Family Life Church-Hermitage, PA

God remembers Isaiah 49:13-16 NIVGod raises up Isaiah 49:18-21 NIVGod restores Isaiah 49:22-25 NIV

1446 B.C.Exodus 25:21-22 NLT Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.Exodus 40:20-21 NLT He took the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant and placed them inside the Ark. Then he attached the carrying poles to the Ark, and he set the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—on top of it. Then he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Tabernacle and hung the inner curtain to shield it from view, just as the Lord had commanded him.Exodus 40:34-35 NLT Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.990 B.C.1 Kings 8:4-11 NLT The priests and Levites brought up the Ark of the Lord along with the special tent and all the sacred items that had been in it. There, before the Ark, King Solomon and the entire community of Israel sacrificed so many sheep, goats, and cattle that no one could keep count! Then the priests carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant into the inner sanctuary of the Temple—the Most Holy Place—and placed it beneath the wings of the cherubim. The cherubim spread their wings over the Ark, forming a canopy over the Ark and its carrying poles. These poles were so long that their ends could be seen from the Holy Place, which is in front of the Most Holy Place, but not from the outside. They are still there to this day. Nothing was in the Ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Mount Sinai, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel when they left the land of Egypt. When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord.586 B.C.2 Chronicles 36:18-19 NLT The king took home to Babylon all the articles, large and small, used in the Temple of God, and the treasures from both the Lord’s Temple and from the palace of the king and his officials. Then his army burned the Temple of God, tore down the walls of Jerusalem, burned all the palaces, and completely destroyed everything of value.Former GLORY does not guarantee future Blessing 515 B.C.Ezra 6:15-18 NLT The Temple was completed on March 12, during the sixth year of King Darius’s reign. The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people who had returned from exile. During the dedication ceremony for the Temple of God, 100 young bulls, 200 rams, and 400 male lambs were sacrificed. And 12 male goats were presented as a sin offering for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then the priests and Levites were divided into their various divisions to serve at the Temple of God in Jerusalem, as prescribed in the Book of Moses.Repeated RITUALs cannot replace the Glory of GodMatthew 27:50-54 NLT Psalm 22:1-5 NLT True WORSHIP invites the presence of the Living God

Everyone has a next step to take:Find HealingEveryone has a past filled with hurts that can only heal when given to God.IF ONLY WE COULD REALIZE EXACTLY WHO JESUS IS John 4:10 NLTHUMILITY IS THE CURRENCY OF HEALING 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLTTHERE IS NO HEALING THAT COMES WITHOUT FORGIVENESS Romans 3:22-26 NLT

Everyone has a next step to take:SHARE YOUR FAITHSharing your faith with others as you lead them to Jesus transforms your life.The Big Questions:Does conversation about religion fit in today’s world?What if someone asks me a question that I can’t answer?THE COST OF SHARING < THE COST OF STAYING SILENT 1 Peter 3:13-17 NLTPOLITICS ≠ GOSPEL 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NLTTHE GOSPEL IS ACTIVATED BY DECLARATION Romans 10:9-15 NLT

How can we have PEACE in our lives? Luke 19:36-42 NLTThe Happiness Hypothesis “It is worth striving to get the right relationships between yourself and others, between yourself and work, and between yourself and something larger than yourself. If you get these relationships right, a sense of purpose and meaning will emerge.” Jonathan HaidtLIFE with Jesus is marked by peace. Mark 12:29-31 NLTJesus is either the KING of our lives or nothing. 1 Samuel 8:5-9 NLTWho ELSE is worthy? Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT

Join the FamilyJoining this family makes an official declaration that FLC is your church.The Big Questions: Why would I become a member? What good does it do?Church Membership is NOT:a new set of “perks”joining the voting-basegetting a preferential voicea heightened statusa salvation guaranteea covenantal commitmentto sacrifice for the visionto serve in the missionto submit to the leadershipGOD DESIGNED SUBMISSION FOR RESPONSIBILITY, NOT CONTROL Hebrews 13:14-17 NLTSubmission Flowchart:GODSPIRITUAL LEADERSHUSBAND/FATHER/MANWIFE/MOTHER/WOMANCHILDHUMILITY IS A HEART ISSUE 1 Peter 5:1-6 NLTEMBRACING AUTHORITY IS WISE AND HONORING TO GOD Ephesians 5:15-21 NLT

