Matt. 16:13-18; 1 Cor. 3:1-15 Drive means to _guide_____, to _control__, to _direct__. Every church is _driven___ by something. Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the Lord will stand. Proverbs 19:21 NASB Churches are driven by many things. 1.) _Tradition______ 5.) _Building_______ …

Acts 17:16-34 The Areopagus had a long history of oratory and debate. We know this place better as “Mars Hill”. If Athens had anything it was gods. Paul gave a clear, simple, orderly presentation of the Judeo-Christian worldview and our need for salvation through the Resurrected Christ. There are 4 …

John 20 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? John 20:15, NASB God gave us tear ducts – _________ – the ability to weep. Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him …

 Luke 23 The first word Jesus uttered from His cross was a __________ for His ___________.   The second word was an __________ to prayer addressed to a _________ individual. And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43, NLT Who offered this prayer? He was …

Luke 23:1-34 It is unfortunate that the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross have been called His “_________ _________”. Jesus’ words from the cross are these: 1st “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) 2nd “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in pa …

Luke 5:27-39 Traditionalism (legalism) is an _________. It is not a well-meaning but ___________ friend – but – rather an ____________ opponent to the life of _____, the walk of ________, and our liberty in Christ. Traditionalism is an _____________ of authoritarianism. It is a desire to __________ …

Luke 5:27-39 Traditions = are valuable ____________ that keep us from feeling awash in a world of ____________.  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. 2 Thess. 2:15 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of o …

Matt. 14:13-21 There are several reasons for Jesus withdrawing. The report of John’s _____________. The growing antagonism of ____________. The disciples need of __________. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming …

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 Now faith i …

Matthew 6:24-34 We become what we _________ because transitions start in the ________. For as he thinks within himself, so he is. Prov. 23:7a, NASB Our mind is the ___________. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to …

1 Samuel 17; Numbers 13 & 14 ________________ – they are never ________. Every one of us deals with ______ and knows about the ___________ syndrome. What are some things to remember? 1st Squaring off with _________ is _______________. For the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our h …

1 Samuel 17; Numbers 13 & 14 Transitions – they are never easy. Every one of us deals with giants and knows about the grasshopper syndrome. What are some things to remember? 1st Squaring off with giants is intimidating. “For the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samue …

Numbers 13 & 14 Five Things to Take Into Account! 1st There has been an exodus. 2nd God’s chosen people have arrived at the edge of the Promised Land. Afterward, however, the people moved out from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran. Numbers. 12:16, NASB 3rd This new land was theirs t …

Luke 2:1-7 When Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem – God was in the process of giving us a gift. The gift that He was giving to us was: Exactly what we needed. Not what we would have expected. Going to involve a sacrifice. Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his l …

Matthew 1:18-25 Most of the tension we experience is the result of unresolved conflict. It could be conflict within ourselves, with another person, a situation, or a decision. Some Things To Know About Joseph Joseph was a man of great principles. He didn’t base his decisions on feelings. He didn’t b …

Luke 1 Suggestions To Remember: 1st The Lord is your partner, and the source of your strength, and the reason for life. 2nd We have a choice in life to be a drag and a burden, or an inspiration and an encouragement. 3rd Your mind is not old, so keep stretching it. 4th Your life is not over, so keep …

1 Kings 19: 3-5 And he was afraid, and got up and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah; and he left his servant there.  But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree; and he asked for himself to die, and said, “Enough! Now …

Luke 15:1-10 The Setting! Jesus had been criticized for the company He kept = “guilty”! Questions asked: Does God know? Does God care? How can He deal with billions? There is so much that makes us aware of our insignificance – our littleness. What is man that You think of him, Psalm 8:4a Jesus Asks …

Genesis 32 If you could change something about yourself or your life what would it be? Change is a necessary part of growth. Any real lasting change must begin on the inside– that’s where God works. Notice – Jacob was alone one night – (darkness) In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in h …

Nehemiah 4 What is the worst disease? Why? Because it is so common. Because it returns. Because it spreads. So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6 And so in Judah it was said: “The strength of the burden beare …

Matthew 7:24-27 Each of us is a builder – what we build is based onHis voice and obeying. because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes. Matthew 7:29 The question is – have we built well, or have we built poorly? God’s Blueprint! 1st Hearing  All Scripture is in …

