God can put it back together. Let the One who designed relationships define relationships. Real love is unconditional. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep …
FLOATING IN THE RIVER Imagine God thinking about you. What do you assume God feels when you come to mind? “Knowledge by acquaintance is always better than mere knowledge by description.” – A.W. Tozer And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in G …
Most conflict doesn’t start because someone is evil. It starts because someone is different. God designed our differences on purpose If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed …
My Church: Pursuing All That God Has My church- Part 4 of 4 “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) Koinonia: fellowship, association, community, friendship, partnership. Christ: is the center of all Christian fellowship In your relationships with one …
The Way God Builds His Church My church- Part 3 of 4 “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 Real life changes happens in the context of relationships. Spring Small Group Semester January 25, 2026 vineyardchurch.com/smallgroups God designed us for comm …
Passionate About God My Church – Part 2 of 4 Jesus: “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against that church.” Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) “Out of the fullness of His grace He has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.” John 1:16 (GNT) To live in God’s blessing in 2 …
First Wednesday 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting January 4-24, 2026 vineyardchurch.com/21daysofprayer When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” He said. Matthew 17:14-18 “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls …
MY CHURCH “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 Living in the Tree of Life What is going to be my approach to God Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kin …
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man (Mark 1:40-41) Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news o …
Jesus talks more about money than any other subject except the Kingdom of God. Money Has Power Over Us “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then th …
“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR INVESTING YOUR LIFE (Matt. 25:14-30) 1 . Ownership: Everything I have really belongs to God. “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, …
We are not products of our circumstances or Intentions, we are products of our decisions. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:8,11) I Have …
Scripture rarely talks about balance. It often talks about formation. The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. Genesis 2:15 (NLT) Work is not the result of the fall. Work is the design of creation. “What do people get for all the toil and anxi …
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteo …
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” (Philippians 4:12) Self-Help Movement 1 . Human Centered “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ …
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. …
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD [Yahweh], the LORD [Yahweh], the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin…(Exodus 34:6-7) Hesed – no clear English equiv …
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD [Yahweh], the LORD [Yahweh], the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he puni …
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord , the Lord , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the childr …
When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” Exodus 3:4 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 “We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our menta …
Part 1 FORESIGHT: The Call to Community “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’” Genesis 2:18 Even perfect communion with God does not eliminate our need for human connection. “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:44 Am I living in the ki …
Signs of the Times “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to b …
Jesus is coming again. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to …
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ”Matthew 28:19-20 “But to each one o …
GOD’S VISION FOR MY LIFE KNOW GOD FIND FREEDOM DISCOVER PURPOSE MAKE A DIFFERENCE I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you migh …
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 ” God has called every bel …
Disciple, Part 2 – Love One Another June 22nd 1 . Nurture important relationships. 2. Restore broken relationships. 3. Redefine harmful relationships. 4. Initiate meaningful relationships. A Mentor An Accountability Partner An Apprentice “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many …
1. Dedicate a specific time. “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:3 …
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also rema …
Jesus’ Rhythm of Life: Solitude – Love God “Jesus went to a mountainside to pray…” Luke 6:12 Community – Love People “He chose twelve… and called them apostles.”Luke 6:13 Ministry – Serve the World “Power was coming from him and healing them all.” Luke 6:19 “Jesus re …
“You’re the bedrock beneath my feet, my faith-fortress, my wonderful deliverer, my God, my rock of rescue where none can reach me.” Psalm 18:2 (TPT) “Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah saying, ‘May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow, I do not make y …
