Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. John 12:1-6 NKJV
1. THE ENEMY OF GENEROSITY
This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. John 12:6 NKJV
Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him. John 6:70-71
SUCCESS IS CONFRONTING OUR WEAKNESSES AND OVERCOMING THEM!
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
2. THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF GENEROSITY
And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction 1 Chronicles 29:3
Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David, so the king went there and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings. 1 Kings 3:3-4
While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:1-4
EXTRAVAGANCE IS NOT THE AMOUNT, BUT THE ATTITUDE BEHIND IT!
She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. Mark 14:8
they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord 2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV
THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT YOU CAN GIVE GOD IS YOUR HEART
3. THE REWARD OF GENEROSITY
I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed. Mark 14:9
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”; “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”; Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” John 11:32;39-40;43-44
GENEROSITY IS A REFLECTION OF GRATITUDE
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6
Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 NIV
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. Genesis 12:7
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Psalms 119:1-5 NLT
And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. Luke 16:9 NKJV
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? Luke 16:10-12 NKJV
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13 NKJV
1. WHAT IS MAMMON?
Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves… Genesis 11:3-4 NKJV
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 NKJV
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:25-26 NKJV
MAMMON PROMISES US THINGS ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE
Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom and not to the wealth of this world. Psalms 119:36
2. IS MONEY EVIL?
MONEY IS NOT EVIL IT IS NEUTRAL
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. Luke 16:9 NKJV
ONLY GOD CAN TURN UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON INTO SOULS
3. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY MONEY?
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10
SATISFACTION IS ROOTED IN LIVING YOUR PURPOSE!
And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV
HOW CAN YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HEART IS?
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb. among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” Exodus 13:1-2 NKJV
every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. Exodus 13:12-13 NKJV
1. THE FIRSTBORN MUST BE SACRIFICED OR REDEEMED
For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. Psalms 51:5
JESUS IS GOD’S TITHE
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
MANY THINK THAT THE TITHE IS WHAT CAUSES THE BLESSING, BUT THAT'S NOT THE TRUTH; IT'S YOUR FAITH THAT CAUSES THE BLESSING!
Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies. “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel. Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.” Joshua 6:17-19
2. FIRSTFRUITS MUST BE OFFERED
Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase Proverbs 3:9 NKJV
The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. Exodus 23:19 NKJV
But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Joshua 7:1-2
IT TAKES FAITH TO TITHE AND IT TAKES FAITH TO BELIEVE THAT 90% BLESSED IS FAR BETTER THAN 100% CURSED.
And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Genesis 4:3 NKJV
Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. Genesis 4:4-5 NKJV
3. THE TITHE MUST BE FIRST
One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy. Leviticus 27:30
For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. Romans 11:16 NKJV
And in the future, your children will ask you, ‘What does all this mean?’ Then you will tell them, ‘With the power of his mighty hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery. Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, so the Lord killed all the firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why I now sacrifice all the firstborn males to the Lord… Exodus 13:14-15
Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable, conducting affairs with honesty and truth. Psalms 112:5 TPT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ Malachi 3:6-7 NIV
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ Malachi 3:8 NIV
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Malachi 3:8-9 NIV
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12 NIV
3 UNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT TITHING
1. TITHING IS A TEST
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:10 NIV
2. TITHING IS BIBLICAL
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:18-20 NIV
this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me. Genesis 28:22
One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy. Leviticus 27:30
And it shall be, when you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground, which you shall bring from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. Deuteronomy 26:1-2 NKJV
then you shall say before the Lord your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. I have not eaten any of it when in mourning, nor have I removed any of it for an unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. Deuteronomy 26:13-14 NKJV
Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us… Deuteronomy 26:15 NKJV
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Mathew 23:23
3. TITHING IS A BLESSING
Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 31:4 NKJV
As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. And the children of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cities of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and sheep; also the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the Lord their God they laid in heaps. In the third month they began laying them in heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. 2 Chronicles 31:5-7 NKJV
And when Hezekiah and the leaders came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance. 2 Chronicles 31:8-10 NKJV
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:25-26
Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. Psalms 106:3 NIV
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. Psalms 106:4-5 NIV
You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38 NIV
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38 NIV
HOW TO DEVELOP A HEART OF GENEROSITY
But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
1. DEAL WITH A SELFISH HEART
Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin. Deuteronomy 15:9
WHY DID GOD INVENT GIVING?