Acts 5:1-11 Hearing God’s voice has a  companion mate – and that is obedience. Now Israel, you shall listen and be careful to do them, so that it may go well for you and that you may increase greatly, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. …

Spiritual Barriers Psalm 139 If you are faithful to the Lord, this Psalm will encourage you. If you are trying to hide from the Lord, this Psalm will let you know you are losing. He knows what you do. (1-6) He knows where you go. (7-12) He knows what you are. (13-16) He knows what you think. (17-18) …

2 Samuel 7 Moments with God should be developed into a daily priority. The rewards are so great you can look for opposition to prevent it. Some people call this meditation. No matter what we call it, it is the only thing that allows God’s voice to rise above the noise and routine of everyday living. …

Daniel 1-6 How would you define ORIGINAL? An ORIGINAL is not: A fake A copy A counterfeit An imitation An ORIGINAL is: Present or existing from the beginning First or earliest Preceding all others in time Not derived from something else There is only one ORIGINAL – Jehovah God. We live in a world fu …

1 Cor. 13 Where do we stand in a relationship with God? If I am an unbeliever I will hear Him say come into salvation. If I am a believer it makes a difference how mature in the faith I am walking. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the lif …

My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 NASB If we as followers walk in the Spirit, understand the meaning of the cross, and allow Holy Spirit to fill us, and live through us – it should be recognizable if the voice we hear is God, flesh, or the devil. There Are …

Acts 9:1-19 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,“ No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 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 secret …

Matthew 7:24-27 From that time Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day. And yet Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Hi …

Romans 12:1-3; 1 Kings 2-11 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you m …

The Salt Of The Earth “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. Matthew 5:13 NLT Disciples are called to be a moral disinfectant in a world where moral standards are low, co …

Luke 15:11-32 We See The Father With An Open Hand Saying, “I Release You.” (15:11-13) This father had given his son some absolutes. Therefore, there was something against which to rebel. Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it. Proverbs 22:6 Notice: …

How much influence could the followers of Jesus described in Matthew 5:1-12 have on a hard and hostile world? Jesus wasn’t skeptical, but He didn’t deny the battle. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when p …

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NASB) It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.  And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles. Luke 6:12-1 …

2 Sam. 23:15-17; Acts 23:12-23; John 6:1-14 Consider –- church is a gathering of nobodies to worship the only real Somebody. Each one of us is valued enough that our great Savior died. We are significant because God said so. What Do People Of Significance Look Like? 1st People who know their negativ …

Galatians 5:22-23 Fruit in a Christian’s life is the product which is created by the inner life of the vine.  Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remainin the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. John 15:4 So then, you will know them by th …

Luke 1:39-46; John 19:16-30 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Because You Are A Follower Of God – Does Not Mean You Will Not Have Problems. In fact – in some instances prob …

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 The Sermon on the Mount begins with a series of verses we know as the Beatitudes. Notice verse 6 is planted in the middle. All the Beatitudes before it point to it, and all of the ones following it iss …

Matthew 4:1-11 Three Areas in Which We are Tempted. The first attack occurs in Matthew 4:3. In these verses, the devil tempts Jesus in the realm of the body. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” The temptation here is one of self- …

Matthew 28 There are times that are etched in our mind. When the women came to the tomb of Jesus – they were not thinking resurrection – they had other things on their mind. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.  And go quickly and tell His discip …

Genesis 22 Isaac was a miracle birth. Through Isaac the world would be blessed by the eventual coming of the Messiah. Times of blessing are often followed by a time of testing. God now wants to know if Abraham’s faith was in His promise, not in his son. A Scrapbook of Pictures This is a picture of a …

Numbers 13-14 We need to remember what had happened over the last year – deliverance from Egypt, plagues, parting of the sea, revelation at Sinai, manna, water, cloud, fire – you would think they were ready to possess the land God had promised them. We also suffer the consequences of our unbelief. W …

Exodus 20:2-3 There are several hundred commandments in the Torah, but the BIG TEN are found here in Exodus 20. The Ten Commandments have served as the building blocks of most every civil society for more than three thousand years. We all should understand the importance of rules and standards in ou …

James 4: 1-10 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8 There Is A Requirement! “Submit to God” “Submit” literally means to “line u …