The Big Questions: Why is the church always asking for volunteers?THE FATE OF THE WORLD RESTS ON THE USE OF YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS 1 Peter 4:7-11 NLTDISTRACTION IS THE PATHWAY OF DESTRUCTION Luke 17:26-30 NLTSERVANTHOOD REVEALS THE VITALITY OF THE SPIRIT WITHIN US Galatians 5:13-17 NLT

Everyone has a next step to take:GET BAPTIZEDDeclaring your faith publicly is an outward expression of dying to yourselfThe Big Questions:Baptism & SalvationPublic BaptismWho gets baptizedWhen to get baptizedCan you do it again?WE DECLARE REPENTANCE THROUGH BAPTISM Mark 1:1-5 NLTDEATH AND RESURRECTION ARE IN THE WATER Romans 6:1-4 NLTGOD GAVE US A SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR A COMPLEX DISEASE 2 Kings 5:10-14 NLT

Everyone has a next step to take:Say Yes to The Holy SpiritA life directed by the Holy Spirit benefits you and the Mission to save the lost.The Elephant in the Room:I believe in the Holy Spirit, but I’m not sure how I feel about his role in Christian’s lives today and the function of Spiritual Gifts.JESUS EMBOIES LIFE IN THE SPIRIT Isaiah 11:1-5 NLTGOD’S SPIRIT GIVES US FULLNESS OF LIFE AND POWER Ephesians 3:16-20 NLTThe Elephant in the Room:Are the Gifts of the Spirit for us today or did they cease once the Church was fully established? 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 ESVThe Fruit of the Spirit:Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control.The Gifts of the Spirit:Wisdom, Knowledge, Special Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues, Interpretation, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership & MercyTHE SPIRIT GIVES US REBIRTH AND RENEWAL THROUGH JESUS Titus 3:4-7 NLT

Everyone has a next step to take:Gather with the familyGet in a GROUPGrow your faithGive to the MissionGo to those in NEEDSay YES to JesusSurrendering your Life to Jesus is a commitment to deny yourself daily.The “I Am” Statements:Bread of Life – John 6Light of the World – John 8Gate & Good Shepherd – John 10Resurrection & Life – John 11Way, Truth & Life – John 14True Vine – John 15ACKNOWLEDGING GOD IS AN ACTION NOT A THOUGHT John 8:23-30 NLT“Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.” -C.S. LewisJESUS’ MINISTRY SAVES FOLLOWERS NOT FANS Matthew 16:24-26 NLTETERNAL JOY AND SORROW ARE ONLY 18 INCHES APART Matthew 7:21-23 NLT

Everyone has a next step to take:Gather with the familyget in a GROUPGrow your faithGive to the MissionGo to those in NeedWE ARE CALLED TO THE ELEVATION OF OTHERS OVER SELF Matthew 20:24-28 NLTTHE CHURCH IS A MOVEMENT NOT A LOCATION Luke 9:1-6 NLTMissional Creeds:Unashamed Gospel - Rom 1:16Never Hearing – Rom 10:13-15All Things to All – 1 Cor 9:19-23Compelled by Love – 2 Cor 5:14Christ’s Ambassadors – 2 Cor 5:18-20Missional Readiness – Eph 6:15THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US TO BE A CHURCH ON MISSION Matt 28:18-20; NLTTHE SPIRIT OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD IS UPON YOU Isaiah 61:1-3 NLTGO TO THOSE IN NEED Expressing the Love of Jesus locally and around the world stretches your Faith.

