D.O.U.B.T.s. that reveal your blessings! "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ~ Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) Just because you can... "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"   #MindsetMonday #CreateYourNow #PersonalDevelopment TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation  - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will be able to discuss your specific situation and gain tools and strategies to move you forward. Live. Love. IMPACT!  "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!"   Subscribe to Create Your Now TV on YouTube. Listen to Create Your Now on Spotify and Pandora. Listen to Create Your Now on iHeart Radio. Click here. 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You will be the first to learn all about it. http://createyournow.com/m-academy-2 12. Schedule a Discovery Call. This is a free 30-45 minute call for those serious about coaching with me. 13. Newsletter and Library: If you desire to get weekly emails, be sure to sign up here so you can stay connected. http://createyournow.com/library   Cover Art by Jenny Hamson   Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) 9t One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music -  Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Mark 1:10 NIV Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. Mark 1:11 NIV And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Matthew 17:5 NIV 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” “You are my son”—ACCEPTANCE “Whom I love”—AFFECTION “I am well pleased”—AFFIRMATION “Everyone has 3 fundamental needs, according to science: to feel safe, to feel like we belong and to feel like we matter.” Inc. Magazine Our greatest needs are fulfilled PARTIALLY by people but PERFECTLY in God. “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.”—Mother Theresa John 15:20 NLT 20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. We overcome man's REJECTION by embracing God's ACCEPTANCE. 1. My acceptance by God came at a PRICE. Colossians 1:21-22 NLT 21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. The price God paid for our ACCEPTANCE was the SACRIFICE of Jesus. The price we pay for our acceptance is the SURRENDER of our WILL. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT 9 The 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. My acceptance by God came with PERKS. FORGIVENESS Romans 8:1 NLT 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Hebrews 10:35 NLT 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! FREEDOM John 8:36 NLT 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. FAMILY Psalms 68:6 NLT 6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. 1 Peter 2:10 NLT 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people.Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy.” 3. My acceptance by God came with a PURPOSE. Romans 15:7 NLT 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. People are not the PROBLEM. People are the PURPOSE. Thank you for joining us online this weekend! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coastalchurch/message

The Church of Jesus Christ, is the body of Christ. Christ gives us new birth by His Spirit. https://youtu.be/02KEB9AonQ4This should be a very unifying truth.The Apostle Paul said "There should be no division in the body." Sometimes I wonder if we are keeping this command very well? Are we divided? Or are we One? Pastor Chris Fluitt preaches a stern message about denominational divisions in the body of Christ. https://youtu.be/02KEB9AonQ4 Hello to the beautiful people in the room!Hello to the beautiful people online! - I'm so glad that I get to share the word of God with you today. Welcome to Redemption Church in Plano TX. My name is Chris Fluitt. Twenty Twenty One We are in the final week of January 2021. Wow that went quickly.  Where did this month go? We are also in the last week of our series “twenty - twenty ONE.” You can catch all weeks of this series on our website complete with my sermon notes. Go search “twenty - twenty one” at our website -“www.RedemptionPlano.com.” Jesus prayed that we would be One. Jesus prayed a prayer that we (you and I) can play a part in answering. We have talked about the importance of unity. We need Unity… to be one within ourselves, one in our home, one in our marriages and relationships, we need to be in one place together. ONE in the Church Today we are going to talk about being one in the Church. Before we dive into the Word, I want us to do something very unifying… and very Biblical. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,  “I urge you first of all,” Paul said.  Pray! Make petition, intercession, thanksgiving be made for all people. And then Paul highlights “kings and all those in authority.” We are commanded to pray for our leaders. Now, politics is usually a divisive topic, but we should be united in prayer for our leaders. Pray for… Their salvation; Sensitivity to God's voice; Obedience to God's voice; Godly wisdom;Righteousness and Peace This is not an endorsement of a political party, or the policies of a government.  It is SOO MUCH more powerful than that. This is an endorsement of the Word of God. We will obey your Word, Lord, and we will pray. Stand with me! Stand in Unity! Lift up your voices and begin to pray for our new president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris and our other elected officials. (Biden, Harris, Senators Cornyn & Cruz, Representatives Van Taylor, Burgess, Allred, Gooden, Johnson, Veasey, and Governor Abbott) Thank you for praying. Let us continue to pray for our leaders. I challenge you to pray for your leaders more than praise your leaders… I challenge you to pray for your leaders more than criticize your leaders… ONE in the Church I want you to get your Bibles out and turn to 1 Corinthians 12 and verse 12. Scripture has a lot to say about unity within the Church. It has many commandments concerning unity. It has many warnings about those that cause division… those that are wolves in sheep's clothing. There are prayers for unity. There are places where apostles beg… earnestly plead with the Church to love one another and walk in peace & holiness. Christ Himself made sure we knew the most important commandments were to…#1 Love God completely#2 Love our neighbor at the same level of love you have for yourself.Christ would have us know that the most important commands unify you to God and unify you to the person who stands beside you. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul talks about a unity within a body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV) Just as a body, though one,

Lead Pastor: Dave RipperLuke 10:1-12 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+10%3A1-12&version=NIV)Luke 10:17-20 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+10%3A1-12&version=NIV)Just as necessity is the mother of invention, so crisis is the mother of mission. It’s time for the church to rise up in creative and courageous ways to meet the world’s most desperate needs. How might God be challenging you to go?Want to learn more about us? Click here: https://crosswaycc.org/about-us/who-w...Want to know what is going on at Crossway? Click here: https://crosswaycc.org/the-hubIs there a way we can pray for you? Click here https://crosswaycc.org/the-hub/prayer...

