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Welcome back to the pod! Have you ever wondered how the Bible was written, and how exactly it's structured? Listen to today's episode as we talk about those things, as well as unpacking why it matter to us spiritually.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How the Bible WorksToday we continue our How Stuff Works series with a topic that's both deeply theological and intensely practical: How the Bible Works. For Christians, the Bible is more than just a religious book—it's the inspired Word of God. But where did it come from? How is it structured? And how do we read it in a way that transforms our lives?These are big questions, and this summary explores three essential truths that come from our Bible Basics series:1. Where Did We Get the Bible?The Bible didn't fall from the sky, nor was it just a random collection of human wisdom. Scripture teaches that the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit.2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”“Inspired” literally means “God-breathed.” That means the words of the Bible carry the very breath of God, and He speaks to us through its pages.Mark 12:36 (NLT) “For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said…”Jesus affirmed the divine origin of the Old Testament scriptures. The human authors wrote using their own style and voice, but were guided by the Spirit of God.2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT) “No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding... those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”Verbal plenary inspiration means that the very words (verbal) and all parts (plenary) of Scripture are inspired by God. Though the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, God has preserved His message through faithful transmission and translation.Translation Types:Word-for-Word (Formal): ESV, NASBThought-for-Thought (Dynamic): NIV, NLTWhile only the original manuscripts are infallible, modern translations are trustworthy because of careful preservation, thousands of manuscripts, and the sovereignty of God.2. What Is the Structure of the Bible?The Bible is one book made up of 66 individual books, divided into two testaments:Old Testament (39 Books): Written over 1,000 years and originally part of the Hebrew Bible, it includes:Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy)History (Joshua–Esther)Wisdom/Poetry (Job–Song of...

““You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬No matter what we are to pray for our enemies don't ask me why, but that is the commandment of God.Just ask for His grace that is sufficient.remember be who God has made you to be!!

“And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.””‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬No matter what is happening around you remember God is making a way for you, so don't give up your!!

Series: Heaven Came DownSermon Title: The GiftScripture: John 3:16-17Series Theme Verse: John 3:13 (NLT) No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.Bottom Line: God's greatest gift is His love made flesh.

Series: Heaven Came DownSermon Title: The Purpose of Christ's ArrivalScripture: Luke 19:10 Series Theme Verse: John 3:13 (NLT) No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. Bottom Line: Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Series: Heaven Came DownSermon Title: Heaven Came Way DownScripture: Philippians 2:5-8 Series Theme Verse: John 3:13 (NLT) No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. Bottom Line: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Series: Heaven Came DownSermon Title: Light Breaking Through DarknessScripture: John 1:1-5 Series Theme Verse: John 3:13 (NLT) No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. Sermon Idea: In the Advent season, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus, the Word made flesh, who brings light into our darkness and offers us a transformative relationship with God. This light not only dispels despair but also calls us to reflect that light in our lives, fostering genuine connections with others. Bottom Line: Let us accept the light of Christ that breaks through our darkness and share that light with those around us.

Pastor Mark FullerWhen life seems like an endless maze, be a-maze-d by God.The Old Testament points to Jesus. Many believe that Joseph is an Old Testament type of Christ. He, too, was mistreated, falsely accused, and rejected, but he remained obedient and saved many lives. His dysfunctional family experience led him to several dead ends and detours.Genesis 39:2, 9, 21, 23 (NLT)- No matter how confusing or unfair his circumstances, Joseph always does the next right thing. - Joseph realized his dependence upon God. Genesis 40:8b (NLT)- Two long years pass, and Joseph's life maze appears to be a dead end. The only thing Joseph can control is his attitude and response.- Then, miraculously, God opens a new path.Genesis 41:16 (NLT)- Pharaoh elevates Joseph to vice president. In an instant, his life is transformed. All the twists and turns have led him to his divine purpose because he trusted God every step of the way.Life Lesson: The key to surviving the maze is to trust God.- Where is God in your maze?- He came to earth to walk every step of life's maze with you. But you must invite Him.- God is all about relationships. Changing circumstances and shifting events only restore relationships. God elevated Joseph to be united with his family and to save many lives.Genesis 44:16-34 (NLT)- Judah is willing to sacrifice his own life to save his brother and spare his father further grief. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and they are reconciled. The family is reunited.- What do you do when God doesn't seem to fix the problem? Just keep doing the next right thing. Take responsibility for your attitude. Take your cues from Joseph. Offer forgiveness rather than seeking revenge. Cooperate with God in His desire to bring reconciliation.Life Lesson: The key to thriving in the maze is to cooperate with God.- In this maze of life, God doesn't waste anything. Our part is to trust Him and obey faithfully.Genesis 50:17-20 (NLT)- "I'm not going to tell you My plan. I don't want you to trust the plan. I want you to trust Me."- When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart. - Will you trust Him? Will you cooperate with Him? Will you do the next right thing today?- When you can't trace His hand, the next right thing is to trust His heart. He loves you. And He will walk every step with you. Invite Him into your maze today.

Today, we're going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd's field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God's people from the hands of a giant. David didn't see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior's words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren't fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David's mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn't know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother's womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David's words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let's pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”

Today, Stasi invites us to journey with her as she unpacks one of her favorite psalms, Psalm 103, which reminds us of all the ways God has moved in our lives and continues to do so. This beautiful psalm instructs our souls to praise the Lord by reminding us of the splendor, majesty, and goodness of God. Turning our hearts' attention to our holy God naturally evokes worship from our inmost being. Stasi concludes with a guided time together, focusing on quieting our souls to praise God for the abundant blessings and love he showers upon us.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 103 — In its entiretyExodus 3:14 (NLT)  — God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.”Proverbs 11:30 (NLT)  — The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.Psalm 16:9-10 (NLT)  — No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.Ezekiel 18:4 (ASV)  — Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.Acts 2:41 (NLT)  — Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.Revelation 18:13 (ASV)  — and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.Jeremiah 38:16 (NIV)  — But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.”2 Peter 2:14 (ASV)  — having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;James 1:21 (NLT)  — So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.Leviticus 17:11 (NLT)  — for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.1 Peter 1:22 (NLT)  — You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.1 Peter 2:25 (NLT)  — Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.Matthew 11:29 (NLT)  — Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Acts 13:35–37 (NLT)  — Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.' This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)  — For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.John 14:1 (NLT)  — Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT)  — For, “Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.Colossians 3:2 (NLT)  — Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.Philippians 4:8 (NLT)  — And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.Romans 8:11 (NLT)  — The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.Leviticus 26:11-12 (KJV)  — And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.Proverbs 9:10 (NLT)  — Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.1 John 4:18 (NLT)  — Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.…..RESOURCES:The Treasury of David – Psalm 103 by Charles H. Spurgeon: https://wahe.art/3VPIrWxGuided Time Background Music: Breakthrough from the album Soaking in His Presence, by William Augustohttps://wahe.art/4bl5XPI…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Father's Day | June 16, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 78:4-7 (GNT) We will tell the next generation about the Lord's power and his great deeds and the wonderful things he has done. He instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children, so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children.  In this way they also will put their trust in God and not forget what he has done, but always obey his commandments.√ WE ARE A DIVERSE GENERATION.√ WE ARE A DISCONNECTED GENERATION.Joshua 24:31 (NIV) Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.Judges 2:10 (NIV) After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. “Throughout human history in all cultures parents and grandparents have helped their young understand life and the future. However, I anticipate that a time is coming where technology and culture changes so fast that, for the first time in human history, children will have to figure out for themselves what their values will be.”– Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist 3 QUESTIONS Am I Loved? Do I have what it takes? Where are the boundaries?Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.Proverbs 29:18 (CEB) When there's no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.  PASSING IT ON I. LOVE GOD PASSIONATELY. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (GNT) Remember this! The Lord—and the Lord alone—is our God. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.II. TEACH TRUTH PRACTICALLY. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.III. SHARE FAITH PERSONALLY.Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (TLB) In the years to come when your son asks you, ‘What is the purpose of these laws which God has given us?' you must tell him, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with great power. He brought us out of Egypt so that he could give us this land he had promised to our ancestors. And he has commanded us to obey all of these laws and to reverence him so that he can preserve us alive as he has until now.25 For it always goes well with us when we obey all the laws of the Lord our God.'