GIVING OVER ANY OTHER ACTIVITY WORKS SELFISHNESS AND GREED OUT OF OUR HEARTS
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Proverbs 16:2
when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:3
2. DEAL WITH A GRIEVING HEART
Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:10
SELFISHNESS ATTACKS US BEFORE WE GIVE AND GRIEF ATTACKS US AFTER WE GIVE.
HOW DO YOU COMBAT GRIEF?
YOU HAVE THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE REGARDING “YOUR” MONEY
3. DEVELOP A GENEROUS HEART
Give him a generous farewell gift from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. Share with him some of the bounty with which the Lord your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 15:14
HOW DO YOU WALK IN GENEROSITY?
BY RENEWING OUR MINDS
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:3-8 NLT
4. DEVELOP A GRATEFUL HEART
Remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you! That is why I am giving you this command. Deuteronomy 15:15
live each day with holy awe and reverence throughout your time on earth. For you know that your lives were ransomed once and for all from the empty and futile way of life handed down from generation to generation. It was not a ransom payment of silver and gold, which eventually perishes, but the precious blood of Christ—who like a spotless, unblemished lamb was sacrificed for us. 1 Peter 1:17-19 TPT
QUESTION: CAN YOU TEACH ON THE “END TIMES”? HOW DO WE PREPARE FOR THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS?
WE BELIEVE AS A CHURCH IN THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, OR IN OTHER WORDS THE FACT THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!
After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven?
Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11
OVER 300 REFERENCES IN N.T. OF JESUS’ RETURN
216/260 CHAPTERS IN THE N.T. REFERENCE JESUS’ RETURN
23 OF THE 27 N.T. BOOKS REFERENCE JESUS’ RETURN
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36
Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:3-14
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
✓ WARS & THREATS
✓ FAMINES & EARTHQUAKES
✓ HATRED ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR BELIEVERS
✓ SIN WILL BE RAMPANT
✓ LOVE WILL GROW COLD
✓ THE GOSPEL BEING PREACHED TO THE WHOLE WORLD
✓ WORLD WIDE SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY
And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. Revelation 11:9 NLT
✓ WORLDWIDE FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
WHAT IS THE WORLD’S RESPONSE?
Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3:3-4
✓ MOCK THE TRUTH
✓ FOLLOW THEIR DESIRES
WHAT IS THE REALITY?
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:8-10
✓ GOD WANTS ALL TO BE SAVED
✓ MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT BE READY
Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:40-42
WHAT IS MY RESPONSE?
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13 NLT
➡ WE SHOULD BE CLEAR-HEADED
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 ESV
For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:18-20
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Timothy 6:11-12,14 NLT
➡ WE SHOULD ELEVATE OUR RELATIONSHIPS
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 1 Peter 4:8-9
➡ WE SHOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10-11
➡ WE SHOULD RECEIVE JESUS’ FORGIVENESS
Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live? 2 Peter 3:11
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. Isaiah 55:6-7
QUESTION: CAN WE TALK MORE IN-DEPTH ABOUT SIN STRUGGLES IN THE CHURCH, IE: LUST, SEXUAL SIN, AND ADDICTIONS, ETC...
1. WHY DO WE DEAL WITH IT?
Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires… Romans 1:21,25-26 NLT
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE
YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN. YOU BELONG TO GOD.