A Gift For AllAdvent at Redeemer | Week 5December 24, 2019 | Adam Barnett--Matthew 1:18-23 NIV This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).John 3:16-21 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.Numbers 21:8-9 NIV The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So, Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.John 3:14-15 NIV Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

2019/6/23 Dan Lian Categories: Video: https://yokohama.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/eternity Eternity 永遠 (Hebrews 9:27 NIV)Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (ヘブル 9:27 ALIVE訳)人間が一度だけ死んで、その後に裁きを受けることが定められているように、 (2 Corinthians 5:10a NIV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us... (2 コリント 5:10a ALIVE訳)なぜなら、やがて私たちはみな、キリストの前で、裁きを受けなければならず、全生活がさらけ出されることになるからだ。 (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 コリント 4:18 JCB)ですから私たちは、いま見えるもの、すなわち身の回りの苦しみには目をとめません。むしろ、今は見えない天にある喜びを望み見ているのです。苦しみは、やがて消え去ります。しかし、その喜びは永遠に続くのです。 LOVE... 愛... Three things remain... Our love echoes in eternity. (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV) And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 コリント 13:13 ALIVE訳)永遠に残るものは３つ。信仰、希望、そして愛。その中で一番偉大なのが愛だ。 GIVE... 与える ... “You can’t take it with you... well, yes and no...” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead of you.” (マタイ 6:19-21 JCB)財産を、この地上にたくわえてはいけません。地上では、損なわれたり、盗まれたりするからです。(20)財産は天にたくわえなさい。そこでは価値を失うこともないし、盗まれる心配もありません。(21)あなたの財産が天にあるなら、あなたの心もまた天にあるのです。 ENDURE... 耐える ... (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 コリント 4:17 ALIVE訳)今の私たちの試練は、永遠の栄光と比べれば、束の間であり、取るに足りないものだ。また、この試練が永遠の財産を増し加えてくれている。 LIVE 生きる (James 4:14 NIV) Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (ヤコブ 4:14 ALIVE訳)あなたに明日の何が分かる？人生とは、今は見えても、すぐに、消えてしまう霧のようにはかない。

Ready or not, a storm is coming. How prepared are you? Fact is, if we want to handle the storm the way the Apostle Paul handled it requires an extreme peace and faith that only comes from God. Acts 27:33-36 (NIV) "Just before dawn, Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves." Thanks for listening in on this 4-minute episode and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #keepyourcool #peace #joy #faith https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

When Love Bled It Made Us Right With God1. As a Born Again Believer, You Are Now the Righteousness of God2 Cor 5:20-21 we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled (restored) to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.Rom 5:10 when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son Reconciled – re-established, restore relationships, make things right Jesus was made to be sin with man's sinfulness, in order for man to be made righteous with His righteousness.He became what we were so we could become what He is nowThe born again believer has been made the righteousness of God; He demands that we accept this in our hearts and minds2. Righteousness Gives Us Power in Prayer to Prevail Against Our EnemiesCol 1:22 He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusationWe are no longer unworthy; we have the ability to stand in the very presence of God with no shame, guilt or insecurityJs 5:17 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Ps 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. Is 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness (right standing) is from Me,” Says the Lord.3. Because I Am Right With God, I Have Confidence in God's Promises for Me Rom 4:3 “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Righteousness is our foundation for faith)We have to see ourselves, by faith, the way God sees us - Many don't doubt God's power or promises; the doubt comes in God's power and promises for them. Honor – To value, appreciate, and to respect; to dishonor is to treat as common and ordinary We must honor the blood and the work of the cross by calling ourselves what God said we already are, by faith Develop an “I am what God said I am” mentality and confession Rom 4:17 (It is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did4. The Same Way We Went After Sin, Let Us Go After Our Righteousness1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sinRom 6:19 (NIV) Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.Jn 8:11 (NIV) "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 1 Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Faith comes by hearing the word of God. @go2fcc#go2fcc

Mike King and Denise McKinney open up our discussion of Redeemer's DNA by talking about how we are called to live lives of radical hospitality. Radical Hospitality DNA | Week 1 May 1, 2016 | Mike King & Denise McKinney Radical Hospitality God’s hospitality welcomes. God’s hospitality invites the stranger in and helps the one who is struggling. Isaiah 61:1 (NLT) The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. God’s hospitality is shown through a shared meal. Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT) Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (NIV) You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. He was sharing the essence of his life with them. 1 Thessalonians 2:7b (NIV) Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. To Grow and Thrive People don’t get left behind. The run leaders take people under their wing. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12a (NIV) Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God... Living Hospitality Experiment They take good care of each other and they work tirelessly to make sure everyone finishes the race. “Hospitality is not so much a singular act of welcome, as it is a way, an orientation that attends to otherness, listening and learning, valuing and honoring. The hospitable one looks for God’s redemptive presence in the other, confident it is there, if one only has eyes to see and ears to hear.” - Amy Oden Who do we already run into in our regular routines that we could spend a little more time getting to know? What’s one question we could ask them that would help us express care to them? What can we do to listen to and learn about the people we meet so that God can show us his redemptive presence their lives? What kinds of things can we do to open up spaces on our legos so that we can help other people make life-giving connections? Where could we value and honor someone by imitating God’s example of welcome?