“Stand at the crossroads. Now, consider your ways and ask for the ancient paths. Which is God’s way? Walk on his path, and you’ll enjoy a resting place for yourselves.” Jeremiah 6:16 (TPT) Effects of anxiety in your life: I feel more stress. “…I had no time to care for myself.” S …
“What a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” Romans 7:24 (NLT) Seven ways to find peace when you’re struggling: When shame tries to define you, remember what Jesus did. “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Jesu …
“They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave …
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) P –Purpose. God loves you and Has a Purpose for Your Life. “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (J …
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (NIV) “And when your children ask you, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” then tell them, “It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the …
We assume Doubt is the enemy of Faith Faith is not a destination, it is a journey Doubt is often a pathway to a deeper trust in God’slove As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1-2 (N …
We assume Doubt is the enemy of Faith Religious Approach: denial of our feelings Secular Approach: sovereignty of our feelings Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For …
I. ASK WHAT LOVE IS. Some popular misconceptions: ● Only a feeling. ● Is uncontrollable. “We know what real love is from Christ’s example in dying for us. And so we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers.” 1 John 3:16 (LB) What God says: 1. Love is a matter of choice. “An …
“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) “Joseph was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wiv …
Jesus’ beautiful story of the Prodigal Son is more than a lesson about God’s love. It also illustrates some powerful principles for parenting. We see 3 stages in this parent-child conflict: Stage One: Rebellion. “Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to hi …
“It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong.” Proverbs 24:3 (NCV) HOW TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR KIDS1. Accept Their UNIQUENESS. “God works through different people in different ways…” 1 Corinthians 12:6 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern o …
“It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong.” Proverbs 24:3 (NCV) To Have A Healthy Family: Prepare Your Kids For Life. “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man.” Luke 2:52 (NCV) “You must teach these commandm …
My experience of suffering is shaped by my perspective Western values lead us to assume the aim of life is comfort and ease. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 (CS …
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and s …
WHEN THERE IS A NEED, SENSED BY A FEW, AND EACH INDIVIDUAL ACCEPTS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO DO WHAT HE CAN WITH WHAT HE HAS, REGARDLESS OF THE ODDS, THEN GOD WORKS A MIRACLE! Identify the problem. “…a large crowd” Mark 6:34 (NIV) “…it was late in the day…” & “…a remote place” Mark 6:35 (NIV …
“The LORD said to Moses, send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.” Numbers 13:1 (NIV) EYES OF FEAR CAUSE US TO Underestimated what God can do. “We are all afraid of you; everyone is terrified i …
THREE KINDS OF STORMS WE FACE IN LIFE: Situational Storms. “When calamity overtakes you like a storm…” Proverbs 1:27 (NIV) Relational Storms. “I’m sleepless, shivering in the cold, forlorn, and friendless, like a lonely bird on the rooftop. My every enemy mocks and insults me ince …
When you are praying for a miracle Pray Passionately. “As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ He called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy …
“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar’ (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed…” 2 Chronicles 20:1-3a ( …
What is Fasting? Fasting is not eating for a period of time for the sake of spiritual nourishment How long do we fast? There is no limit “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their …
Looking Ahead to a New Year: Experience isn’t the best teacher. Evaluated experience is the best teacher. 1. Faith Life: My relationship with God 2. Marriage Life: My relationship with my spouse 3. Family Life: My relationship with my family 4. Office Life: My job/school 5. Digital Life: My time o …
– Know God – Find Freedom – Discover Purpose – Make a Difference Secular definition of Christmas miracle: A surprising and welcome event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency “You will conceive and give birth to a son, a …
– Know God – Find Freedom – Discover Purpose – Make a Difference Secular definition of Christmas miracle: A surprising and welcome event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency “You will conceive and give bir …
How to be a person God uses God uses small problems. “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lo …
Upcoming Events: ∙ Candlelight Christmas Eve Services: Sunday, December 22nd 9:30am, 11am Tuesday, December 24th 3pm, 5pm ∙ New Year’s Day 1st Wednesday service ∙ 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting (January 5-25) ∙ Marriage Conference: January 31-February 1 “Those who are righteous will be …
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the …
Five Steps Toward Healing and Freedom: Realize Relationships Shape Your Self-Worth. “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20 (MSG) Reveal the Hurts Holding You Back. “The Lord is close to the brokenhea …
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely; who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” Psalm 112:5-6 (NIV) “Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have clos …