Genesis 12:1-5 “In the beginning God…” Genesis can be summed up in a single statement: “Human beings are inadequate without God.” Five Men Reveal The Truth And Need Of Humans. Noah – he went through death. Abraham – teaches us we are saved by faith. Abraham teaches us we are a friend of God by faith …

Genesis 1:1 The First 5 Books Of The Bible: “TheLaw” or the “Torah” In Greek It Is Called The “Pentateuch”, Meaning The 5 Scrolls. 1st Genesis! “The beginning” “In the beginning God…” (Gen. 1:1) This book provides the foundation of all that is to follow in both the Old and the New Testament. The ent …

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 This Secret Is Confidential! “And we know…” Notice the words: we know This Secret Is Constructive! “things work together for good” God is behind the s …

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. John 15:4 Prayer is surrender – to the will …

Mark 9:27-29 Jesus wanted us to know that there are certain things along our journey that require both prayer and fasting. For Jesus it is always a matter of “when”, not “if”. Fasting is a voluntary denial, in order that God’s face may be sought in earnest, persistent, and believing prayer. It is no …

Deuteronomy 11:10-24 The Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament records the sermons Moses preached to his people before he climbed Mount Nebo. Moses reminded the people that: God brought us out of there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers. Deuteronomy 6:2 …

Luke 2:1-20; 1 John 4:9-10 The Shepherds Share With Us! The Shepherds Tell Us Of The Goodness Of God. The Shepherds Got To See What Is Usually Invisible To Human Eyes. The Shepherds Remind Us Of The Nearness Of God. AThe Shepherds Experienced The Love Of God. This is how God showed his love among us …

Luke 1:26-45 There are basically 2 types of people in the world: affirmers and appraisers. All of us lean toward remembering the comments of the appraisers over the affirmers. We need to remember 2 truths: It is a choice. There are always fewer affirmers. Some called these types of people: balcony p …

Matthew 1:18-25 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NLT We need 3 kinds of peace. 1st Spiritual peace This is peace with God. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans …

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son. Galatians 4:4a Waiting is often hard! Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet? But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about …

Daniel 3 Fear is a common emotion that we all share. What is Fear? Fear is defined to be an intensely unpleasant emotion in response to perceiving or recognizing a danger or threat. How Does Fear Affect Us? Worry Stress Paralysis Physical Illness Loss of Reality Irrational Thinking, Feeling and Acti …

Luke 17:11-19 In this passage – Jesus is showing us the 3 actions we should take to live life to the fullest. Get Up! (vs. 11-13) This has to do with fortitude. They could have sat there and done nothing. They could have remained isolated, feeling somewhat like an outcast. They didn’t cry out for ju …

2 Kings 2 Walking With Elisha! We have come to Elijah’s last day on earth. Historians let us know the schools of the prophets were located at Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho. Gilgal – was the place of beginning. (Joshua 4) Bethel – was the place of prayer. “Beth-el” means “house of God”. Then he proceed …

Hearing God’s Word How To Improve Your Hearing (1) Be ready and eager to hear God. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 8:8 (2) Deal with attitudes that prevent hearing God. Luke 8:4-15 So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even …

Timothy 4:6-8 Running the Race- In Acts 18 Paul visits Corinth and witness athletes training for the Isthmian Games. What would happen if the church was as devoted to following Jesus as these athletes were to their sport? 1 Cor. 9:24-26 How do we run in such a way that we may win? Coach Equipped Pac …

SMALL GROUPS ARE NOT A PROGRAM OF OUR CHURCH; SMALL GROUPS ARE PRIORITY IN OUR CHURCH. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”  Acts 5:42 (NLT) Why are Small Groups Important? They are Biblical Every person needs …

Luke 19:1-10 But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 1 Peter 3:15 Real evangelism begins with surrender to the Lordship of Christ. “Preparation” takes ti …

Luke 19:1-10 The story of God and we humans is a story of hide and seek. We were not created to hide – we have a great desire to be known. I hide because I’m afraid someone might know the truth about me and I will not be liked, loved, or accepted. Did you know – God allows us to hide because He know …

2 Corinthians 12 Ours is the time of the self-made person who is more than adequate. Three Kinds Of People Appear To Have It All Together. 1st Highly intelligent 2nd Highly gifted 3rd Highly religious For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receiv …

If I were James I would have shared that Jesus is my brother or that he was a leader in the Jerusalem church. Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is His mother not called Mary, and His brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Matthew 13:55  Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of Ja …