Life Without Regret | June 9, 2024Pastor Wes Morris I Samuel 26:1-9 (NLT) Now some men from Ziph came to Saul at Gibeah to tell him, “David is hiding on the hill of Hakilah, which overlooks Jeshimon.”So Saul took 3,000 of Israel's elite troops and went to hunt him down in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul camped along the road beside the hill of Hakilah, near Jeshimon, where David was hiding. When David learned that Saul had come after him into the wilderness, he sent out spies to verify the report of Saul's arrival.David slipped over to Saul's camp one night to look around. Saul and Abner son of Ner, the commander of his army, were sleeping inside a ring formed by the slumbering warriors.  “Who will volunteer to go in there with me?” David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother.“I'll go with you,” Abishai replied. So David and Abishai went right into Saul's camp and found him asleep, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying asleep around him.“God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!” Abishai whispered to David. “Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won't need to strike twice!”“No!” David said. “Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one? Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle. The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let's get out of here!” ✓  I feel justified.  ✓  I'm tempted. I Samuel 26:5 (NLT) David slipped over to Saul's camp one night to look around...I Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says.  ✓  I take revenge. Romans 12:19 (MSG) Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. “I'll do the judging,” says God. “I'll take care of it.” ✓ I live with regret.I Samuel 26:9 (NLT) “No!” David said. “Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one? I Samuel 25:31-33 (TLB) When the Lord has done all the good things he promised you and has made you king of Israel, you won't want the conscience of a murderer who took the law into his own hands! And when the Lord has done these great things for you, please remember me!”David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. Decisions made in the moment are usually moments we end up regretting. LIFE WITHOUT REGRETI. WALK BY FAITH AND NOT MY FEELINGS.Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT) Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.II. CHOOSE GOD'S WILL OVER MY WAY.Ephesians 5:17 (TLB) Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to.

”And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.“ ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ No matter what you are going through please don't give up, it may be hard but trust me if you can only be patient it will all end in praise. Stay strong and remain focused!!!

1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ”…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” Just as top organisations have great incentive packages for their employees, God has a mind blowing welfare package for those who walk with Jesus! Please click bio for full audio

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT   Faith is what brings meaning to life. God has a sovereign purpose in all things. That as God's children we must trust that Jesus is who He says He is, salvation is real, the Word of God is true, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God!   Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT   FEAR IS CONQUERED BY FAITH AND FAITH IS FUELED BY TRUST   One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” 2 Kings 4:1 NLT   1. GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR SITUATION   'The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.' Psalms 34:17-18 NLT   “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. Psalms 81:10 NLT   But no, my people wouldn't listen. Israel did not want me around. Psalms 81:11 NLT   2. YOUR MINDSET MATTERS   “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   “Nothing at all...” she replied. 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. 2 Kings 4:2 NLT   3. WE DO THE GIVING AND GOD DOES THE MULTIPLYING   And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren't any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” 2 Kings 4:3-7 NLT   4. WHEN WE STOP GIVING GOD STOPS PROVIDING   “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren't any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. 2 Kings 4:6 NLT   WHAT ARE THE PROVISIONS OF GOD?   1.HE GIVES US UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION   He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalms 103:3 NLT   This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT   2. BY GIVING US AN INHERITANCE   He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. Psalms 103:4 NLT   No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT   We are Gods children But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NLT   We are heirs to God Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:7 NLT   God says we are royalty! But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. 1 Peter 2:9 NLT   We are Chosen, holy, and blameless Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT   3. BY GIVING US TRUE FULFILLMENT   He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalms 103:5 NLT   He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. Luke 22:19-20 NLT          

Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)  //  On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Embracing relationships with our heart and soul includes loving our neighbor. Who Is My Neighbor? Leviticus 19:18  //  “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. The Answer: Our neighbor is anyone we encounter regardless of their race, beliefs, or actions. Do I Have To Love Them? Luke 10:27  //  He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” The Answer: Yes! We show our love for God by the way we love people. Loving our neighbor is reflective and responsive. How Do I Love My Neighbor? Luke 10:27  //  He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” The Answer: We should love our neighbor practically and sacrificially. Ephesians 5:29 (NLT)  //  No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. Our challenge: See a need, meet a need.

February 18 2024 Sunday A Study In Romans Week 17 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… ”For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.“ Romans 10:12 KJV “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.” Romans 10:12 NLT “[No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith].” Romans 10:12 AMPC ”For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.“ Romans 10:13 KJV “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” Romans 10:13 NLT “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]” Romans 10:13 AMPC ”So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.“ Romans 10:17 KJV “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NLT “So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).” Romans 10:17 AMPC ”For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.“ Romans 11:29 KJV “For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” Romans 11:29 NLT “For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]” Romans 11:29 AMPC ”I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.“ Romans 12:1-2 KJV “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLT “I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Romans 12:1-2 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

”Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.“ ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ No one is sufficient by themselves. We all need the company and support of others,at one time or the other to progress. They say no man is an Island and a tree cannot make a forest. You require people who support you emotionally, mentally and spiritually as one person, you cannot choose above a thousand but with more than one you can chase ten thousand. Be wise and sensitive when choosing partnership. Stay blessed!!!

”For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.“ Romans 10:12 KJV   “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.” Romans 10:12 NLT   “[No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith].” Romans 10:12 AMPC   ”For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.“ Romans 10:13 KJV   “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” Romans 10:13 NLT   “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]” Romans 10:13 AMPC   ”So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.“ Romans 10:17 KJV   “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NLT   “So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).” Romans 10:17 AMPC   ”For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.“ Romans 11:29 KJV   “For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” Romans 11:29 NLT   “For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]” Romans 11:29 AMPC     ”I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.“ Romans 12:1-2 KJV   “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLT   “I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Romans 12:1-2 AMPC      

We all have questions. You have questions. Join Stasi and today's special guest, her husband, John, as she poses questions sent in by listeners. They explore the topics of important daily practices, forgiveness, boundaries, waiting, and holding on to hope. This podcast is a treasure chest of insight and wisdom and will be helpful as you enter into the new year.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) — Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.Psalm 49:7–9 (NLT) — No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—so that they should live on forever and not see decay.Psalm 42:11 (NLT) — Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!Psalm 30:5 (NLT) — …Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.Galatians 6:14 (NLT) — As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died.…..OTHER RESOURCES:For more on benevolent detachment, we recommend John's book Get Your Life Back  https://amzn.to/4870URQFor more on the three hopes, we recommend John's book All Things New  https://amzn.to/3v7mwz2Quote by George Herbert, The Complete Works of George Herbert: Prose (ed. 1874): I wept when I was borne, and every day shewes why.…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

December 03 2023 Sunday A Study In Romans Week 06 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” Romans 4:20 KJV “Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” Romans 4:20 NLT “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God,” Romans 4:20 AMPC “and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:21 KJV “He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” Romans 4:21 NLT “Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Romans 4:21 AMPC “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:22 KJV “And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous.” Romans 4:22 NLT “That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).” Romans 4:22 AMPC “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;” Romans 4:23-24 KJV “And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Romans 4:23-24 NLT “But [the words], It was credited to him, were written not for his sake alone, But [they were written] for our sakes too. [Righteousness, standing acceptable to God] will be granted and credited to us also who believe in (trust in, adhere to, and rely on) God, Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,” Romans 4:23-24 AMPC “who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:25 KJV “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 NLT “Who was betrayed and put to death because of our misdeeds and was raised to secure our justification (our acquittal), [making our account balance and absolving us from all guilt before God].” Romans 4:25 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Psalms 119:1-5 NLT And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. Luke 16:9 NKJV He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? Luke 16:10-12 NKJV No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13 NKJV 1. WHAT IS MAMMON? And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves… Genesis 11:4 NKJV '“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.' Isaiah 14:12-14 NLT No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 NKJV Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:25-26 NKJV MAMMON PROMISES US THINGS ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom and not to the wealth of this world. Psalms 119:36 NLT 2. IS MONEY EVIL? MONEY IS NOT EVIL IT IS NEUTRAL For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 NLT And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. Luke 16:9 NKJV ONLY GOD CAN TURN UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON INTO SOULS 3. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY MONEY? If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10 NLT SATISFACTION IS ROOTED IN LIVING YOUR PURPOSE! And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11 NLT Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV Decide: “When you have plans that are diligent, it leads to plenty.” Proverbs 21:5.   Discover: “God will supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.   Dream: “God can do exceedingly abundantly more than all we can ask for or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20   'They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. Psalms 126:6 NLT   None of us can do everything but everybody can do something and together, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! HOW CAN YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HEART IS? 'And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26 NLT  

“Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ No matter what you do in life keep a happy happy mind because the devil is always after our mind to messed up. Stay strong and remain positive!!!