Searching for Truth Jesus loves the outcasts “But how can they call on [Jesus] to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14 (NLT) “Why do you eat and …
Know God Find Freedom Discover Purpose Make a Difference I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.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.I pray t …
How God Uses Ordinary YOU: Expect your values to be tested. Leave your comfort zone. Anticipate overwhelming challenges. Remember time is short. “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, for there is little time left before the …
Common Myths About Ghosts Myth #1: Trapped Between Worlds (Heb 9:27) Myth #2: Unfinished Business (2 Cor 5:10; Eccl 12:7) Myth #3: Souls In Purgatory (2 Cor 5:8; Luke 16:19-31) Myth #4: Provide Closure (2 Cor 1:4; Is 8:19;1 Thes 4:13-18) Ghosts Stories of the Bible #1: Séance Gone Wrong Samuel’s Gho …
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) Identifying- Angels, Demons, Holy Spirit 1. Angels A. Origin: “Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of …
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18 (NIV) …
“In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) “For the ruler of this dark world is coming. But he has no power over me, for he has nothing to use against me.” John 14:30 (TPT) “When you ent …
“Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5b (NLT) Connect: I need others to walk with me. “Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him…” Colossians 2:6 (ESV) Three reasons: It’s safer. It’s supportive. I …
Seven top Question on Heaven…. What is Heaven Like? “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come ag …
“Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, become perfect like him.” Matthew 5:48 (TPT) To Be Like My Heavenly Father… I Must Understand My Children. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows how we are for …
What We Usually Do With Our Guilt. We bury it “You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.” Proverbs 28:13 (GNT) We blame others “‘Yes’ Adam admitted, ‘but it was the woman you gave me who brought me some, and I ate it.’” Genesis 3:12 (MSG) “You’r …
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NIV) How To Get Through What You Go Through SHOCK: When your world falls apart. “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do. Suppose either of them falls down. Then the one can help the other one up. But suppose a person …
God said, “It is not good for man to be alone!” Genesis 2:18 TYPES OF FRIENDSHIPS Casual Friends can be the result of MY CIRCUMSTANCES But Close Friends should be the result of MY CHOICES Fact: The closer I am to a person, the greater they influence my life. So, I need to CHOOS …
“Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, eve …
I. Shadow Mission Results A. Experiencing Regret “Later when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her.” Esther 2:1 (NIV) B. Immoral Fix “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins…from every province…and let b …
Esther 1:1-20 Big Idea: Everybody is created for a mission. Our lives require a mission larger than ourselves. If we don’t embrace our true mission, we all have a shadow mission we fall for. What’s my shadow mission? “God created human beings; he created them godlike, God blessed the …
Jesus’ primary message was ‘the Kingdom of God has arrived’ The Early Church primarily spread the gospel through the practice of hospitality. Reasons Early Christians were Persecuted: Romans viewed Christianity as a strange, foreign cult Christian way of life passed implicit judgment …
HOW DO I SHARE THE GOSPEL LIKE JESUS? Jesus’ primary message is that the Kingdom of God has arrived. Jesus prioritizes seeing people come to Know God personally. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 (NLT) When Jesus heard this, he told …
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 28:19-20 (NLT) Fo …
“…now abides faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Faith “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1 “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 Faith as a …
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me a …
Luke Tax Collector Levi/Matthew (Luke 5) —He gets it Women financially support Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8) —They get it The Religious Elite and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) —The Samaritan gets it/the religious elites don’t get it Rich fool (Luke 12) —He does not get it P …
“One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said.” Mark 3:20-21 (NLT) “Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to s …
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 (NLT) Why do we exist? To be a contemporary extension of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the World and to help people find and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. “Go therefore go and make discip …
“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (TPT) Excellence is doing the best you can with what you have for the glory of God. “Daniel disti …
Jesus: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 Six ways to love people: Accept their UNIQUENESS. “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you.” Romans 15:7 I am accepting when I don’t insist others be LIKE ME. “Love does not demand it’s own wa …
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:36-38 God Wants us to Love Him By: Surrendering our Heart …
“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land.” Exodus 20:12 HOW DO I HONOR MY PARENTS? By Accepting And Appreciating Them. “Listen to your father who gave you your life and do not despise your mother.” Proverbs 23:22 “If you curse your parents, …