HIS SPIRIT WAS PUT IN YOU
HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY
IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM GODS WRATH
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:23-25 ESV
And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Romans 5:9 NLT
IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM SATAN
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM SIN
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT
IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM OURSELVES AND OTHERS
He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT
God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. 1 Corinthians 7:23 NLT
2. HOW DO WE CONQUER IT?
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV
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But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:19,22 NLT
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Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:7-8 NLT
'For if you live by its (sinful nature) dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. Romans 8:13 NLT
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Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-2 NLT
for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT
They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again. Mark 10:34 NLT
A- AVOID
N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)
T- TURN
H- HOLD
E-
M-
let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT
A- AVOID
N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)
T- TURN
H- HOLD
E- ENJOY
M-
'You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Colossians 2:20-23 NLT
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalms 16:11 NLT
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. Psalms 19:8-10 NLT
A- AVOID
N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)
T- TURN
H- HOLD
E- ENJOY
M- MOVE
I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. Proverbs 24:30-34 NLT
who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:14 NLT
18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
10% are Resilient Disciples
5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES
1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY
2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE
3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
4. THEY ARE MOTIVATED AND TRAINED FOR VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP
5. RESILIENT DISCIPLES CURB THEIR ENTITLEMENT AND SELF-CENTERED TENDENCIES BY ENGAGING IN COUNTERCULTURAL MISSION
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. Luke 14:26-28 NLT
WITHOUT INTENTIONALITY WE WILL DRIFT TOWARDS CONFORMITY AND COMPLACENCY
let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:5 NLT
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 NLT
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 NLT
WHAT GETS RID OF SELF-CENTERED WAYS AND CHECKS ENTITLEMENT IS SERVICE, SACRIFICE, SILENCE, SOLITUDE, LETTING GO OF CONTROL, AND THINKING LESS ABOUT YOURSELF. DAVID KINNAMAN
HOW DO WE LIVE ON MISSION WHILE IN EXILE?
1. EXILES SHOULD MAKE PRAYER A MISSION.
And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2
2. EXILES SHOULD BE FAITHFUL AND HOLY
Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 NLT
So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 1 Peter 1:17 NLT
3. EXILES SHOULD BE FRUITFUL
Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! Jeremiah 29:5-6 NLT
4. EXILES MUST BE WARY, REALISTIC, AND HOPEFUL
Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord . Jeremiah 29:8-9 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
5. EXILES SHOULD TAKE EPIC RISKS TO SAY AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12-14 NLT
6. EXILES MUST FIND THEIR HOME IN GOD
'In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:12-14 NLT
18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
22% are Prodigals
30% are Nomads
38% are Habitual Churchgoers
10% are Resilient Disciples
5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES
1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY
2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE
3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
4. THEY ARE MOTIVATED AND TRAINED FOR VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT
'A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. ' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT
“A SPIRITUAL GIFT IS A SPECIAL SUPERNATURAL ABILITY THAT GOD GIVES TO EACH OF HIS CHILDREN SO THAT TOGETHER WE CAN ADVANCE HIS PURPOSES IN THIS WORLD.” -PASTOR CHRIS HODGES
“Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth, or power. Those rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.” Rabbi Harold Kushner
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
'In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:6 NLT
FOUR LIVED TRUTHS OF A VOCATIONAL DISCIPLE
1. I CLEARLY SEE HOW THE WORK I AM DOING SERVES GOD
2. I FIND PURPOSE AND MEANING IN THE WORK I DO
3. AS A CHRISTIAN, IS IMPORTANT TO MOLD THE CULTURE OF MY WORKPLACE
4. I AM DRIVEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
1. WE HAVE TO DISCOVER OUR WHY
'You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.' Psalms 139:13-14 NLT
“Humans were made to have meaning. Without purpose, life is meaningless. A meaningless life is a life without hope or significance. This is a profound statement and one that everyone should spend time pondering. God gives purpose. Purpose gives meaning. Meaning gives hope and significance. There is awesome truth contained within that logic.” Rick Warren
QUESTION 1: WHAT DO YOU CRY ABOUT?
QUESTION 2: WHAT DO YOU SING ABOUT?
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
QUESTION 3: WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT?
2. WE UNDERSTAND SUSTAINABLE INFLUENCE IS BASED ON CHARACTER NOT TALENT
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14,16 NLT
MARK 1: A WISE PERSON TRUSTS IN GOD
MARK 2: A WISE PERSON WALKS IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
MARK 3: A WISE PERSON SEEKS GOOD COUNSEL
MARK 4: A WISE PERSON USES WORDS WISELY
MARK 5: A WISE PERSON EXERCISES SELF-CONTROL
MARK 6: A WISE PERSON MANAGES THEIR RESOURCES
MARK 7: A WISE PERSON LIVES IN PEACE
3. WE UNDERSTAND WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16
4. WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHERE WE ARE AT AND WE GROW INTO WHERE DESIRE TO BE.
18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
22% are Prodigals
30% are Nomads
38% are Habitual Churchgoers
10% are Resilient Disciples
5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES
1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY
2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE
3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 1 John 2:13 NKJV
GOD'S IDEA OF A HEALTHY CHURCH IS MULTIGENERATIONAL
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5 NLT
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT
“We don’t merely bear one another’s burdens; the true burden is bearing one another. We overlook offense. We forgive. We show mercy and grace. We disabuse ourselves of our own pipe dreams and illusions of Christian community in order for the power of that community to take effect.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
INSTEAD OF CULTIVATING COMMUNITY, WE ARE CULTIVATING ISOLATION
'Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NLT
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS IN A GODLY COMMUNITY CAN ANSWER SOME OF OUR DEEPEST LONGINGS.