The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward – Luke 16:1-13 If this man was faithful, he was faithful only to himself. His focus was on the temporary. It consumed his time, focus and energy. “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted t …

Acts 24 – 25 If you walk through this world as a Christian a tough hide is required. for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9 Sometimes it is beneficial to remember – “Jesus was nailed to a cross.” Truths About Criticism! 1st It seems …

Acts 21:14 – 23:11 If we rely on our emotions and experiences alone, we are treading on thin ice. but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 1 Peter 3:15 It …

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12 NASB Have you ever stopped to consider the motivation behind the verse we know as the Golden Rule? “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even a …

2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 It has been said that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond. See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!  Galatians 6:11 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.  Galatian …

 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Real leadership starts with knowing – both ways. vs. 1, 2, 5, 9, 10… You have to be among those you lead – you have to live with them. You have to be approachable and real – and believable. Leadership Principles For The Road: 1st Be straight, not winding! Be clear, not cloudy …

Acts 21:1-17 Perspective On Paul’s Decision 1st The perspective of Paul vs. 1-3 Paul cares about God’s will, not the cost. 2nd The perspective of the Christians in Tyre vs. 4-6 They told Paul – Don’t go! 3rd The perspective of the Christians in Caesarea vs. 7-13 Paul stays with Phillip and he meets …

1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-10 It’s easy to be in your own world. I wonder if we are aware or even open to being aware of our own weaknesses. Our mate and our children are worth a listen – they can help you be a person of a good reputation. This Is An Important Quality! Instead, brothers and sisters, …

Acts 20:1-12 Life Can Change Directions – We Decide If It Is For The Good. Eutychus’ name is somewhat prophetic – it means “good” fortune or “lucky”. So What Can We Take With Us? 1st God has a plan and He will bring it about. 2nd It is wise to hold your personal plans loosely. If Paul encountered ci …

Acts 18:18-28 Let’s Meet Some People. Pricilla and Aquilla They were from Rome. Paul lived with them in Corinth. They were tentmakers-. Paul discipled them. They at one point risked their lives for Paul. Romans 16:4 When they went to Ephesus with Paul they established themselves in a home where they …

Acts 18:1-17 Paul spent 18 months in Corinth. (18:1) What Was Corinth Like? 1st Cosmopolitan – made up of a mixture of people and races – this was because it was a seaport. 2nd Commercial 3rd Corrupt – In the ancient world the name “Corinthian” was used for perverted behavior – and was an insult. Wa …

Daniel 1:3-21 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 All of us need to realize we are exiles in a strange land. Daniel was a person of God in wor …

 1 Samuel 1 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3 Hannah understood that her long-awaited son was both a gift and a stewardship. Her son’s name was Samuel and she kept her promise and gave him to the Lord after he was weaned. Hannah knew above all el …

Acts 17:16-34 Athens represented a culture pulled in opposite directions. Significant Features We Should Employ About Our World View 1st Paul approached things from the audience’s perspective.  v. 22 2nd Paul used the familiar to introduce the unfamiliar.   v. 23 The Athenians had an all inclusive c …

John 20:1-20 What does it mean to be a genuine believer whose life is characterized by “Authentic Faith?” 1st A genuine believer is not too independent to admit their own  needs. Pride keeps many trapped – being vulnerable gives Jesus an  opportunity to touch your life. Only when we trust the Lord e …

Matthew 26:36-56 Have you ever meditated on this thought – “God is real?” Have you ever asked yourself – “What is prayer?” 1st Prayer begins with God. He is sovereign! He is all – powerful! He is all – present! He is all – knowing! “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” …

Acts 17:16-34 Paul’s visit to Athens is a centerpiece to the entire book of Acts. Athens is the cultural and intellectual center of the Roman Empire. Paul had surely heard about this majestic city since he was a boy. The grandeur – the history! What Paul Saw! (17:16) He was taken by the idolatry mor …

Acts 17:1-15 How in the world can people act like this? Threw them out of Thessalonica -– then that is not the end -– they came to Berea and it happened again. It’s easy to point the finger. Are We Capable Of Doing The Same? They mistrusted their own. Attacked Jason and others! (v. 5) They based dec …

Acts 17:1-15 The experiences of Paul’s first months in Greece illustrate some principles we all do well to remember. 1st Determination is at the center of any great achievement. The raising of a family Change in life Getting rid of a habit Taking on new life in Jesus Making a difference at work Over …