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) HOW JESUS SOLVED OUR BIGGEST PROBLEMS: Guilt Symptom: Feeling Worthless David: “…I was so swamped by guilt I couldn’t see my way clear. I had more guilt in my heart than hair on my hea …
PTSD Definition: Mental, emotional and spiritual suffering due to horrible past experiences resulting in a loss of faith in order and continuity of life. PTSD sufferers in the Bible: Job. Trauma: Material possessions destroyed/stolen; business ruined & employees assassinated; al …
“Jesus existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in him.” Colossians 1:17 (TPT) ADDICTIONS: Are an insatiable desire for more. “They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and their hardness of hea …
Anxiety: DSM-5; Excessive anxiety (angst) and worry occurring more days than not for 6 months about a number of events or activities. Effects of anxiety in Your life: 1. I feel more stress and lose my joy. “My days go by…they fly away without me seeing any joy.” Job 9:25(NCV) 2. I have disrupted sle …
Jehovah Rapha = “I am the God who heals” (Ex 15:26) “God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (New Century) REVEAL my hurt. “I kept very quiet… but I became even more upset. I became very angry inside, and as I thought about it, my anger burned.” Ps …
“If Christ is not alive, you are still lost in your sins and your faith is a fantasy… If the only benefit of our hope in Christ is limited to this life on earth, we deserve to be pitied more than all others! But the truth is, Christ is risen from the dead.” 1 Cor 15:17-20 (TPT) “So be careful …
“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2 (NLT) WHY I MUST MANAGE MY MIND ∙ Because my thoughts control my life. “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” P …
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH MONEY DON’T waste it. “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.” Luke 16:14 (NIV) “The manager was accused of wasting his master’s possession.” Luke 16:2 (NIV) DON’T love it. “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one …
HOW OUR FEARS RUIN RELATIONSHIPS? Genesis 3:6-19 MY FEAR OF EXPOSURE MAKES ME DISTANT. “Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you? And he said… ‘I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.’” Gen. 3:9-10 (ESV) Phase 1: SHAME “They suddenly felt shame at their nakedne …
“You are to love the Lord your God, with a passionate heart, from the depths of your soul, with your every thought, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment.” Mark 12:30 (TPT) UNDERSTANDING MY EMOTIONS ∙ God has emotions. ∙ My ability to feel is a …
I. THE LOST SON & LOVING FATHER: LUKE 15:11-24 Get Fed up with my “…he wasted it all…he had nothing left…he got desperate and hungry…he finally came to his senses…” Luke 15:13-14, 17 (NIV) Own up to my “When he came to his senses, he said…“I have sinned against God and you…” Lu …
“Use your body to bring glory to God!” 1 Corinthians 6:20 (TPT) Three ways we DEVALUE our bodies: When I ask the WRONG QUESTIONS . “Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial . Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6: …
FACING GIANTS IN LIFE & WORK The Power of Expecting the Best. “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and were terrified.” 1 Samuel 17:11 “David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight …
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 WHY ARE GOALS IMPORTANT TO CHANGING MY LIFE? 1. Goal Setting is a Spiritual Responsibility. Paul: “I know that I am not yet what God wants me to be. I haven’t reached that goal, but I keep m …
“Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Ro …
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (TLB) “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’…” Matthew 22:37 (NIV) BODY OF …
“Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (Ph) “So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.” …
“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.” Proverbs 29:18 (Mes) VCC Vision: That the lost get saved; the saved get pastored; the pastored get trained; the trained get mobilized. “I keep asking that …
“Always be joyful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT) “Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.” Romans 15:4 (TEV) Five shocking truths that will bring you joy 1. Joy is here. “That …
“After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13 (NLT) “This is the Good N …
Jesus fulfills a long-awaited hope. “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar.” Matthew 1:1-2 …
Upcoming Events: ● Candlelight Christmas Eve Services: Sunday, December 24th 9:30am, 11am and 5:00pm ● 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting (January 7-27) ● Marriage Conference: February 2-3 “Those who are righteous will be remembered forever.” Psalm 112:6 (NIV) “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, …
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life…” Exodus 20:12 Why did god give this Commandment? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NKJV) “If you curse your parents, your life will end like a lamp that goes out in the da …
“And He (Jesus) said, ‘A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant co …
Avoiding Short-Term Pain “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love suffers long …” 1 Corinthians 13:4a (KJV) “Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the fal …
Accept My Calling. “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them.” Rom. 8:28 (NLT) “Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. Others never get asked—or accepted. And some decide not to get married for Kin …