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT
“Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NLT
You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NLT
1. WE SHOW UP
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
2. WE ALLOW EMOTIONS AND VULNERABILITIES TO BE SHARED WITHOUT JUDGEMENT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them... Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:9,15 NLT
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalms 32:3 NIV
3. WE BECOME MENTORS
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NLT
18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
22% are Prodigals
30% are Nomads
38% are Habitual Churchgoers
10% are Resilient Disciples
5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES
1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:7-8 NLT
TWO FACTORS THAT HINDER OUR INTIMACY WITH JESUS
1. WE HAVE AN ELECTIVE IDENTITY
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:13-16 NLT
And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. Isaiah 64:8 NOT
“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’” Isaiah 45:9 NLT
2. WE HAVE A SELF-CREATED VERSION OF JESUS
You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT
If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:38-39 NLT
If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine… Matthew 10:37 NLT
HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS?
1. WE EXPERIENCE JESUS TOGETHER
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 ESV
2. WE EXPERIENCE JESUS BY SOLELY FOLLOWING HIM
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT
3. WE EXPERIENCE JESUS BY ASKING THE CHALLENGING QUESTIONS OF LIFE
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. Acts of the Apostles 17:11 NLT
4. WE EXPERIENCE JESUS BY GETTING CLOSE AND STAYING CLOSE
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1 NLT
18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
22% are Prodigals
30% are Nomads
38% are Habitual Churchgoers
10% are Resilient Disciples
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal… and they intermarried with them. Israelite sons married their daughters, and Israelite daughters were given in marriage to their sons. And the Israelites served their gods. Judges 2:10-11; 3:6 NLT
He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right... Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. 2 Kings 22:2; 23:25 NLT
So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the Lord their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 2 Chronicles 34:33 NLT
“O Israel,” says the Lord, “if you wanted to return to me, you could. You could throw away your detestable idols and stray away no more. Then when you swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ you could do so with truth, justice, and righteousness. Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world, and all people would come and praise my name.” Jeremiah 4:1-2 NLT
I FEAR THE CHURCH TODAY WANTS A KING JOSIAH REFORMATION INSTEAD OF A JEREMIAH RESTORATION
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord. This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:4-13 NLT
I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 NLT
1. RESILIENT DISCIPLES EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS
2. RESILIENT DISCIPLES ARE DEVELOPING CULTURAL DISCERNMENT
3. RESILIENT DISCIPLES FORGE MEANINGFUL INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
4. RESILIENT DISCIPLES ARE TRAINED FOR VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP
5. RESILIENT DISCIPLES CURB THEIR ENTITLEMENT AND SELF-CENTERED TENDENCIES TO LIVE A LIFE OF MISSION
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5 NLT
QUADRANT 4: A CALL TO ACTION
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23 NLT
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Colossians 3:23 GNT
DREAMS ARE CONCEIVED ON YOUR KNEES AND ACHIEVED ON YOUR FEET.
ADVICE
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 NIV
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. Proverbs 11:14 NLT
WHAT DO YOU WANT? WHAT IS GETTING IN THE WAY?
WHAT IS GETTING IN THE WAY? WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?
WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT? WHAT ARE WILLING TO COMMIT TO DO?
STRUCTURE
The prudent give thought to their steps. Proverbs 14:15 NIV
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40 NIV
CHALLENGE
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 NLT
DEVELOPMENT
Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. Psalms 144:1 NLT
CONSISTENCY BUILDS CONFIDENCE AND CONFIDENCE CREATES MOMENTUM
SERVICE
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”Acts 20:35 NLT
People Fuel – Week 5
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the other.” Romans 12:5 NLT
QUADRANT 1: BE PRESENT
TRUE, DEEP RELATIONSHIPS ARE BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF TRUST
QUADRANT 2: CONVEY THE GOOD
AFFIRMATION
ENCOURAGEMENT
RESPECT
HOPE
FORGIVENESS
CELEBRATION
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
QUADRANT 3: PROVIDE REALITY
WITHOUT QUADRANTS 1 AND 2, QUADRANT 3 DOESN’T HAVE A LEG TO STAND ON
CLARIFICATION
CLARIFICATION: HELPING A PERSON THINK CLEARLY ENOUGH TO SEE AN ANSWER.