Everyone has a next step to take:Gather with the FAMILYGet in a GROUPGrow your FAITHGive to the MISSIONThe New Testament and the early Church creeds do not contain a specific command to tithe. Does it apply to God’s people today?GENEROSITY IS A HEART ISSUE Matthew 25:41-46 NLTLIFE IS NOT ABOUT GAINING WEALTH. IT’S ABOUT GIVING GENEROUSLY. Ecclesiastes 2:18-20 NLTNT Generosity Principles:Everything in Common – Acts 2:45End of Poverty – Acts 4:32-35Tested by Fire – 1 Cor 3:12-15Realistic Generosity – 2 Cor 8:12-15Cheerful Generosity – 2 Cor 9:7-15Purposeful Wealth – 1 Tim 6:17-19Pleasing Generosity – Heb 13:16You cannot take your wealth and possessions into eternity with you; only your generosity.SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY PROVES WE HAVE THE HEART OF JESUS Hebrews 13:14-16 NLTGIVE TO THE MISSION. Challenging yourself to be generous aligns your heart with God’s Mission

Everyone has a next step to take:GATHER with the familyGet in a GROUPGrow your FAITHLearning happens when experience changes what you know, how you think, or how you act—and that change sticks.INFORMATION WITHOUT ACTION IS NOT EDUCATION James 1:21-25 NLTWHEN CHURCH ENTERTAINS US, THE GOSPEL IS POWERLESS Ezekiel 33:30-31 NLT“I have read through the Bible and found many errors, all of which were in me.” - UNKNOWNTRUE CHRISTIANITY MEANS WE ACT & SOUND LIKE JESUS James 1:26-27, 3:6-9 NLT

Everyone has a next step to take: Get in a GroupCOMMUNITY IS FOUND IN A CROWD. RELATIONSHIP IS BUILT IN A GROUP. Luke 6:12-17 NLTTIME IS THE CURRENCY OF RELATIONSHIP. Acts 2:42-37 NLTLOVE FOR GOD & EACH OTHER BINDS US TOGETHER. Colossians 3:12-15 NLT

CONNECTION IS NOT COMMUNITY. Genesis 2:18 NLTCOMMUNITY IS IN OUR DNA. Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27; Matthew 26:38 NLT“Communities are constituted by physical proximity, shared concerns, real consequences, and common responsibilities.”-Sherry Turkle, Social ScientistYour shadow is the accumulation of untamed emotions, less-than-pure motives and thoughts that, while largely unconscious, strongly influence and shape your behaviors. It is the damaged but mostly hidden version of who you are. -Peter Scazzaro, Emotionally Healthy LeaderCOMMUNITY MEETS OUR DEEPEST NEED FOR BELONGING. YOU ARE DESIGNED TO THRIVE IN COMMUNITY. NEXT STEP: GATHER WITH THE FAMILY.

Why are we here?The church exists to help CHRISTIANS become more like Jesus. Ephesians 4:11-16How can I be MORE like Jesus?John 8:5-8 NLTThe Parable Explained:Seed: God’s Word (the Gospel)Footpath: message hidden by the enemyRocks: faith without roots that withersThorns: concern for riches & pleasuresFertile Soil: honest or good people who make room for the message to growThe Gospel is ineffective when the enemy hides God’s plan from our hearts, when we fail to root ourselves in Godliness, or when we allow the pursuit of worldly pleasure and riches to overtake our desire for the things of God.Noursih the seed that God planted in your HEART.

WHY DOES GOD’S GLORY MATTER? John 1:10-14 NLTGOD’S GLORY FALLS WHERE HIS PRESENCE DWELLS. Exodus 40:34-35, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, NLTLET THE SPIRIT OF GOD HAVE HIS WAY IN YOUR LIFE. Romans 8:11-14, Colossians 3:16 NLT

God sent his love to illuminate a dark world. Isaiah 9:1-2, John 1:1-5 NLTChristmas offers God’s light for your life. John 8:12-19 NLT

Godliness prepares us to WEATHER whatever may come. Genesis 3:6-7, Psalm 1:1-3, The CROSS was the very first Christmas Tree. Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Galatians 3:13-14 NLTThe Christmas tree is a PROMISE of eternal life Genesis 3:22-23, Revelation 22:1-5 NLT

Scriptures: Genesis 1:3, 6-7, 9, 14-15, 20, 24, 26, 28-31 Deuteronomy 8:14-19, Hebrews 13:14-16 NLTGod displayed his GENEROSITY as the very first giver of gifts.Gifts were meant to be EXCHANGED between us and God.God’s gifts remind us to live other-WORLDLY.