Acts 16:11-40  Truths From The Passage Watch out for who you travel with on life’s journey. God guides. Look for opportunities to share about Jesus. God saves all types: tender, tormented, tough Learn to sing praise when it rains on your parade. We all fall into hard circumstances. God knows where w …

Acts 16:6-10 We Have All Had Times Of Uncertainty About Decisions. God may prevent us from doing certain things, going certain places, or making certain decisions in many ways. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. T …

Acts 16:1-3 We Know Timothy Largely Through Paul’s Letters To Him. Timothy was a child of Godly heritage. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.   2 Timothy 1:5 NASB He read Scrip …

Acts 15:35-41 Notice The Highs! 1. Even though Paul and Barnabas divided, John Mark got another chance to show himself faithful. (Even Paul himself declared it so – and wanted him in Rome.) Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 2 Timothy 4: …

Acts 13-14 Henry Ford said, “obstacles are those things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” Attitude makes a difference! The last thing that can be taken away from us is our attitude when we face any given circumstance. Our attitudes come out of a clear view of our own identity and a deep …

Acts 13:1-4 This road is spelled change! Life wants to stay on comfortable roads – familiar roads. You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, “He did not make me”; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, “He has no und …

Matthew 4:1-11 We all face pitfalls. A pitfall is defined to be a trap or a snare. Pitfalls come in all shapes and forms. Some common pitfalls are: Betrayal, Temptation, Disappointments, Injustice, Hard Times, Bitterness, Guilt and Grudges I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. H …

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Matthew 10:32-42 Jesus was like a commander preparing His men for spiritual combat. There was no place for “making His men feel good” – He wanted them to be realistic. Jesus lifted up 4 qualities of a loyal disciple. Loyal Disciples: Openly Acknowledge Jesus Before The World. Real disciples aren’t b …

But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18 Fasting must always be for spiritual reasons. Jesus Discussed 3 …

I Corinthians 13 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 NASB What are “Childish Things”? = Immature and foolish behavior stemming from their background. Maturing comes with a …

Matthew 2:1-6 Imagine, God Coming As A Baby. Society worships bigness! But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.  Micah 5:2 NLT Society worships power! I have …

Acts 9:19-31; Acts 10; Acts 11:19-25 Truth: God prepares His sheep through times of waiting, which are meant to sharpen their giftedness, break down their wills, and shape their character. Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength;They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run …

Acts 9:19-31 Have you ever thought about the truth – God made us to need each other? God has crafted each of us to walk in His Spirit and ask Him to “take over”. This means we need Him and His people. Saul needed to learn that an independent spirit is not best for his life. All of us need to learn a …

Galatians 1:10-18 Instant satisfaction is a problem today. Solitude, quietness, and obscurity are words that make us uncomfortable. When does it happen that God changes our life from what self wants to what God wants? Did You Catch The Word “Arabia”? For 3 years Saul lived somewhere in the desert aw …

Acts 9:10-22 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world. Hebrews 1:1-2 Give Me The Facts! God spoke! (9:10-13) Ananias argued! …

  Acts 9 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brothers, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to …

 Luke 4:1-13 Serious people of prayer can face severe temptation. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8 Satan seeks to bring discouragement to those who seek to take prayer seriously. The Nature Of T …

 Jeremiah 12:1-5 Why are prayers sometimes unanswered? Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.  Luke 18:1 NASB Disregard For Personal Holiness Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son o …

Job And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14-15 NLT And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow …

2 Chronicles 14-16 Asa was Solomon’s great-grandson. Asa was not brought up to be a spiritual person. Asa did good and right in the sight of the LORD his God, for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherim, and commanded Judah to seek the LORD G …

1 Kings 18:1; 41-46 Before this event happened many things were happening behind the scenes during the drought. God had been discipling Elijah as He does us. Events in the world and in life normally will turn hearts toward God, not from Him. God’s prophet Elijah – never complained about the drought …

Nehemiah 1-2 Life Principles From Nehemiah 1! 1st Concern v. 4 Brokenness is never healed until concern comes. This is in my life or in the life of others. Rubble is something we seem to be attracted to. An attitude of mind your own business is the order of the day. Many aren’t even aware of a probl …