Today, we're going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd's field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God's people from the hands of a giant. David didn't see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior's words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren't fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David's mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn't know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother's womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David's words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let's pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”

Summer at Bay Chapel | June 18, 2023Pastor Wes Morris Genesis 50:14-21 (NLT) After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father's burial. But now that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.' So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said.But Joseph replied, “Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.No, don't be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.√ The position that you're in influences the decisions that you make. √ The decisions that you make influence the position that you're in. TURN THE PAGEI. RELEASE MY RIGHTS. Genesis 50:19 (NLT) But Joseph replied, “Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? Psalm 54:5 (CEB) He will bring disaster on my opponents. By your faithfulness, God, destroy them!Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT) You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 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 servant 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.II. CHOOSE FORGIVENESS.Genesis 50:22 (NLT) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.III. MOVE FORWARD.Genesis 50:21 (NLT) “No, don't be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.(22-23) So Joseph and his brothers and their families continued to live in Egypt. Joseph lived to the age of 110. He lived to see three generations of descendants of his son Ephraim, and he lived to see the birth of the children of Manasseh's son, whom he claimed as his own.  Current Series Resources: https://baychapel.churchcenter.com/pages/prayerBay Chapel is a life-giving church in the New Tampa community. We meet Sundays at 10:00 am and you are welcome to come anytime in person or online. Find out more at baychapel.com —---Subscribe to receive our latest messages. ——Stay Connected, ask for prayer and find out more.http://www.baychapel.com/connect——Bay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/give

April 09 2023 Sunday T. Stacy Hayes  Week 13 / Kept In Him #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 KJV “And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 NLT “And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless).” 1 John 3:3 AMPC “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5 KJV “And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him.” 1 John 3:5 NLT “You know that He appeared in visible form and became Man to take away [upon Himself] sins, and in Him there is no sin [essentially and forever].” 1 John 3:5 AMPC “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:6 KJV “Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.” 1 John 3:6 NLT “No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him–deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him].” 1 John 3:6 AMPC “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” 1 John 3:24 KJV “Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.” 1 John 3:24 NLT “All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24 AMPC “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13 KJV “And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.” 1 John 4:13 NLT “By this we come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us of His [Holy] Spirit.” 1 John 4:13 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

What if I told you a TRUE story about a missionary who cleared some land to plant corn to help feed people… and when his crop came it their yield per acre caused all the AREA farmers to come ask what they had done differently? ... SteveHemphill1@me.com Join the MOVEMENT: Take the Stake Challenge Active-Faith.org #StakeTheLand https://active-faith.org/donate/ Welcome BACK to Battle Plan! A podcast focused on spiritual warfare! I am Steve Hemphill, & Battle Plan is an ongoing discussion of how we put our faith into ACTION. Active-Faith.org SteveHemphill1@me.com Last time we discussed: Her Grandson Was Being Controlled By Demons. Today we ask: Can Scripture Increase Corn Production? Genesis 4:12 NLT “No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.” Genesis 26:12 NLT “When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him.” Malachi 3:11 NLT “Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.” James 5:18 NLT “Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops." So… GOOD crop yield, or POOR crop yield is dependent on the support of the LORD!  Mark Berryman Story So in light of TODAY'S thoughts, let me suggest that PART of your personal BATTLE PLAN might be to _____! Maybe you could pray like this: Lord, _____. In Jesus' Name…  See you NEXT time on BATTLE PLAN: Are Demons Around The World Real? Keep Praying--Prayer Works! Love you!

Ephesians 6:10-17 Series: Text Messages Title: Preparing for a Fight Date: 11/13/22   Ephesians 6:10 (NLT) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.    1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.     2 Timothy 2:1 (NLT) Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.   Point number 1 in your notes: You are not prepared to fight or recognize the spiritual battle you are fighting.   Ephesians 6:11 (NLT) Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.    1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.   Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.   Point number 2 in your notes: Satan uses weapons in this battle: confusion, lies, pride, selfishness, secrets, chaos, addiction, and more.     Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.     2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT) 3 We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. 4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.      Ephesians 6:13 (NLT) Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.    Ephesians 6:14 (ESV) Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,     Isaiah 11:5 (NLT) He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.     Point number 3 in your notes: All of your spiritual armor is based upon Truth. If you are wishy-washy about truth, you're dead in the water.     John 17:17 (NLT) Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.     Psalm 119:160 (NKJV) The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.     Ephesians 6:15 (NLT) For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.   Isaiah 52:7 (NLT) How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns.     Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.   Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.     Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.     Isaiah 59:17 (NLT) He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head.     Point number 4 in your notes: If we don't armor up and stand and fight against this enemy, people will die.     Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What Is This Person Like?   If you don't see the Holy Spirit as a person, you'll never develop a personal relationship with Him.   “God, the Father” “God, the Son” “God, the Holy Spirit”   HOW DO YOU DEFINE A PERSON   A person is a being with a soul   “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! Matthew 12:18 NKJV   He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NLT   Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 NKJV   A person's soul is made up of three components: mind, will, and emotions. 1. The Mind of the Holy Spirit “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT   When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13 NLT   “the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything” John 14:26 NLT   Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27 NKJV   2.  The Will of the Holy Spirit   Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.  Acts 16:6 God's General Will   God's Specific Will   Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20 NLT       And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 NLT   We come to know the general will of God by His Word, while we come to know the specific will of God by His Voice.   When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.  John16:13 NLT   No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days,' God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:16-17 NLT   3. The Holy Spirit's Emotions   But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT   And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NLT   Grief is deep sadness you feel at the loss of intimacy with someone.   So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don't sin by letting anger control you.” Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:25-32 NLT   Sin does not grieve the Holy Spirit because He is a killjoy and doesn't want you to have fun.  Sin grieves the Holy Spirit because it hurts people and He loves people.   Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Acts 8:22-23 NKJV   Bitterness will poison you emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.  Sin is an event; iniquity is a lifestyle. Sin is an act; iniquity is a habit.   INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SHOW YOU   Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24 NLT   INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CHANGE YOU   Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.  Psalms 51:10 NLT    INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FILL YOU   Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 NLT    Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT

Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 5:1-15 Series: Text Messages Title: Shadow Puppets Date: 10.16.22   Ephesians 5:1a (NLT) Imitate God, therefore,     Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT) So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.     Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT) Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.   Point number 1 in your Notes: All actions of all Christians reflect Jesus.   John 8:11a (NLT) “No, Lord,” she said.     John 8:11b (NLT) And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”     John 5:14b (NASB) “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore”     Point number 2 in your Notes: Non-Believers can see a loving God when Christians distance themselves from sin.   John 13:12-15 (NLT) After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.     Ephesians 5:3 (NLT) Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.      Ephesians 5:3 (ESV) But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.     Point number 3 on in your Notes: Christians are God's people. They are saints. There is no place for sin amongst God's saints.       Colossians 3:5 (NLT) So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.     Exodus 20:17 (NLT)  “You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”     Ephesians 5:4-7 (NLT) Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. 6 Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don't participate in the things these people do.     Ephesians 5:8-9 (NASB) for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),     1 John 1:5-7 (NASB) This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.      John 8:12 (NASB) Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”     Point number 4 in your Notes: A Christian's life should never eclipse God's Light.     Ephesians 5:10-15 (NLT) Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. 15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. 