What MEMORIALS do you need to build? Joshua 4:1-7Wilderness Miracles (Exodus 13-17)Daily provision of manna and quailProvided water from a rockProtected them against enemiesLed them with a physical presenceSustained their resourcesGod kept his promisesWhat STORY do you need to share? Deuteronomy 7:4-10 NLTWhat MERCIES do you need to recall? Psalm 103:1-5 NLTGod’s Tender MerciesHe forgives our sinHe heals our diseaseHe redeems us from deathHe crowns us with loveHe renews our strengthHe gives us justiceHe showers us with compassionHe is patient and slow to angerHe withholds the punishment we deserveHe understands our weaknessesHe saves the children’s children of those who live for him

Christmas was always part of God’s plan for restoration. Genesis 3:15 NLT...I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”Genesis 49:8-10 NLT“Judah, your brothers will praise you. You will grasp your enemies by the neck. All your relatives will bow before you.9 Judah, my son, is a young lion that has finished eating its prey.Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.Isaiah 7:14 NLT...Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).Isaiah 9:6-7 NLTFor a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!Christmas brings righteousness, holiness, and PURITY .Isaiah 1:16-18 NLTWash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. 17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. 18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.Christmas makes the GODLY whiter than snow.Revelation 3:1-5 NLT...“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Question 1: What is your HEART full of? Luke 6:45, Proverbs 4:23Question 2: How to have a THANKFUL heart every day? Colossians 2:7, Psalm 95, Psalm 7:17, 1 Chronicles 29:13, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Question 3: What does a Thankful Heart PRODUCE in our lives?A Thankful Heart Produces:PEACEWORSHIPJOYA SHIFT IN RELATIONSHIPS

Saul/PaulMinistry: AD ∽40-67Situation: Early ChristianityMessage: Jesus as MessiahPower: 10+ major miraclesFame: NT Writings & MissionsSuccessor: TimothyDeath: Executed in RomeObservation 1: God gives COMFORT while utilizing our suffering for good. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 2, 4:8-12 NLTObservation 2: TRIALS keep us humbly connected to Jesus. Deuteronomy 8:10-14, 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLTObservation 3: In every trial, God’s GRACE is sufficient. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT

ELIJAH OF TISHBEMinistry: 870-850 BCSituation: idolatry (Baal)Message: PunishmentPower: 10+ major miraclesFame: Prophets of BaalSuccessor: ElishaDeath: Whirlwind to HeavenObservation 1: Not every discouraging situation is PERSONAL. 1 Kings 17:1-7 NLTObservation 2: Difficult journeys require SPIRITUAL nourishment. 1 Kings 19:1-8 NLTObservation 3:You won’t find God in the HYPE. 1 Kings 19:9-13 NLT

The Life of DavidAnointed – 1 Sam 16:11-13Needed – 1 Sam 16:19-23Victorious – 1 Sam 17:48-51Celebrated – 1 Sam 18:6-7Envied – 1 Sam 18:8-9Challenged – 1 Sam 18:23-35Hated – 1 Sam 19:9-10Hunted – 1 Sam 20:41-42Humiliated – 1 Sam 21:12-13Respected – 1 Sam 24:16-22Tempted – 1 Sam 26:8-11Dismissed – 1 Sam 29:6-11The Strength to Overcome Discouragement comes from God. 1 Samuel 20:1-6Step 1: Trust in the Sovereignty of God. 1 Samuel 17:41-47Step 2: Reflect on God’s Goodness. Psalm 13, 1 Chr. 10:11 Ps. 100:5 Acts 10:38 Ps. 23:6 Ps. 119:68 Rom. 2:4 Ps. 27:13 Ps. 136:1-3 Rom. 8:28 Ps. 31:19 Ps. 145:7-9 Rom. 11:22 Ps. 33:5 Jer. 31:14 Eph. 2:7 Ps. 34:8 Lam. 3:25 Titus 3:4-5 Ps. 53:9 Mic. 7:18-19 Heb. 13:15-16 Ps. 84:11 Nah. 1:7 Jas. 1:17 Ps. 92:1-2 John 10:11 Rev. 15:3-5Step 3: Offer God Sacrificial Praise. 2 Samuel 24:21-25