Jesus: “If a family divides itself into groups which fight each other, that family will fall apart.” Mark 3:25 (GNT) I. The Reason for Conflict: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have…You covet but you c …
“It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong.” Proverbs 24:3 (NCV) To Have A Healthy Family: Prepare Your Kids For Life. “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man.” Luke 2:52 (NCV) “You must teach these commandm …
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Colossians 3:16 (NIV) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (NIV) The Holy Bible is historically accurate. “For the word …
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Get a translation I like Get a study Bible Get in a small group Understanding the Bible It was written over a period of 1600 years in over a dozen countries on three continents by 40 people in three dif …
Love It, Learn It, Live It The Holy Bible – Part 1 “The Year of Great Faith ” This will be the best year of your life if this is the best year of your life spiritually. “What gets scheduled gets done” -Michael Hyatt My Next Step: Connectto a Small Group Protect others by atten …
“Anyone who says he’s a Christian should live as Christ did.” 1 John 2:6 (TLB) I live like Jesus when I learn to Live with Discernment. “Don’t become so comfortable with your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.” Romans 12:2 (MSG) “Don’t be nitpickers, but use your …
Your Truth Matters – Part 3 of 4 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) HOW JESUS SOLVED OUR BIGGEST PROBLEMS: Guilt Symptom: Feeling Worthless David: “…I was so swamped by guilt I couldn’t see my way clear. I had mo …
“Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth.” Romans 3:4 (MES) WHEN TOLERANCE IS VALUED ABOVE TRUTH: Immaturity. “(Let us) no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us somethin …
What Is A Worldview? MY WORDVIEW: The beliefs I build My Life on. Six Popular Truths in the American Culture: Materialism. “The one with most toys wins” “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 (NIV) Narcissism. “I’ve got to think …
God’s idea of community consists of radical acceptance that should lead to loving accountability. “God accepts you as you are & loves you enough not to leave you that way.” -Someone, Somewhere Q: How do I take an active role in someone’s spiritual formation? A: Community = intentio …
“In the same way…Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.” Rom. 12:5 (GW) 1. SELFISHNESS DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS “What causes fights and quarrels? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but you don’t get it.” James 4 …
“… you are standing together side by side with one strong purpose – to tell the Good News.” Philippians 1:27 (TLB) “…You have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ…” Philippians 1:5 (NLT) HOW I CAN “PARTNER” TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS? Pray for Opport …
“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body…it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others.” Romans 12:5 (TLB) I NEED OTHERS TO… WALK WITH ME. “…i …
Choose Joy Values We LIVE by – Part 4 of 4 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) 3 Relational Kill-Joys Selfishness. “Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? …
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”John 13:34 Six Ways to Love People Accept their uniqueness. “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you.” Romans 15:7 “Love does not demand its own way.”1 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB) Trust them with responsibility. “Our …
“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (TPT) Excellence is doing the best you can with what you have for the glory of God. …
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV) Distance between us and God God is high above us. “This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool. …
“…Love is kind…” 1 Corinthians 13:4 Parable of the Good Samaritan ATTITUDES TOWARD OTHERS “Keep my distance” Luke 10:30-31 “Curious but uninvolved” Luke 10:32 “Treat others how I want to be treated” Luke 10:33 HOW CAN I BECOME A KINDER PERSON? 1. NOTE THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE AROUND ME. “When he saw …
“Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do.” 1 Cor. 13:5b (CEV) I. WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT It isn’t conditional. It isn’t minimizing the seriousness of the offense. It isn’t resuming a relationship without changes. It isn’t forgetting what happened. It isn’t my right when I wasn’t …
When community decreases, loneliness increases. “The tragic paradox of hyper individualism is what started as an ecstatic liberation, ends up as a war of tribe against tribe.” -John Mark Comer This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than …
“Love is not rude. It is not selfish…” 1 Cor. 13:5 (NCV) “Love has good manners…” 1 Cor. 13:5 (Phillips) “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…” 1 Peter 3:7 “…and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 “Show proper respect to …
“If we are living now by the Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Then we won’t need to look for honors and popularity which leads to envy and hard feelings.” Galatians 5:25-26 (LB) “Love is not envious.” 1 Cor. 13:4 (NCB) I. WHY SHOULD I …
“Love…is not conceited or proud.” 1 Cor. 13:4 (GN) “My children, let us not love merely in theory or in words-let us love in sincerity and in practice!” 1 John 3:18 (PHILLIPS) HABITS OF HUMILITY by practicing: GIVING PREFERENCE TO OTHERS. “…give preference to one another …