Nehemiah 1 When the walls of our lives are broken we need one another in the community of faith. Nehemiah’s call was more than walls – it was to recognize that people around him need restoration. Jerusalem is a tangible symbol of a human life in which God desires to dwell. For David said, “The Lord …

Joshua 9:1-27 We Can Be Fooled By The Words Of Men. 9: 9-11 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil people. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 4:14-15 We Can Be Fooled By Visible Evidence. 9:12-13 And his master complimented the unr …

Acts 18:1-28; Rev. 2:1-7 As Christians we are all called to pass on our faith in Jesus Christ. Most of us – if honest – would have to admit we struggle with this. In this passage we see pass it on mentoring in action in the lives of Paul, Aquilla, and Priscilla who live in the city of Corinth. They …

Matthew 25:14-29 What image would you use to describe how you picture life? Your picture influences you more than you think. How does the Bible picture life? And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that wh …

John 6:1-14; Mark 9:14-29 Got any rivers you think are uncrossable; Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? God specializes in things tho’t impossible; He does the things others cannot do. ‘Oh, Lord God! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your out …

Hebrews 11:1; 11:24-28 Moses’ Decisions Are Worth Review By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Hebrews 11:24 Please – Please – do not skip over the word refused. Moses was Hebrew within, but full Egyptian without. “when he had grown up” It means wh …

Illustration:           God’s Design:  And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Psalms 19:1 Sin: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …

Acts 8:25-40 Philip the deacon is perhaps the best example of personal evangelism in the book of Acts. Learning From Philip’s Encounter Philip had a nudge. v. 26 Notice the road is down. v. 26 This was a desert road. v. 26 Philip obeyed at once. vs. 26-27 God not only showed the place, He knew the p …

John 14:25-31 The first emotion in the Bible is “not ashamed.” And the man and his wife were both naked, but they were not ashamed. Genesis 2:25 The second emotion in Scripture is fear. He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” Genesis …

Deuteronomy 34 Climbing With Moses The place of Moses’ death = Mount Nebo. The height reaches 4500 feet. This tells us something of Moses’ physical condition. If you are looking for Moses to have self-pity – don’t. His replacement has been made – Joshua. This reminds us of Jesus as He made His walk. …

Matthew 20:20-28 Who Prayed This Ambitious And Somewhat Disappointing Prayer? It was Salome, a good woman and a friend of the Master. She was deeply interested in the Kingdom Jesus had come to establish. She was certainly a contributor of the cause. She gave her two sons, James and John. She thought …

Numbers 27 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up to this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the sons of Israel.  When you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, just as Aaron your brother was;  for in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, …

Numbers 12 As a storm beats against an oak tree, it may reveal the strength of the tree and its ability to stand, or it may reveal hidden decay as the tree collapses under the storm. Someone has said, “We are not what we are because of what we do; we do what we do because of who we are. Miriam And A …

Matthew 27:50-51 In the first century A.D. the temple was the center of Jewish spiritual life. Jesus called it “My Father’s House. Almost every time we see him enter the temple complex, we see that He causes a disruption. Luke 2 shows us Jesus presented at the temple as a baby and later as a 12-year …

Five Levels Of Anger 1st Mild irritation 2nd Indignation 3rd Wrath 4th Fury 5th Rage A Look At An Angry Man Moses could control his anger periodically, but when he allowed it to express itself, it tended to explode. At points, Moses’ anger reached the level of rage. Let’s observe Moses’ lifelong ang …

John 20:1-25 Then all the disciples left Him and fled. Matthew 26:56b What Robs Our Confidence? fatigue failure fear That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” …

Luke 22:31-65 Luke’s narrative describes three failures: Unreliable disciples (vs. 39-46) Deceitful Judas (vs. 47-53) Cowardly Peter (vs. 54-62) Two thousand years and several thousand miles away – it’s easy to point the finger at Peter for his disloyalty. The fact that all the other disciples ran s …

Exodus 32:1 – 33:6 Have you ever thought about this? Our great grandfathers called it the Holy Sabbath. Our grandfathers – the Sabbath. Our fathers – Sunday. Today – the weekend. This is called drift! The Peoples’ Faithlessness (32:1-6) The longer Moses stayed on the mountain, the more restless the …

Hebrews 10:19-25 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.  Matthew 27:51 NASB When a Jewish man entered the outer …