Matthew 6:24 NLT No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 BSB He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is […] The post Two Masters first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

In Today's Message Pastor Ray Delivers A Message Titled "This is Our Story" Anchor Text: 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT *No copyright intended. We do not own the rights to this music." CCLI Copyright License: 11559068 CCLI Streaming License: CSPL175020

Today, we're going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd's field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God's people from the hands of a giant. David didn't see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior's words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren't fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David's mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn't know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother's womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David's words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let's pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”

Religion pushes us to try to attain and yet fall short, while the Kingdom gives us freedom from performance because we operate from identity.A STORY OF IDENTITYLuke 10:25-37 (NIV)On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”All our efforts to do good or make the right decisions will always fall short outside of the Kingdom. PICTURE THIS: THE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN“How do YOU read it?”Romans 12:3 (NLT)Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (ESV)Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.Seeing oneself as sufficient through God moves us from a have-to attitude to a get-to attitude.FOUR REVEALING RESPONSES1 - Lens of InterpretationLuke 11:33-36 (NLT)“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”Our ultimate calling is to minister to people.Jeremiah 17:10 (BSB)I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.Times that reveal our light: 1 - In times of crisis 2 - In times of need 2 - Heart of PossessionProverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.Giving away creates gain in the Kingdom.James 2:18 (NLT)Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”3 - Willingness to Sacrifice 1 John 3:16-18 (NLT)We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.If we function on excuses, the right time to help will never come because availability to help requires sacrifice.4 - Consistency of Action“We are what we repeatedly do.Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”Will DurantConsistency speaks to how you want to be known.1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT)If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.KINGDOM CONCEPT:WE MUST LIVE OUT OF AN OVERFLOW OF OUR KINGDOM IDENTITY, WHICH EMPOWERS US TO BE THE HANDS AND FEET OF THE KING.

You have no idea how one conversation, one word of encouragement, or one expression of love might change someone's life. “You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 NIV True and lasting influence always starts with people before platform. The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 10“If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4:9-10 NLT Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. …” John 4:13-14 NLT “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. I don't have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You're right! You don't have a husband—18't even married to the man you're living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet.” John 4:16-19 NLT The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. John 4:28-30 NLT No matter how bad your life is messed up you are not too far gone for the Love of Jesus to reach into your life.You don't have to have your life all together to influence someone towards Jesus!Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. John 4:39-41 NLT Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:37 NLT --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coastalchurch/message

Matthew‬ ‭6:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ““No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Pastor John Keating Nehemiah 6:1-16 We face obstacles throughout our entire life. In those times, we must be reminded of our purpose. Nehemiah 6:8-9 (NLT) No matter what you're facing, be reminded that you can't do it alone. You are not called to do life alone. Opposition we face is an opportunity for you to grow your faith. When you face opposition, it's an opportunity to praise.

Week Three Reflections with Hunter: https://youtu.be/uUq-zxEcBPM Exodus 3 - 5 and Luke 22 Why do we need any more witnesses?  These are the last words shouted out in the trial of Jesus.  And they're right.  Why do we need any other witnesses?  Everything that he said would happen, has happened.  Everything that he says about who he is, proves true - every prediction and promise.  No other witnesses are needed.  Every last detail is as He said.  They would find an upper room to be made ready, just as he said.  He would be deserted and betrayed, just as he said. He would be denied three times, before the dawn, just as he said.  No other witnesses are required to verify the truth of this Man.  They even admit it themselves in their mockery.  They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?”  And he replied, “You say that I am.”   “Why do we need other witnesses?” they said. “We ourselves heard him say it.” (Lk 22:70 NLT) No more witnesses are required.  Ours is to believe.   What do we believe?  We believe that Jesus has a plan.  We've just seen him fulfilling his plan for his own life.  And we believe that he has a plan and and intimate concern for our lives, too.  He knows where we have failed.  He knows where we are weak. He knows what we're afraid of.  He knows how fear and pride have backed us into corners.  Yet, there in those corners are the people he has come to seek.  He has a plan for those who find themselves in a corner.  These are just the people he has come to rescue and forgive and die for.   Ours is to receive the Man and his Plan.  Ours is to be awakened by and receive the love that he has for us, day by day.  Ours is to sit at his table. Then we are to strengthen and serve others just like us.  But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers." (Lk 22:32 NLT) He told Peter, you're going to disappoint yourself. You're going to betray me three times, before the sun comes up. But after you have repented, after you have learned to come to me, the Man, I need you to strengthen your brothers.  Trust in my plan.  Then strengthen and serve others who are desperate to know that there's a place for them at the table, the way I have served and strengthened you.   We don't need any more witnesses.  He's proven to be true at every turn.  He has shown that his plan has been fulfilled.  He's come through on every one of his promises.  That's what kind of man he is.   Believe in this Love that dies for us and serves us.  His heart pursues hearts like ours - hearts that are prideful and arrogant and broken - in deep need of being rescued. Love him and serve him because you have been loved and served so well.

What is spiritual maturity? -Simply the process of becoming more like Christ (sanctification) -The whole point of having a faith is to grow in spiritual maturity & Christ likeness. -Think of a child, a 2 year old should act like a 2 year old we're okay with that. But if a 12 year is acting like a 2 year old there's a problem. We would say they are immature. -Being effective and fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus is the essence of spiritual maturity. Things to remember: Everyone is at different places in their walk. We shouldn't judge others but encourage & challenge them along their journey. We should remind baby believers of right and wrong from God's perspective. It's an ongoing process. Refinement never ends. Spiritual maturity requires a reordering of priorities. As Christians we have this power to submit to the spirit and be spirit led. “I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Philippians 3:12 NLT “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” Philippians 3:13 NLT “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 NLT “The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.” 2 Peter 1:8-9 NLT Dangers of dating when you are unequally yoked? What does the Bible say? Why does this matter? A. There is no spiritual harmony (the Bible clearly states this) “What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” 2 Corinthians 6:15 NLT “And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”2 Corinthians 6:16 NLT B. Bad company corrupts good character. Dating/marrying a non believer can and will hinder your walk. (Corinthians 15:33) C. Settling for a relationship that is not God centered will NOT strengthen your relationship with God. It will be a distraction & potentially cause you to fall away from God's will. Are you distracted or focused? D. When you choose to date someone, they are a potential marriage partner. You want to choose someone you desire to be on mission with. E. Is your purpose aligned with their purpose? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thefreedompodcast/message

WHY WORRY? Matthew 6:24-34 NLT “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. [25] “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? [27] Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? [28] “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, [29] yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. [30] And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? [31] “So don't worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [34] “So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Worry feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. The basis of worry is that we want flow according to a pattern or system. The children of Israelite were in the promise land, having all the food but found themselves worrying about other things because the system of the land over power their mind. The system we currently operate and submit into currently is called the world. Worry comes when we are not functioning or growing in the system of the world. • Wake up • Go to work • Come back from work • Grab a drink with friends • Join your family for holiday • Movies point us to true love • Sickness takes the place of health • Life makes sense more on social media. • Having people around. • Have money to buy all we want. 1 John 2:15-16 NLT Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. [16] For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. ALL YOUR WORRY IN LIFE IS AROUND THIS… ONE THINGS PROMISES TO END ALL OUR WORRY TO FUNCTION PERFECTLY IN THIS SYSTEM - MONEY. BECAUSE IT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE BY ALL.

Today, we're going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd's field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God's people from the hands of a giant. David didn't see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior's words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren't fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David's mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn't know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother's womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David's words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let's pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”

Message – Do You Not See It? See Isaiah 43:14-19 1. God wants me to LEARN from my past, and EMBRACE the new. Philippians 3:13 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Matthew 18:3a (MSG) “I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children... 2. Sometimes God shows me the NEW thing in the SAME thing. Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) “forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. ~ Proverbs 12:19 (NLT) No one has to teach a child how to lie. It's part of our sinful DNA, we are born with it. We all have the ability to bend the truth, add some details to a story that didn't actually happen, or to flat out make stuff up. It's there, lurking inside of us. Of course, I've told my fair share of lies over the course of my life. There was the time I told my mom I drank the glass of milk, even though she had spotted the evidence of a milk-like liquid in the kitchen sink. Busted! Or the time that I called in sick to my job in college because my friends wanted to go catch a movie. Then, there's also the time that I told all of my neighborhood friends that I had a superpower and could read their minds. (OK, I was like 10. Stop laughing!) We are pretty good at coming up with stuff. But, what do we do when the lies are about us? What do we do when someone begins to spread false information about our actions, our character, our motives to others? Treat it like a burning house. Let me explain. If a house is on fire and you call 911, the fire department will dispatch a unit of firefighters with a truck made for firefighting. When they arrive, they assess the situation and begin to setup their hoses and get connected to a good source of water. When the chief/captain gives the command, the firefighters begin spraying the structure down with water because it will douse the flames. It seems pretty simple, right. If you put enough water on it, the fire goes out. So, what would happen if the firefighters brought a flamethrower to put the fire out? It's not gonna work. Instead, whatever was salvageable in the house would now be toast. When it comes to a house fire, fighting fire with fire doesn't work. It's the same with lies. When someone lies about us, we can, in turn, spread lies about them. However, it only adds fuel to the fire. Instead, we need to fight lies with truth. As King Solomon put it, “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” In other words, the truth will overcome the lies. The liar is found out, and the trust they had with others is eroded. By telling the truth, we make sure the trust they have in us is not. #God #Jesus #Bible #Christian #Devotional #Discipleship #salvation #Scripture #fire #flamethrower #truth #lies