So quickly my dude just fires back:
Have you ever wished you HAD more clarity…? This guy does: 10 min later she texts back and says:
“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good? ” Mark 10:17-18 NIV
“Jesus answered. “No one is good except for God alone” Mark 10:18 NIV
PERSPECTIVE
INSIGHT
INSIGHT: CONVEY A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water. I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
FEEDBACK
FEEDBACK ISN’T A BAD THING
“Let a righteous man strike me – that is a kindness; let him rebuke me – that is oil on my head” Psalms 141:5
CONFRONTATION
CONFRONTATION: FACING ANOTHER PERSON WITH A REALITY ALONGSIDE AN APPEAL AND WARNING TO CHANGE
FEEDBACK CAN OFFER AFFIRMATION AND POSITIVITY OR IT CAN BE A CHALLENGE AND BE NEGATIVE
CONFRONTATION IS ALWAYS CORRECTIVE
“Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
“…Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
“Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:8-11
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10
“…I am the way , the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5 NLT
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT
THE NUTRIENTS LIST
QUADRANT 2: CONVEY THE GOOD
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV
AFFIRMATION
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22 NIV
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:15-16
ENCOURAGEMENT
“It’s as simple as this: the cure for discouragement is encouragement.” -Dr. John Townsend
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
RESPECT
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17 NIV
“Men are developed the same way gold is mined. Several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold; but you don’t go into the mine looking for dirt. You go in looking for gold.” -Andrew Carnegie
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:36-38 NLT
HOPE
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
FORGIVENESS
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
CELEBRATION
Rejoice with those who rejoice… Romans 12:15 NIV
In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7 NLT
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5 NLT
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone”. Genesis 2:18 NLT
FUNCTIONAL NEEDS
RELATIONAL NEEDS
OBSTACLES TO ASKING FOR HELP
Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. Proverbs 16:18 GNT
They triumphed over him (devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11 NIV
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT
He (Jesus) told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NLT
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 NLT
Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9 NLT
THE FRUIT OF OUR LIVES
1. PERSONAL
2. PEOPLE
QUALITY ONE: VULNERABILITY
“The Capacity to be vulnerable allows us to truly know each other, to support each other, and to be a source of life and energy for each other. People who do not have several vulnerable relationships often struggle with isolation, energy problems, and self-doubt.” Dr. John Townsend
QUALITY TWO: THE CAPACITY TO SOLVE RELATIONAL PROBLEMS
3. PERFORMANCE
TRUNK OF CHARACTER
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 NLT
ASPECT ONE: BONDING
ASPECT TWO: BOUNDARIES
ASPECT THREE: REALITY
ASPECT FOUR: CAPABILITY
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5 NLT
My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Isaiah 53:2-3 NLT
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Mark 4:3-9 NLT
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN SOIL OF FLOURISHING GROWTH?
1. GRACE
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:1-2,21 NLT
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:8-10 NLT
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NKJV
2. TRUTH
“Truth informs, educates, enlightens, corrects, and confronts us.” - Dr. John Townsend
3. TIME
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12 NIV
GROWTH IS NOT INSTANTANEOUS, BUT A PROCESS
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Romans 12:5 NLT
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone”. Genesis 2:18 NLT
FUNCTIONAL NEEDS
RELATIONAL NEEDS
OBSTACLES TO ASKING FOR HELP
Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. Proverbs 16:18 GNT
They triumphed over him (devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11 NIV
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT
He (Jesus) told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NLT
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 NLT
Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9 NLT
THE FRUIT OF OUR LIVES
1. PERSONAL
2. PEOPLE
QUALITY ONE: VULNERABILITY
“The Capacity to be vulnerable allows us to truly know each other, to support each other, and to be a source of life and energy for each other. People who do not have several vulnerable relationships often struggle with isolation, energy problems, and self-doubt.” Dr. John Townsend
QUALITY TWO: THE CAPACITY TO SOLVE RELATIONAL PROBLEMS
3. PERFORMANCE
TRUNK OF CHARACTER
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 NLT
ASPECT ONE: BONDING
ASPECT TWO: BOUNDARIES
ASPECT THREE: REALITY
ASPECT FOUR: CAPABILITY
Serving
Serve – Week 3
AS BELIEVERS, WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE A LIFE BIGGER THAN OURSELVES
YOU CANNOT BE A CHRISTIAN AND LIVE WITH A “ME” MENTALITY
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:3-8 NLT
“…Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah 1:3 NLT
“Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, (not the car 😉) during the twentieth year of King Artexerxes reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, but I replied, “long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” The king asked, “well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of Heaven, I replied, “if it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” The king, with the queen sitting beside him asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.” Nehemiah 2:1-6 NLT
WHAT WOULD OUR CHURCH, CITY, STATE, COUNTRY, WORLD LOOK LIKE IF WE WERE THAT CONCERNED ABOUT SOULS GOING TO HELL EVERY DAY?