Exodus 25:1 – 27:21 The heart of the Jewish people was the Tabernacle – around which their tents circled. The Tabernacle taught them some of the deepest thoughts about God – in picture language. What Did The Tabernacle Show? God’s willingness to share man’s life Have them construct a sanctuary for M …

Exodus 20 The “Ten Words” – Why? 1st Compass 2nd Thermometer 3rd Mirror 4th Guardian While all of the words on the stones deal with our responsibilities toward God, 1 – 4 are particularly Godward and 5 – 10 are  manward. A Life Of Responsibility: (20:1-17) Recognizing one true God (vs. 1-3) Worship …

Exodus 19 Why Does God Want To Meet With Us? 1st To bring a reverence for God which leads to a holy life. (v. 20) I have not turned aside from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understa …

Exodus 19 When you read this chapter, the word that comes to mind about Israel is – “chosen” Two things Israel was to be: (v. 6) priests holy Preparing To Meet God You Must: Be willing to obey. (vs. 3-8) Be sure to listen. (v. 9) Prepare yourself. (vs. 10-11) Clean garments. Show a deep respect. (vs …

Exodus 18 Moses’ “Habitual” Practice Remember: These people were learning a new way of life. The people looked upon Moses as the voice of God to determine the divine will. Moses’ Strength Was Being Drained. You cannot understand others unless you have given yourself away. God sent Jethro to observe …

Exodus 17 If you haven’t noticed it yet, you should come to realize the Lord leads in our journey by stages. Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the pe …

Exodus 16 Why Do We Murmur? We are short of memory. We are short of sight. We are short of faith. The Manna Explains Who Jesus Is. Manna = “What Is It?” (v. 15) His humility (v. 14) His eternal nature (v. 14; John 8:53-59) His holiness (v. 31) His sweetness (v. 31) His nourishment of us. The Manna I …

Exodus 15:22-27 Following The Cloud Takes Faith. Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Exodus 15:22 All of us need to be led by the way of the wilderness. There we learn to deal with God. …

Exodus 15:1-21 Don’t Be Afraid Of Change. Watch Where You Look. It Will Take Commitment. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.  Genesis 2:3 This process is both: positional progressive Such were some of you; but …

Luke 2:1-20 Jesus’ role as Savior was proclaimed before His birth. Jesus’ salvation is intended for all people. Jesus’ salvation comes to us through the lives of “insignificant people” who choose to serve God in obedience rather than carve out a history for themselves. Jesus’ salvation comes to us i …

Matthew 1:18-25 The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.”  Matthew 4:16 People during the time of Jesus lived in spiritual darkness and longed for light. We as Christians live in the same times of …

Exodus 14:13 – 15:21 Fear can energize us or it can paralyze us. Three Commands To Consider: (vs. 1-15) Stand still. v. 13 Keep silent. v. 14 Go forward. v. 15 Notice – the Lord’s protecting them. Think about the courage to walk between those walls of water. A The Egyptians Could Not Resist (vs. 13- …

Exodus 13:17 – 14:12 You cannot ever forget that the entire Exodus was wrought in faith. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will certainly take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” Exodus 13:19 The Gu …

Exodus 11 – 12 Passover And The Egyptians (11:1-10) Moses heard God’s Word. (vs. 1-3) Israel was to leave with payment. Moses warned Pharaoh. (vs. 4-10) This was Moses’ final address to Pharaoh and it was rejected. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. Proverbs 16:18 …

Ex. 7:14 – 10:29 Things To Ponder So Moses and Aaron did this; as the Lord commanded them, so they did. And Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh. Exodus 7:6-7 NASB Two aged men pitted against all the power of Egypt. There is no doubt why Pharaoh would sneer. …

Exodus 5:22 – 6:13  Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 NASB But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I …

Exodus 4:27 – 6:1 The Interview With The Elders Exodus 4:27-31 When all were gathered Aaron was the voice. We really don’t know how they were received at first. At this meeting they exhibited the signs. Exodus 4:29-31 They all ended up in worship. The Interview With Pharaoh vs. 1-5 But Pharaoh said, …

Exodus 4:18-31 First Steps Toward Egypt Moses put himself under authority. v. 18 The request must have involved surprise and pain for the entire family. Notice: God had to send a second summons. v. 19 Have you ever stopped to consider how thoughtful God is? In his hand Moses had the staff which is G …