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The Man with the Plan Exodus 3 - 5 and Luke 22 Why do we need any more witnesses?  These are the last words shouted out in the trial of Jesus.  And they’re right.  Why do we need any other witnesses?  Everything that he said would happen, has happened.  Everything that he says about who he is, proves true - every prediction and promise.  No other witnesses are needed.  Every last detail is as He said.  They would find an upper room to be made ready, just as he said.  He would be deserted and betrayed, just as he said. He would be denied three times, before the dawn, just as he said.  No other witnesses are required to verify the truth of this Man.  They even admit it themselves in their mockery.  They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?”  And he replied, “You say that I am.”   “Why do we need other witnesses?” they said. “We ourselves heard him say it.” (Lk 22:70 NLT) No more witnesses are required.  Ours is to believe.   What do we believe?  We believe that Jesus has a plan.  We’ve just seen him fulfilling his plan for his own life.  And we believe that he has a plan and and intimate concern for our lives, too.  He knows where we have failed.  He knows where we are weak. He knows what we’re afraid of.  He knows how fear and pride have backed us into corners.  Yet, there in those corners are the people he has come to seek.  He has a plan for those who find themselves in a corner.  These are just the people he has come to rescue and forgive and die for.   Ours is to receive the Man and his Plan.  Ours is to be awakened by and receive the love that he has for us, day by day.  Ours is to sit at his table. Then we are to strengthen and serve others just like us.  But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers." (Lk 22:32 NLT) He told Peter, you’re going to disappoint yourself. You’re going to betray me three times, before the sun comes up. But after you have repented, after you have learned to come to me, the Man, I need you to strengthen your brothers.  Trust in my plan.  Then strengthen and serve others who are desperate to know that there’s a place for them at the table, the way I have served and strengthened you.   We don’t need any more witnesses.  He’s proven to be true at every turn.  He has shown that his plan has been fulfilled.  He’s come through on every one of his promises.  That’s what kind of man he is.   Believe in this Love that dies for us and serves us.  His heart pursues hearts like ours - hearts that are prideful and arrogant and broken - in deep need of being rescued. Love him and serve him because you have been loved and served so well.

Revelation 22:3-5 (NLT) - No longer will  there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and His servants will worship Him. And they will  see His face, and His name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there - no need for lamps or sun - for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will  reign forever and ever.   WOWZA!   As we draw closer to Christmas, it is wise for us to remind ourselves of the glorious future which awaits us.   No matter how 2020 ends, no matter what 2021 holds, we are safely bound for our eternal home and all of the promises that will change from faith to sight for us there.   Please spend some time in prayer about the amazing gift that Jesus is to us today & ask the Lord how He would like you to glorify Him this December.  He has good plans for you and a great future in store. Hold on to hope and refuse to let it go!   And don't forget to check out the Messy Moms online event Saturday, December 12th! MessyMoms.com   Hope to see you there!   Lord bless & Merry Christmas! Jan

NEHEMIAH 5-6:Yesterday Nehemiah gave a listing of the people who rebuilt the wall. This included Shallum and his daughters, and two named goldsmiths, merchants, priests and Levites. The residents of the land opposed to the construction were threatening violence, so the people armed themselves and had men on guard at all times. Nehemiah and his men stayed fully armed at all times, and in the last verse of chapter 4 NLT says ‘even when they went for water'— which I take as a euphemism for going potty. That little phrase is very obscure in Hebrew, and GNT translates it in a different way. ISAIAH 36:It was interesting to find this verse near the beginning of Isaiah's beautiful chapter 35: 3 Give strength to hands that are tiredand to knees that tremble with weakness. This verse was probably in the mind of the writer of Hebrews in chapter 13. And in fact, the Holy Highway and its destination is very much like the ‘place' we ‘come to' in Hebrews 13! Today we start on the prose portion of Isaiah from chapters 36-39. PHILIPPIANS 4:I have found deep meaning and great spiritual help from the portion around verse 13 in chapter 3. And I am certainly not alone in that. Here are some of the most quoted verses in this letter: Php. 3:13 NLT No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved [perfection//it], but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things... I would like to point out that twice in this chapter Paul points us to heaven. One is in the verses I just quoted, and the other in verse 20, where he says, “We are citizens of heaven.” Note that he calls all of us to keep our focus forward and lengthen our stride as we run toward heaven. All of us! There is no other destination for believers ever mentioned in the Bible. Wherever Jesus is, that's where we'll be. And that's why Paul says repeatedly, dying is better and would simply bring him nearer Christ. If as Revelation portrays, the New Jerusalem comes down to earth, then that is heaven and that's where we will be. There is no such thing as a Purgatory. And neither is there a separation of believers, where the really holy ones get to go to heaven and the not so good ones stay on earth. There is only hell and heaven. And if you are a believer in Christ, you are a citizen of heaven and you will be right where Jesus is.

Pastor Jill Windham EXALT Psalm 99:1-5 (CSB) Exalt- to raise, to make high; to place in the place of highest heights.  God is exalted in Heaven.  He sits on the Throne.  But His mandate for us is to exalt (raise Him up) Him on earth.  Isaiah 66:1 (CSB)   “This is what the Lord says: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool.” We are told to worship at His footstool because it's where we live and where He wants to be glorified! Matthew 6:10 God is saying “Worship IS the atmosphere of Heaven.  It's YOUR job to make it the atmosphere of earth.” Romans 12:1-2 (MSG) John 4:21-23 (NLT) 1. Exalt Him in honor.  Matthew 6:30-33 (NKJV) Proverbs 16:3 (TPT) Colossians 1:15-17 (MSG)  2. Exalt Him in your perspective. God doesn't need our worship.  Acts 17:24-25 (NLT) Isaiah 46:5 (MSG) In a world that overinflates the importance of self, put yourself in as many situations as possible that show your smallness in comparison to God's greatness.  Job 34:14-15 (NLT) John 15:5 (NLT)  Isaiah 40:12-31 (NLT) No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket.They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand. All the wood in Lebanon's forests and all Lebanon's animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God. The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.In his eyes they count for less than nothing— mere emptiness and froth.  To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him? Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains? Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won't decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won't fall down!  Haven't you heard? Don't you understand? Are you deaf to the words of God— the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant? God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them. He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and they wither.  The wind carries them off like chaff.  “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?  O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. 3. Exalt Him in your attitude. Psalm 19:14 (NLT) The words of my mouth AND the meditation (thoughts) of my heart.  Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. God can't do anything in your world that you don't let Him first start in your heart.  4. Exalt Him in your love.  Colossians 3:17 (NLT)  Colossians 3:23 (CSB) John 21:15-17 (NLT) “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” Three times, Peter denied Jesus. Then, three times, Jesus called Peter back to his purpose. Love is ALWAYS your purpose. What even IS love? 1 Cor 13 (TPT) Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one's achievements nor inflate its own importance.  Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving. John 12:32 (NLT)  And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. 5. Exalt Him above your circumstances.  Faith doesn't deny the problem its existence. Faith denies it a place of prominence.  Faith doesn't say the problem doesn't exist. Faith says, “Look at Jesus.” Faith doesn't mean we stick our heads in the sand. Faith says our God walks on water.  You may have a true thing in front of you, but you have THE Truth IN you! Genesis 50:20 (NLT)  1 Samuel 23:14 (NLT)  Psalm 73:26 (AMP) BUT GOD is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever. Isaiah 40:8 (NLT) Jonah 2:6 (NLT) I was imprisoned in the earth,   whose gates lock shut forever. BUT YOU, O MY LORD AND MY GOD,   snatched me from the jaws of death! Matthew 19:26 (NLT) Romans 5:7-8 (NLT) 2 Timothy 2:9 (NLT) Ephesians 2:3-4 (NLT)