GOD WILL EQUIP YOU FOR THE IMPACT HE WANTS YOU TO MAKE
IF GOD CALLED YOU TO IT TRUST THAT HE WILL EQUIP YOU TO DO IT!
“I also said to the king, “ if it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.” Nehemiah 2:6-8 NLT
GOD ALWAYS MAKES A WAY
“IF GOD GAVE YOU THE VISION HE WILL GIVE YOU ACCESS TO THE PROVISION” - T.D. JAKES
“The king asked, “well, how can I help you?” Nehemiah 2:4 NLT
“You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace.” Nehemiah 2:17 NLT
“Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, lets rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work” Nehemiah 2:18 NLT
“The Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate…the fish gate was built by the sons of Hasenaah…meremoth son of Uriah…repaired the next section of the wall…The old city gate was repaired by Joiada…next to them were Melatiah…next was Uzziel…who also worked on the wall.” Nehemiah 3:1-8 NLT
“Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samaritan army officers, “What does this bunch of poor feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap – and charred ones at that?” Nehemiah 4:1-2 NLT
“Tobias the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “ that stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” Nehemiah 4:3 NLT
“ANYONE WHO STEPS INTO THE ARENA OF LEADERSHIP MUST BE PREPARED TO PAY A PRICE. TRUE LEADERSHIP EXACTS A HEAVY TOLL ON THE WHOLE PERSON AND THE MORE EFFECTIVE THE LEADERSHIP, THE HIGHER THE PRICE!” – CHARLES SWINDOLL
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12 NLT
“…Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these. “ Mark 12:31 NLT
“IF GOD GAVE YOU THE VISION HE WILL GIVE YOU ACCESS TO THE PROVISION” - T.D. JAKES
“Discover creative ways to encourage others and motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing. In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” Hebrews 10:24-25 TPT
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12 NLT
Serving
Serve – Week 2
COUCH POTATO: A PERSON WHO TAKES LITTLE OR NO EXERCISE AND WATCHES A LOT OF TELEVISION
PEW POTATO
CHRISTIANITY ISN’T PASSIVE. IT’S VERY MUCH ACTIVE!
SERVE
I DON’T FEEL LIKE I HAVE ANYTHING TO OFFER
I DON’T HAVE TIME
MINISTRY IS FOR PASTORS
LOOKS LIKE EVERYTHING IS ALREADY BEING DONE…THEY DON’T NEED ME
THEY DON’T HAVE ANYTHING THAT FITS MY GIFTS
I’M TOO OLD
I’M TOO YOUNG
OFFERING MY GIFTS WOULD BE PRIDEFUL
WHAT’S AVAILABLE ISN’T APPEALING TO ME
“God made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing” Ephesians 2:10 NCV
“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings” 1 Peter 4:10 TLB
“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings” 1 Peter 4:10 TLB
WE ARE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT YOU AND YOUR GIFTINGS
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians
GOD CALLS US TO SERVE HIS CHURCH
“And he has appointed some with grace to be apostles, and some with grace to be prophets, and some with grace to be evangelists, and some with grace to be pastors, and some with grace to be teachers. And their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.” Ephesians
GROWTH TRACK
GOD CALLS US TO SERVE OUR CITY
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:4-5,7 NLT
SOMETIMES YOU ARE THE ANSWER GOD SENDS FOR YOUR PRAYER
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15 NLT
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
NO TASK WAS BENEATH JESUS, AND NO PERSON WAS UNWORTHY
ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO LOVE OTHERS?
ARE YOU DOING TOO MUCH?
HOW CAN YOU PLACE OTHERS FIRST IN YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE?