Luke 9:18-27 Snapshot of God the Father When you think of the Ten Commandments, what is the first thing you think about? Could it be that the Ten Commandments represent something far_________than just ______ and _________? Could it be that we would better and more fully understand the Ten Commandmen …

Exodus 3:1 – 4:13 Moses had to learn that God’s work is done by God, not man. Moses’ excuses were showing he thought it all depended on him, not God. The Message In The Name Previously Moses knew God as “Elohim”.  God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Is …

Exodus 3:1-12 This is Moses’ graduation day of God’s school in the desert. The time had come for “GOD” to deliver Abraham’s descendants from Egypt after 400 years. Moses Was To Learn Several Important Lessons On This Day! 1st It was an ordinary bush. 2nd Until the desert time the emphasis had been o …

Exodus 2:11-22 Moses’ Actions New Testament Commentary But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. …

Exodus 1:1-2:10 The Setting Is Important It is a story about a: birth parents       Jochebed – Amram people king Four Centuries Earlier Moses’ story is a sequel to Joseph’s life who was the son of Jacob, and how they get to Egypt. Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers …

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5:13-14 NASB The basic concept of being …

2 Timothy 1:1-14 There is no greater sign of love than to be willing to risk rejection to do what is right. Why Is Confrontation Difficult? Different words are used: admonish, counsel, correct instruct, teach, warn It is our acceptance of others that gives us the credibility to admonish and correct. …

Acts 10:1-35 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7 NASB Nothing shatters true spiritual unity more than legalism. This type of church leads to divisions and a lingering sense of false guilt. Legalism Verses License! Let’s set the record strai …

John 13:1-17 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12:10 NASB What does this verse mean? We’re all to make one another “look and sound good”! Jesus Acted Out A Word Picture! Could it be we confuse principle and pattern when looking at this pictu …

I Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-3 What was your family like when you were growing up? Paul Used Powerful Word Pictures To Describe The Church. 1st agricultural 2nd architectural 3rd anatomical Paul now introduces another picture – family. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; Romans 12:10a NASB Th …

I Corinthians 12:12-27 There is _________ in unity! I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The …

John 2:13-22 History Behind The Text Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  John 2:19 NASB Jesus’ answer has layers of meaning: Jesus’ body would rise. The Jerusalem temple would fall. The temple was the most important building in Israel. King Solomon Pres …

Luke 14:28-30 Counting The Cost What is more embarrassing than starting something and realizing – you can’t finish? The Carpenter seeks disciples that will finish well. Did you notice – this parable implies a promise to help. We need not fear the outcome of our salvation unless we believe that Chris …

Joining Christmas Story Luke 2:1-20  In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.  John 14:20 NASB Carpentry requires two fundamental skills: shaping and joining. Putting two pieces of wood together and making them one is a must. A joint works better than nails. Typ …

Acts 9 Tekton = means many things. A great translation is “shaper”. When carpenters “shape” wood they do so by “cutting”. Important Truths: Jesus loves us without condition. Jesus accepts us – knots, cracks, and all. Jesus begins with us as we are. However – Jesus intends to cut away parts that inte …

DIVISION 1 Kings 12:1-19 A Historical Context Is Important ___________ Gen. 12:6 ___________ Gen. 33:18-20 ___________ Josh. 24:32 The scene was ________________. The demands recorded in v. 4 were not all that ______________. They already had another __________ in place – Jeroboam. Notice: Not a wor …

John 5:1-17 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness;  for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  Romans 8:26 NASB 1st  Yield Yourself To The Carpenter. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for …

Mark 6:1-6; John 6:1-14 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the sain …

Mark 6:1-6; Luke 2:41-52 It is thought that when Joseph died, Jesus became the supervisor of the carpenter’s shop in Nazareth. The Carpenter’s Son in the Shop When He was about 30 years of age, He attended meetings in the Jordan Valley and was baptized by John. It was then that Jesus learned a trade …

The World’s Gone Mad What do Moses, King David, Jonah, and Jesus all have in common? Anger It came about, as soon as Moses came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing; and Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain. Exodus …

Luke 18:9-14 Prayer is a conversation with God. Learning how to pray is a must to living fit spiritually. Allow these truths to sink in: Prayer occurs when you depend on God. Prayerlessness occurs when you depend on self. Prayerlessness is a result of self. Prayer is not optional; it is essential. W …