“If you are a follower of Christ Jesus…all that matters is your faith that makes you love others.” Galatians 5:6 (CEV) If I don’t live a life of love, Nothing I say will matter. “If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meani …
When you go through difficulties: Jesus looks for you. “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, J …
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Prov. 29:18 (KJV) Jesus Heals A Blind Man: Luke 18:35-43 Believe Jesus can change my situation. “As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. …
Four Indispensable Character Qualities: Remain firm despite the odds. “These are the names of the Top Three—the most heroic men in David’s army: the first was Josheb-basshebeth from Tahchemon, known also as Adino, the Eznite. He once killed eight hundred men in one battle.” 2 Samuel 23:8 (LB) …
“Live life with a new sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life, but as those who do. Make the best use of your time…do not be vague but grasp firmly what you know to be the will of the Lord.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (Phil) Four Essentials to Managing Your Time: Es …
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command.” “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 (NCV) I. Drawing out the best in OURSELVES Establish your DESTINATION. “Where there is no visio …
“Jesus did not do many miracles of power in His hometown, because of their lack of faith.” Matt. 13:58 (Amp) “Abraham’s faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God’s promise; instead his faith filled him with power.” Romans 4:20 (GN) Three ways you grow in faith Faith is …
“Good people bless and build up their city, but the wicked can destroy it with their words.” Proverbs 11:11 (NCV) “Words kill, and words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) How I Can Bless Others With My Words: You Bless Others When Yo …
GOALS FOR PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: “I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…” 3 John 1:2 “Pay attention to my words for they are health to a man’s whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22 Goal #1: Maintain Your Ideal Weight. “Each of you sho …
Six Principles of Change: Principle of Dedication: Commit my body to God. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer YOUR BODIES as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 First law of change: Change is m …
Putting God First World Changers – Part 1 of 9 PUT GOD FIRST “In everything you do, put God first and He will direct you and crown your efforts with His success.” Proverbs 3:6 (LB) HOW CAN I PUT GOD FIRST? 1) Put God First With My MONEY. “No servant can serve two masters; …
Jesus: “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) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the …
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 11:15 FOUR ATTITUDES YOU NEED TO HEAR GOD: Cultivate an OPEN mind. “While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the …
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God …
“Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:13 (NKJV) “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) “In the beginning God…” Genesis 1 …
David: “I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.” Psalm 13:6 (Message) FOR YOUR PRAYERS TO BE ANSWERED YOU MUST HAVE: An honest relationship with God. Jesus: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given …
The Christmas Truce of 2022 Truce: a suspension in the fight. Someone has to take the first step. Willing to drop our weapons. Focus on what unites. Leave changed. Resolution VS Reconciliation Reconcile: to bring back together by bringing the balance …
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the …
Legacy: What people remember when we’re gone. “Those who are righteous will be remembered forever.” Psalm 112:6 (NIV) Three Legacy Lanes: Vineyard Internship Scholarships Missions & Outreach Local Ministry National Church Planting International Missions New Capital Projects Café an …
Using my Time Wisely The Best Investment of Your Life October 30, 2022 [Part 3 of 3] “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be… arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our en …
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to sh …
Think Right… “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly …
“You made my body, Lord. Now give me sense to heed your laws.” Psalm 119:73 (LB) “It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night. God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest.” Psalm 127:2 (LB) B.A.L.A.N.C.E. BUILD my life around Christ. “God will …
“It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong.” Proverbs 24:3 (NCV) To Have A Healthy Family: Prepare your kids for life. “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man.” Luke 2:52 (NCV) “You must teach these commandm …
Effects of a hurried lifestyle I feel more stress. “…I had no time to care for myself.” Song of Solomon 1:6 I lose my joy. Job: “My days go by faster than a runner. They fly away without my seeing any joy.” Job 9:25 I am less productive. “Careful planning puts you …
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 WHAT DOES FAITH DO? Faith Determines What God Can Do In My Life. “According to your faith, it will be done unto you.” Matthew 9:29 Faith Can Solve Impossibl …
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refug …
How To Choose A Church September 4, 2022 “You are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB) “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5 FOUR PUR …