ARE YOU LISTENING TO THE PROMPTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
“IF WE’RE GROWING, WE’RE ALWAYS GOING TO BE OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE” – JOHN MAXWELL
TAKE HOME:
SIGN UP FOR SERVE DAY
GO THROUGH GROWTH TRACK
NO TASK WAS BENEATH JESUS, AND NO PERSON WAS UNWORTHY
If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:3 NLT
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges ; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:3-8 NLT
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28 NLT
SERVANT LEADERSHIP IS ROOTED IN LOVE WHICH SEES THE POTENTIAL IN SOMEONE AND CARES SO DEEPLY FOR THEIR WELL-BEING THAT THEY WILL SERVE THEM TO SEE THEM REACH THAT POTENTIAL.
IF WE ARE NOT FUELED BY HEAVEN’S LOVE WE WILL BE FUELED BY THIS WORLD’S OPINIONS AND WE WILL LOSE OUR ETERNAL IMPACT.
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal 1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2-3 NLT
LOVE IS NOT… (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4 NLT
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:11-12 NLT
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 NLT
WHAT IS LOVE? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26 NLT
OUR CHARACTER IS REFLECTED BY OUR WORDS.
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 NLT
Goodness is being good Moral excellence; virtue; the best part of anything; Essence; Strength; General character recognized in quality or conduct.
Kindness is goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others. Kindness is a part of our character…
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. Matthew 7:12 NLT
BE KIND AND DO GOOD
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Our Father in heaven Matthew 6:9 NLT
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. Psalms 68:5 NLT
1950 4.7% of Children were born out of Wedlock
Today that number has risen by 1700%
NATIONAL CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL STATISTICS
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:4-5,13 NLT
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Genesis 2:22-24 NLT
THE QUALITIES OF A FATHER
Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21 NLT
1. FATHER’S MUST PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DISCOURAGEMENT
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Matthew 6:24 NLT
Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom, but my miracle deliverance can never be won by men. Our boast is in the Lord our God, who makes us strong and gives us victory! Psalms 20:7 TPT
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. - Viktor Frankl
You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalms 4:7-8 NLT
May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21 NLT
2. FATHER’S MUST NOT MISUSE THEIR AUTHORITY
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:20-21 NLT
WE CAN EITHER BE A GREAT EXAMPLE OR A HORRIBLE WARNING
“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Malachi 4:5
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children. Proverbs 13:22 NIV
“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Malachi 4:5
“His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:5
Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:44-46
1. ARE WE USING OUR GOD-GIVEN ENERGY IN THE WRONG PLACES? ARE WE FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES?
'Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”' 1 Kings 19:15-16,18 NLT
2. ARE WE CONSTANTLY REMEMBERING WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT AND WHAT IS GOD’S ORIGINAL CALL AND PROMISE?
So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. 1 Kings 19:19;21
3. DO YOU HAVE A PLAN B WITH GOD?
Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”2 Kings 2:8-10
4. DO WE UNDERSTAND THE EARTHLY PRICE OF AN ETERNAL CALLING?
Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” 2 Kings 2:12
Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 2 Kings 2:13-15
When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father!
Then Elisha died and was buried. 2 Kings 13:20
Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! 2 Kings 13:20-21
5. ARE YOU ON THE PATH OF TAKING YOUR ANOINTING TO THE GRAVE WITH YOU?
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18
6. ARE WE GOING TO BE A MULTIGENERATIONAL CHURCH THAT IS FILLED WITH DISCIPLES MULTIPLYING THEMSELVES INTO OTHER DISCIPLES!
Identity
Parenting With Purpose – Week 4
WHAT IS YOUR TRUE IDENTITY?
“WHAT YOU DO FLOWS FROM WHO YOU ARE” MARK DRISCOLL
“…Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “NO, the scriptures say, “people do not live by bread alone.” Luke 4:1-4 NLT
“Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” Jesus replied, “the Scriptures say, “you must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” Luke 4:5-8 NLT
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans
“Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you wont even hurt your foot on a stone.” Luke 4:9-11 NLT
“Jesus responded, “the scriptures also say, “you must not test the Lord your God.” When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.” Luke 4:12-13 NLT
KNOW GOD
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 NLT
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO SEE GOD MOVE UNHEALTHY THINGS IN YOUR LIFE OUT IS SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIM
KNOW THE TRUTH
“WHAT COMES INTO OUR MINDS WHEN WE THINK ABOUT GOD IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT US.” – A.W. TOZER
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
“But you are God’s chosen treasure – priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world” 1 Peter 2:9 TPT
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
RELY ON HIM
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT
“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that...”