TOPIC: GOD WANTS YOU TO FULFILL YOUR PROMISE TO OTHERS (PART 2) BIBLE READING: -Ecclesiastes 5:5-'' It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it'' (NLT) MESSAGE: We noted earlier that a promise is an assurance to do something. It is a declaration, that is, words. An invisible representation of every man or woman is his/her word. What do you say to others when you need a favour, a thing or an opportunity? What do you use in exchange for what you desire? What are the collaterals you tender to people in an organization? A promise is what we use most times. Even when someone knows that they are not going to do a thing, yet, they still go ahead and make a promise. This is not what God wants from you, He wants you to always keep to your promises. 5'' It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it'' -Ecclesiastes 5:5(NLT) ‘'You must not testify falsely against your neighbour.'' –Exodus 20:16 (NLT) No matter where you are and what you do, be a man or a woman of your words. There is no big sin or a small sin. Sin is sin. There is nothing like white lie or brown lie. A lie is a lie! When you make a promise and do not keep it, you have lied. It is better to say nothing than for you to commit a sin. John 8:44 says; ‘'for you are the children of your father the devil, and you have to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truck, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.'' (NLT) We can see that all liars are associated with the devil through the scripture above. Matthew 5:7 also affirms that; ‘' But let your yes be yes and your ‘no' ‘no'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.'' (NKJV) PRAYERS 1. Heavenly father, I thank you for your word today, I adore your Holy Name for you are good. Please accept my thanks today in Jesus name. 2. Dear Lord, give me the ability to always say the truth no matter where I find myself in Jesus name. 3. I rebuke every seed of lie and I break every gene of deception in me, they will never reoccur in my life in Jesus name.

Today, we’re going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: (1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT) “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd’s field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God’s people from the hands of a giant. David didn’t see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior’s words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren’t fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David’s mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn’t know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother’s womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David’s words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let’s pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”

This week's passage is Psalms 16:9-11 (NLT) "No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." Music: King Of My Heart - words and music by John Mark McMillan, Sarah McMillan Love Like This - words and music by Andrew Holt, Hope Darst, McKendree Tucker Additional resources: Introduction to Practicing His Presence Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Hearing God by Dallas Willard

Find our message notes, lyric sheets, Bible study and giving options at https://www.newlifecc.com/ Text "Update" to 30500 for more information. For prayer requests, praise, and new commitments: Text "Prayers" to 30500. Looking for ways to give or get help? Visit https://loveourneighbors.org/ Message Notes: May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. - 2nd Thessalonians 3v5 (NLT) What does growing faith look like? Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Psalm 16v1-2 When my faith is growing... 1. I find peace as I follow His lead. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34v8 The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. Psalm 16v3-4 2. I invest in Christ-centered relationships. Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 2 Thessalonians 1v3 (NLT) Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! Psalm 16v5-6 3. I choose the eternal over the temporary. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4v6-7 I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16v7-8 4. I confidently walk in God-honoring ways. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3v16 (NLT) No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16v9-11 5. I openly trust that God will keep his promises. Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4v4-9 (NLT) ----- Connect with us! → https://linktr.ee/newlifecc Thank you so much for joining us online today! We hope you have a great week!

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. (Acts 4:32-35 NLT) All were united in heart and mind. Sharing what they had. No one needy among them. Only God can change the human soul to cooperate, unite, and love like that, selflessly, literally bringing Heaven to earth. Today, His life is available. His love is available. His Spirit can touch our lives to love, care, and share like those first disciples. This passage creates a longing to be united in heart and mind with other believers. Can you make yourself available to love selflessly today? Read once more: All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them … (Acts 4:32-34 NLT) No matter how independent we may think ourselves to be, we need care. We need help. We need others. True community is finding common ground coupled with unity. Focused on what draws us together, rather than divides. Peace over chaos. Responsibility over rights. Giving. Caring. Loving like Jesus. Let’s pray together: “Lord of all, thank You for Your Spirit that unites us in one heart and mind. Thank You that in You we can meet one another’s needs, share our blessings, and love with the kind of love that only Heaven can give. As above, so below.”

NEHEMIAH 5-6:Yesterday Nehemiah gave a listing of the people who rebuilt the wall. This included Shallum and his daughters, and two named goldsmiths, merchants, priests and Levites. The residents of the land opposed to the construction were threatening violence, so the people armed themselves and had men on guard at all times. Nehemiah and his men stayed fully armed at all times, and in the last verse of chapter 4 NLT says ‘even when they went for water’— which I take as a euphemism for going potty. That little phrase is very obscure in Hebrew, and GNT translates it in a different way. ISAIAH 36:It was interesting to find this verse near the beginning of Isaiah’s beautiful chapter 35: 35:3 GNT Give strength to hands that are tiredand to knees that tremble with weakness. This verse was probably in the mind of the writer of Hebrews in chapter 13. And in fact, the Holy Highway and its destination is very much like the ‘place’ we ‘come to’ in Hebrews 13! Today we start on the prose portion of Isaiah from chapters 36-39. PHILIPPIANS 4:I have found deep meaning and great spiritual help from the portion around verse 13 in chapter 3. And I am certainly not alone in that. Here are some of the most quoted verses in this letter: Php. 3:13 NLT No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved [perfection//it], but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things... I would like to point out that twice in this chapter Paul points us to heaven. One is in the verses I just quoted, and the other in verse 20, where he says, “We are citizens of heaven.” Note that he calls all of us to keep our focus forward and lengthen our stride as we run toward heaven. All of us! There is no other destination for believers ever mentioned in the Bible. Wherever Jesus is, that’s where we’ll be. And that’s why Paul says repeatedly, dying is better and would simply bring him nearer Christ. If as Revelation portrays, the New Jerusalem comes down to earth, then that is heaven and that’s where we will be. There is no such thing as a Purgatory. And neither is there a separation of believers, where the really holy ones get to go to heaven and the not so good ones stay on earth. There is only hell and heaven. And if you are a believer in Christ, you are a citizen of heaven and you will be right where Jesus is.

NEHEMIAH 5-6: Yesterday Nehemiah gave a listing of the people who rebuilt the wall. This included Shallum and his daughters, and two named goldsmiths, merchants, priests and Levites. The residents of the land opposed to the construction were threatening violence, so the people armed themselves and had men on guard at all times. Nehemiah and his men stayed fully armed at all times, and in the last verse of chapter 4 NLT says ‘even when they went for water’— which I take as a euphemism for going potty. That little phrase is very obscure in Hebrew, and GNT translates it in a different way. ISAIAH 36: It was interesting to find this verse near the beginning of Isaiah’s beautiful chapter 35: 3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. This verse was probably in the mind of the writer of Hebrews in chapter 13. And in fact, the Holy Highway and its destination is very much like the ‘place’ we ‘come to’ in Hebrews 13! Today we start on the prose portion of Isaiah from chapters 36-39. PHILIPPIANS 4: I have found deep meaning and great spiritual help from the portion around verse 13 in chapter 3. And I am certainly not alone in that. Here are some of the most quoted verses in this letter: Php. 3:13 NLT No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved [perfection//it], but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things... I would like to point out that twice in this chapter Paul points us to heaven. One is in the verses I just quoted, and the other in verse 20, where he says, “We are citizens of heaven.” Note that he calls all of us to keep our focus forward and lengthen our stride as we run toward heaven. All of us! There is no other destination for believers ever mentioned in the Bible. Wherever Jesus is, that’s where we’ll be. And that’s why Paul says repeatedly, dying is better and would simply bring him nearer Christ. If as Revelation portrays, the New Jerusalem comes down to earth, then that is heaven and that’s where we will be. There is no such thing as a Purgatory. And neither is there a separation of believers, where the really holy ones get to go to heaven and the not so good ones stay on earth. There is only hell and heaven. And if you are a believer in Christ, you are a citizen of heaven and you will be right where Jesus is.