Three keys to developing a winning team: • Heroic off-the-field commitment • Effective team meetings • Practice in smaller units “I’m going to build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 A CHURCH IS PREVAILING WHEN: 1. Individuals commit to …
Jesus: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life!” John 6:63 (NIV) “The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4: …
ILLUMINATION: Letting the Holy Spirit show me the meaning of God’s Word and how it applies to my life. “I pray also 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.” …
2 Timothy 2:14-19; 3:16-17 INTRODUCTION: How do we approach the Word? ATTITUDE Our view of the Word Prepare Our minds to Read or Study the Word Prepare Our hearts for the Spirit to reveal the Word How do we study the Word, or “Correctly Handle the Word of Truth”? Three Key Concepts: I. Observation: …
READ: PHILIPPIANS 2 FOUR QUESTIONS FOR EVERY BIBLE STUDY I. OBSERVATION: What Does It Say? Paul intends to send two men to Philippi. “I hope to send you Timothy” vs. 19 “It is necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you.” vs. 25 Paul endorsed these guys as role models. (Timothy) …
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…” Colossians 3:16 (NASB) I. Categories of Translations of the Bible Exact Equivalency translation of Bible- Word for Word. KJV-King James Version NASB-New American Standard Bible ESV-The English Standard Version Functional Equiva …
How I Build My Life On The Bible? Receive it with my ears. “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV) READ: James 1:19-21 For “Good Reception” I need to be … ∙ Quiet. “Be quick to listen and slow to speak …” ∙ Calm. “and slo …
“I want you to especially emphasize that those who believe in God will be careful to devote themselves to doing good works. It is always beautiful and profitable for believers to do good works.” Titus 3:8 (TPT) Recipients of God’s Blessing Are Called To Acts of kindness and servanthood. Serv …
Mary of Bethany Models HOW TO… 1. Build a Relationship with God “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him (Jesus) and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answer …
God reveals Himself as Holy. “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 False Approaches to God’s Holiness: Think too highly of our own holiness. Think too lowly of God’s holiness. God reveals Himself …
FIVE LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JONAH Every God-assignment is unique. “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.” Jonah 1:1-3 …
But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth… Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will …
“It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his …
“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7 “For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for …
Stages of Deteriorating Conflict: • Remedy Stage – “Let’s fix the problem.” • Repositioning Stage – “Who caused the problem?” • Rights Stage – “I’m right so you must be…wrong.” • Removal Stage – “Let’s leave”/ “Let’s get rid of those people.” • Revenge Stage – “Make someone pay.” Six Causes of Con …
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17 (NLT) Foundations of healthy relationships 1. Wisdom is pure. “Dis …
She said when God Moments come… They often seem impossible. “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants f …
I. Forms of Toxic Faith • Compulsive Religious Words or Activity • Laziness • Presumption upon God • Controlling Others through Scripture • Extreme Intolerance • Addiction to Religious Highs II. Toxic Faith Problems 1. False Teachers “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and n …
“When you get angry do not sin…” Ephesians 4:26 (NCV) “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” Prov. 12:16 (NLT) WAYS PEOPLE EXPRESS ANGER… LASHING OUT. “…Cain became furious and he scowled in anger. Genesis 4:5 (GNT) “…Cain suggested to his brother, ‘Let’s go out int …
“If we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of His Son, now just think how our lives will expand and deepen by means of His resurrection life!” Romans 5:10 (Msg) Jesus said, “I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders – an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.” …
“As Jesus was going down the road he saw Matthew sitting in his tax-collection booth, ‘Come be my disciple,’ Jesus said. So Matthew got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9 (NLT) To Be A Disciple… 1. I must spend time with Jesus. Jesus: “If you want to be my disciple you must come and follow me, becaus …
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 SURRENDER “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42 …
Story of the Shrewd Manager: Luke 16:1-13 WHAT NOT TO DO WITH MONEY: 1. DON’T waste it. “The manager was accused of wasting his master’s possession.” Luke 16:2 “If you borrow money with interest, you’ll end up serving the interests of your creditors…” Proverbs 22:7 (TPT) 2. DON’T love it. “No serva …
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built …
But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive. Habakkuk 2:4b (MSG) Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2 (NIV) “We don’t become more spiri …
“…she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;” Genesis 3:6-19 How our fears Ruin Relationships My fear of exposure makes me distant. My fear of disapproval makes me defensi …
But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive. Habakkuk 2:4b (MSG) Misunderstanding: To be a Christian is to believe in God. “…The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Acts 11:26 (NIV) To be a Christian is to follow Jesus …