It Destroys Dreams. Perfection is not obtainable but Excellence is according to many authors of blogs, articles and books. Until someone tells you you probably won't believe it and then most of us are in denial and have excuses as to why we are proud to be a perfectionist. It takes a Team to be excellent. That is the Maker of Dreams come true...TEAM. Philippians 3:13 NLT "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on...Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead," Paul the Apostle

1. David knew who he was.1 Samuel 17:10 (NLT) I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!"9 If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves!1 Samuel 17:26 (NKJV) Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"Romans 2:29 (NLT) No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.Too many Christians identify with the old them. David believed the covenant more than his circumstances.Popeye video here.Your spinach (God’s Word) is the answer, but you have to PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH.Confession: (on screen to read together)“I may not deserve it, but Jesus, who never sinned, was made sin for me and I have become the righteousness of God in Christ. My standing with God is secure and and because of Jesus I have a right to the promises of God.Jesus is my peace, and I command the storms in my life; “peace, be still.”Jesus himself took my sicknesses and carried my infirmities, therefore I believe that I’m healed by His stripes.I give and it is given to me, therefore I declare all my needs are met according to Jesus riches in heaven. I am not alone in my fight, because Jesus promised He would never leave me or forsake me.I am His sheep, I know his voice and he will lead and direct me in all wisdom and truth.No evil shall befall me, neither shall any plague come near my home and family, including Oklahoma tornados!I am the head and not the tail.I am above only and not beneath.I am blessed coming in and blessed going out.And everything I set my hands to will prosper, in Jesus name.”Bodda Book, Bodda Boom.2. David knew who He was.2 Samuel 6:20 (NLT) When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, "How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!"Jesus had to buy His bride with a price. It cost him to purchase you. You belong to Him.23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.

Speaker: Mark Shook Title: Overflowing Life From The Hand Of A Good God 2 WAYS TO APPROACH LIFE 1. ____________________ mindset. 2. ____________________ mindset. “My cup overflows!” Psalm 23:5 NIV “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38 NIV “I am the holy Lord God, the one who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path. How I wish that you had obeyed my commands! Your success and good fortune would then have overflowed like a flooding river.” Isaiah 48:17-18 CEV OVERFLOWING LIFE = To be filled _______________ capacity with an _______________ supply of God’s goodness. HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE? 1. Stay _______________ to _______________ every day. But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!” John 15:7-11 TLB 2. Stop ________________ and start being _________________. “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” Philippians 2:14 NLT “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 TLB 3. Stop ________________, and start being _________________. “It’s healthy to be content, but envy will eat you up.” Proverbs 14:30 CEV “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6 NCV 4. Stop being _________________, and start being _________________. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one give as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion—for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that by always having enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 TLV

Trusting Christ in Transitions Pastor Travis Hester March 11, 2018 Key Text: Matthew 27: 45-54 (NLT) Jesus’ Death was Transitional….. A Shift…. A Season Change! Jesus’ has the most dramatic picture of Transition in history: The curtain in the temple tears from top to bottom The earth shakes Rocks split open Tombs open and dead people come out of the grave When dead people come out of the grave because of you, then that is a dramatic picture of a True Transition. Before all of this, he agonizes on the cross and cries out twice Announcement: We are ALL in Transition! Birth Date – Death Date (the dash represents our transition) There’s nothing more exciting in transition than when you’re hoping and believing for something special. Planning for school/college Planning for that first date Planning for a new job Planning for marriage Planning for a new born Planning to get out of debt (Imagine the transition if this happened!) When you don’t get what you’re hoping for, you’re disappointed. (Prov. 13:12 NLT) Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. It comes from the Latin word “transire” which means “to go across” Where were you when Christ came and saved you? Just remember what He had to go across to get to you! Why so Dramatic of a Transition? Penalty of sin is now Paid! Gen 2:17 NLT “…the day you eat of it, you shall surely die” Two Deaths: physical and spiritual Now we have Eternal Life (John 3:16 NLT) Punishment of sin is now Removed! No more condemnation (Romans 8:1 NLT) No more fear… No more shame… No more separation (Genesis 3:10 NKJV) Position of sin is now Replaced! (2 Corinthians 5:21) God now sees you as Righteous “Jesus did not come to Comfort, He came to Confront!” (Steven Furtick) Matthew 10:34-39 NKJV The church is in a season marked by confrontational encounters! What does Trusting CHRIST Look like? Trusting is Confronting – Allowing Christ to confront you! Trusting is Following – Allowing Christ to lead you! 3 Similar Confrontations in Luke 9:57-62 We are always tempted to compare current realities with past familiarities. You Follow without looking back (Luke 9:62) You Finish without looking forward (Galatians 6:9) He will Fulfill without looking elsewhere (Philippians 1:6 NKJV) Repeat with me: You Follow! You Finish! He Fulfills!

John 14:5 NLT “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” I was brought up with the following aphorism, “Any decision is better than no decision.” This suggested that stagnation is the enemy of the good, and to prevaricate is always unhelpful. Most business and self-development books offer up similar advice. However, I question the value of action for its own sake. Jesus is speaking to his closest followers, ahead of his own trials. Thomas honestly admits his confusion. He inadvertently reveals that after three years he has little understanding of what it is Jesus has been teaching and revealing to them. The ride has been exhilarating, its purpose far from clear. Finding faith at 19 years old, I engaged in following Jesus with enthusiasm. My life was a mosaic of obedience and disobedience. I was unstable in my discipleship, yet in love with God and highly motivated. What I didn’t understand I made up for with enthusiasm. What I didn’t like, or disagreed with, I ignored or reinterpreted to accommodate my own preferences. As such I stumbled into Christian ministry high on enthusiasm and motivation, poor in understanding. I preached Jesus the Way, yet, on reflection, I wasn’t too sure of the way myself and stumbled quite often. The fact that Jesus declares he is the way reveals that Jesus is the totality of my life. I initially found something that intrigued me, gave me opportunity and allowed my ego full rein. It was mostly about me, and my presentation of a gospel message. Indeed, until calamity breached a hole in my self-confidence, my story was a series of victory reports. My success an indication of God’s blessing. Sadly, this is a secularised version of the gospel. It’s not who God is. Jesus as the way suggests it is to Jesus we turn for direction, and my experience is that direction might as easily be “stand still” as it is “climb the next soaring peak of achievement”. God’s ways are not our ways, declares Isaiah (55:8). QUESTION: Can you follow Jesus even if you don’t know where he is going? PRAYER: Teach me, Lord Jesus, to base my life on you – wherever I am, to seek to follow you, even if I’m not sure of the destination.

It Is Written - Week 03 - A Trustworthy Book 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 1 Peter 3:15 if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. Apologetics is the religious discipline of defending or attempting to prove the truth of religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse. #1 It Is Historically Accurate Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true. 1. Eyewitness Accounts 2. Recorded And Copied With Extreme Care 3. Archaeological confirmation #2 Scientifically Accurate Psalm 148:5-6 (NLT) Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. 6  He set them in place forever and ever. Job 26:7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. Jeremiah 33:22 the stars of the sky cannot be counted. Job 25:5 The moon… it shines not. Genesis 1:16 God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. Leviticus 17:11 (NLT) The life of the body is in its blood. Psalm 12:6 the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. #3 It Is Prophetically Accurate 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT) No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. #4 It Is Thematically Unified The Bible is 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,600 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. Luke 24:27 (NLT) Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. #5 It Is Trusted By Jesus One out of every 10 times Jesus spoke, he was quoting Scripture.  Matthew 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. #6 It Has Survived 1 Peter 1:24-25 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. #7 It Has Transforming Power John 8:31-32 If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

On Easter Sunday we are launching a third service! (9am 10:30am & 12pm) When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT) I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God… 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT) No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit.  And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV) “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-20 (NIV)  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:15-20 (NIV) Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:15-20 (NIV) So who is He? The Holy Spirit is NOT a FORCE to experience, but a PERSONALITY to KNOW and RELATE with. 3 things that help identify who the Holy Spirit is to us: He is our ADVOCATE When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. John 15:26 (NIV) As our ADVOCATE, The Holy Spirit stands WITH US and stands up FOR US based on what Jesus has already done. When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV) He is our GUIDE But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment… John 16:7-8 (NIV)   “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:12-13 (NIV) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV) God loved us so much that He didn't just make a WAY… He provided a GUIDE. The Holy Spirit will only lead us to the level of our surrender.  He is our “right here” GOD And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT) And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)  He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:14-15 (NIV)

On Easter Sunday we are launching a third service! (9am 10:30am & 12pm) When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT) I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God… 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT) No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT)  No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit.  And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV) “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-20 (NIV) The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:15-20 (NIV) Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:15-20 (NIV) So who is He? The Holy Spirit is NOT a FORCE to experience, but a PERSONALITY to KNOW and RELATE with. 3 things that help identify who the Holy Spirit is to us: He is our ADVOCATE When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. John 15:26 (NIV) As our ADVOCATE, The Holy Spirit stands WITH US and stands up FOR US based on what Jesus has already done. When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)  He is our GUIDE But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment… John 16:7-8 (NIV)  “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:12-13 (NIV) But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV) God loved us so much that He didn't just make a WAY… He provided a GUIDE. The Holy Spirit will only lead us to the level of our surrender. He is our “right here” GOD And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)  And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NLT)  He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:14-15 (NIV)

…Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. Habakkuk 2:2 (NCV) We exist to lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) Local Missions $18,759  Given Breakdown Local Pastors National Missions $12,656 Given ARC - 79 Church planted Church Partnerships - $ given   International Missions $15,771 Given Missionaries in India Hope Coffee One Hope A21 Freedom Church $50,790 Given to Missions 372 avg. Weekly Attendance (up 24% from 2015 at 301) 410 Salvations 260 First-time Guests (who filled our welcome cards) 33 Baptisms 93 People Attended Growth Track 11 Completed Growth Track 26 Small Groups in the Fall 194 People in Small Groups 42 Added to the Dream Team 164 People serving on the Dream Team   5 billion people 30,000+ people in Boone County   23% of the US population doesn't have a religious identity 19% of the US population would call themselves “Former Christians” 78% of Generation Z believes in God 41% are connected to a Local Church   “You can't ask people to build what they can't see.” Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) REVELATION Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint… Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) We don't need any more INFORMATION; we need more REVELATION. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) 4 Revelations we need to have: A Revelation of KNOWING GOD I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people… Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV) 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting If you want God to reveal Himself to YOU, you have to make yourself available to HIM. A Revelation of FINDING FREEDOM For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT) Once we get a revelation of who God is… we get a revelation of the TRUE FREEDOM He has for us. “This is Freedom”  A Revelation of DISCOVERING PURPOSE Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV) The effectiveness of the Church reaching lost people, is contingent on each person in the Church discovering their PURPOSE and doing their PART.  A Revelation of the DIFFERENCE YOU ARE CALLED TO MAKE. For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (NLT) Don't rob the world AROUND YOU of the gift INSIDE YOU… that God wants to use to make a difference THROUGH YOU. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Luke 10:2 (NLT) Jesus didn't die to give us a new RELIGION to follow, but a new LIFE to experience.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) Message Title:  “Remember” So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.  I think it is right to refresh your memory…  2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV) And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV) Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn't want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) They didn't understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-48 (NIV) While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them… Luke 24:1-48(NIV) …“Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'” Luke 24:1-48(NIV) Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened… Luke 24:1-48(NIV) While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:1-48(NIV) They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)  He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) The Old Testament POINTS to God… the Gospel is the WAY to God… the New Testament teaches  us how to WALK with God. REMEMBER THE EMPTY GRAVE Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel… 2 Timothy 2:8 (NIV) That Jesus LIVED, means little… That Jesus is ALIVE, means everything.  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 (NLT) Jesus didn't give His life to take you from bad to good… but from death to LIFE! REMEMBER MERCY Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. Psalm 51:4 (NLT) Your darkest moment… couldn't overshadow He did for YOU. REMEMBER LOVE Love = living for the other person's good For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT) It was not nails that held Him on that cross… it was His love for you. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) Your biggest mistake… doesn't change the way He sees you.

Message Title:  “A Church in The Fight” To lead people into a NEW LIFE of Freedom in Jesus  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)  “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) …I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (KJV) The Church is the only organization that exists for it's non-members. A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.  They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.  Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk'?  But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) A Church in the FIGHT… Is focused on getting people to JESUS. We keep Jesus the main thing. …When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV) For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV) A Church in the FIGHT… is committed to removing the OBSTACLES. And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19 (NLT) Too many people aren't being reached, because too many Christians are sacrificing their potential effectiveness on the altar of tradition. A Church in the FIGHT… moves with URGENCY. Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.  This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! Luke 15:1-7 (NLT) So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:1-7 (NLT) “And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.  When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'” Luke 15:1-7 (NLT) “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!” Luke 15:1-7 (NLT) You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) “You have no idea what hangs in the balance of your decision to embrace the burden God has put on your heart.” – Andy Stanley

Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force The Tension Between CHURCH and CULTURE Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) Jesus doesn't just offer eternal life… He offers eternal purpose. …upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT) The local church is the hope of the world. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) When we get comfortable in our faith, we begin to see the great commission not as a rescue mission… but a correction mission. Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT) What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)  For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT) Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT) Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT) This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity… Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV) Keep Jesus the Main Thing …Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (NIV) We have to be willing to sacrifice preferences in the name of effectiveness. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)     to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) Fight the right battles A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) “There is no competition between lighthouses.” – Roy Stockstill When don't win when we win arguments… we win when people see Jesus. Shine You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) Lost people were drawn to Jesus… they should be drawn to us. Influence comes from association.   “Instead of cursing the darkness; try lighting a candle.” – Rich Wilkerson Jr.

Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see… Hebrews 11:1-6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:1-6 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) “The Tension Between NOW and NEXT.” I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:40-43 (NIV) As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.  And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. Luke 8:40-43 (NIV) Understand that where you are NOW is necessary for what is NEXT. It's easy to get frustrated with the NOW, not realizing what is happening now is setting us up for what God wants to do NEXT. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) What God wants to do NEXT is always built on the foundation of what He wants you to LEARN now. …As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV) And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV) She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV) Understand what got you HERE, won't get you THERE. Yesterday's FAITH won't get you through today's FIGHT. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) Don't get stuck in the NOW… there is always a NEXT “Complacency kills growth.” – John Maxwell Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)  Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT) So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT) Our success in the NOW is not a finish line to celebrate, but a mile marker leading us to what is NEXT. Don't get discouraged in your NOW, when someone else reaches their NEXT. While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don't bother the teacher anymore.” Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) …Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Message Title:  “Just Get the 1st Down” Our success is never the result of ONE big decision, but MANY small key decisions over time. I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…Philippians 3:13 (NLT) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT) After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.  I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… Joshua 1:1-3 (NLT) Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.  Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with it's king and it's fighting men. Joshua 6:1-2 (NIV) March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days.  Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. Joshua 6:3-4 (NIV) When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” Joshua 6:5 (NIV) When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. Joshua 6:20 (NIV) 5 Key 1st Downs in life Character Over Comfort “An underdog… posses the ability to get knocked down 9 times but get up 10 times AND uses major setback as fuel for major comebacks. “ “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.” Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 (NIV) The tendency is to RUN from the pain… we have to learn to LEAN INTO the pain and discover what it can teach us. Being Teachable Teachability:  Being able to relearn that which you think you already know. The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Proverbs 3:6-7 (NIV) Margin …let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) Marginisthespacebetweenthestuffthatmakesthestuffworthwhile. Margin is the space between the stuff that makes the stuff worth while. As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:38-39 (NLT) But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40 (NLT) But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NLT) He says, “Be still, and know that I am God...” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Love everyone, but move with the movers After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. Acts 15:36-37 (NLT) But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Acts 15:38 (NLT) Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.  Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord's gracious care. Acts 15:39-40 (NLT) If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. Titus 3:10 (NLT) Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT) “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NLT) “When you are transitioning to a new season of life, the people and situations that no longer fit you will fall away.  Don't fight the process.” Not letting fear hold you back Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Joshua 1:7 (NLT) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 (NLT) This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)