Directions: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and mind with wisdom. Focus on each of these areas of your life and things you need to work on. Physical Goal Action: Remove: Mental Goal Action: Remove: Emotional Goal Action: Remove: Spiritual Goal Action: Remove: Financial Goal Action: Remove …
“Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.” Habakkuk 2:4 (Mes) WHY ARE GOALS IMPORTANT TO CHANGING MY LIFE? 1. Goal Setting is a Spiritual Responsibility. …
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV) 1. Models that inspire me to set Goals “Dear brothers, pattern your lives after mine, and notice who else lives up to my example.” Philippians 3:17 (TLB) “I have given you an example to follow: do as I …
Two types of a marriage culture: 1. Control and Fear. 2. Freedom and Trust. “We will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth.” Ephesians 4:15 (TPT) WHAT DOES FEAR DO TO MY RELATIONSHIPS? When I’m afraid of my faults, I become defensive. “God asked, ‘Did you eat…what I …
“Successfully Navigating The Currents Of Life” February 6, 2022 “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.” Proverbs 27:19 (TLB) • The type of friend I am is the type of friend I will attract. Six Marks Of A Real Friend 1. I must be commit …
“But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on …
“Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5b (NLT) 1. Connect: I need others to walk with me. “Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him…” Colossians 2:6 (ESV) Three reasons: • It’s safer. • It’s supportive. • …
Six Aspects That Defined The Lives Of OTJ & MLK: 1. Dreams. “They said to one another: ‘Here comes that master dreamer!’” Genesis 37:19 (NAB) “I have a dream” Martin Luther King Jr. August 28, 1963, Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom 2. Persecution and un …
“On the road someone asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said. Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.” Jesus said to another, “Follow me.” He said, “Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make …
“Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?” Ecclesiastes 8:7 THREE MISTAKES TO AVOID (James 4:13-17) First mistake: Planning without God. “Now listen you who say ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.’” J …
Servant King // The King is Born [Part 2 of 2] “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.” Matthew 2:16 “For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is …
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the incre …
“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; They will be remembered forever.” Psalm 112:5-6 (NIV) What it takes to leave a legacy… It takes Faith… We see it. “…He’s using us all-irrespective of how we got …
You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 TLB Making a Difference 1. Our manner. Be wise in the way you act t …
Common ways we try to find significance: Lie #1: Base my self-worth on my net worth. “I decided to enjoy myself… Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure… Then I thought about all that I had done…and I realized that it didn’t mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind—of no …
Movie Summary: “Togo” is the true story set in the winter of 1925 of champion dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala and his lead sled dog, Togo. Together, they embark on an adventure across the treacherous terrain of Alaska to transport medicine to a small town. Theme: Heart of a Champion HEART OF A SURV …
ACT I • You were meant to make a difference. “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that…Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4-5 (Mes) • What you believe about your …
God Created Life “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living begin.” Genesis 2:7 (NLV) “Anyone can be made right with God by the free gift of his loving favor. It is Jesus Christ who bought them with His …
“Remember the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’” Acts 20:35 (GN) BENEFITS IN BECOMING A GENEROUS PERSON 1. Giving makes me more like God. “God so loved the world that he gave…” John 3:16 (NIV) 2. Giving draws me closer to God. “For wher …
Intentional Generosity Uncommon Generosity // Part 1 of 2 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT) HOW SHOULD I GIVE? Giving: any monetary amount given to God Tithing: bringing a tenth of my earnings to God “A tithe of everything f …
What Should We Do With All The Hypocrites In The Church? You Asked For It [Part 5 of 5] Hypocrite: When our declared values are better than our actual values. Root Cause: We focus on looking good without real life-change. WE BECOME A HYPOCRITE WHEN WE MAKE IT 1. All about formulas. “Jesus re …
Divorce and New Beginnings You Asked For It – Part 4 of 5 “Suppose a man marries a woman and consummates the marriage but later finds her displeasing, because he has found her offensive in some respect. He writes her a divorce document, gives it to her and sends her away from his house.” D …
When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of …
How To Deal With Difficult People You Asked For It! – Part 2 of 5 Types of Crazymakers • Demanding • Disapproving • Destructive • Discontented • Demeaning HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE 1. Refuse to be offended. “Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what th …
What I’d Say To A Young Leader “You Asked for It” – Part 1 of 5 September 11/12, 2021 “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts t …
NOBODY STANDS ALONE Enlisting In a Little Platoon – Part 2 of 3 August 28/29, 2021 “…as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army!” 2 Timothy 2:4 (LB) “(They met) day after day, in the temple courts …