Scripture: Eph. 4:30, 6:10-12, 1 Pet. 5:8-9, Eph. 6:13-18, John 16:33 Main Points: Dark Spirituality: There is an exponential increase in fascination with paranormal activity and dark spirituality. While this reveals that people are searching, it has implications for the Church. Vigilance: Christians do not need to fear the inevitable attacks of the enemy as long as we remain ready for attack through vigilance and spiritual preparation for war. Spiritual Obesity: The Church is stuffed to the brim with popular sermons and professional worship. It has depleted our need to live the Gospel and make that our worship. Unless we recognize the value of the Gospel and live our worship, we are not ready for Spiritual Attack.

Works, Baptism, and the Holy SpiritMain Points: Required Acts of Salvation: Jesus demonstrates a descriptive picture of salvation that lays outthe steps for submitting our lives to him. These are later expounded prescriptively by Paul.Obedience & Delight: Jesus was baptized to prove his place in the coming Kingdom and toascend as the High Priest. Our decision to be baptized joins in the Kingdom and acknowledgesour priestly calling by God (Mat 10:32, Luke 14:25-27, 1 Pet 2:9).HS Inclusivity: The Spirit is at work in the lives of all who call on God (1 Cor 12:3) but is alsoinviting us into a deeper relationship marked by power for life and witness.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2, 3:1-5Main Points:Biblical Creation vs Scientific OriginsBiblical Observations:Formless EarthEmpty EarthDark EarthWater/DeepBiblical Concepts:Young Earth CreationismOld Earth CreationismEquality with God-How does strata form?Radio-Dating 300,000 to 2,800,000 years oldWhat’s up with Argon?How do fossils form?How did life begin?Similarity ≠ CommonalityWhat does AI teach us about genetics?Humility of the Scientific Process

Scripture: 2 Cor 5:11, 13-21, Matt 16:13-19, 1 Cor 9:22-23Main Points: 1. Next Generation: There comes a point when we have to call the Next Generation to stand. Ifthey are going to stand, then we must let them. This is how families grow!2. City of the Dead: The revelation of Jesus as Messiah is a turning point in Church history. If heis the Messiah, we have a mission to take authority over the darkness in our world!3. Build the Church: Paul recognized that the building of God’s church hinged on his ability toidentify with those in need so that he could lead them to God. This is our task now.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:10-12; 10:16-22,32-36, Galatians 1:10Main Points:-Blessing and Persecution.-Snakes and Doves.-Division and Restoration.-Gratitude for Persecution.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:9, Psalm 34:8-14, Romans 12:17-21, 1 John 3:14-15, John 13:34Main Points:-How is PEACE attained?-Avoiding the work of peace is ungodly.-Grace-filled Compassion Purchases our Peace.-Our Love for Others Affects Our Eternity

Scriptures: Matthew 5:8, 21-22, 27-28, 6:22-24, Psalm 24:3-6, Revelation 4Main Points:-Is purity unrealistic?-Idolatry and deceit corrupt the heart.-Anything I prioritize over God is an Idol.-The most beautiful views come at a cost.Idolatry Checkup:Am I making decisions about my finances based on God, or am I making decisions about God based on my finances?Am I making decisions about my life based on God or decisions about God based on my life?

Scriptures: Matthew 5:7, 9:9-13, Luke 6:31-38, Proverbs 11:7, Hosea 6:4-7, 1 Peter 1:3Sermon Main Points:-What does it mean to be MERCIFUL?-Do you need MERCY?-Mercy is an act of Generosity.-Mercy comes with the greatest Cost.Sermon Notes:Unmerciful Acts-Loving the loveable is not love-Goodness toward good people is not good-Lending with security is not generosityMerciful Acts-Loving your enemies is love-Goodness without a return is good-Kindness to the wicked/unthankful is Kind-Compassion for those deserving punishment is Godly

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:21-24, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10Main Points:What does it mean to be Righteous?Deconstructing Righteousness.Righteous people know their faults.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:5, Psalm 37:3-11, Romans 12:14-21, Micah 6:6-8, Ephesians 1:11Main Points:-Meekness vs. Weakness.-Running ahead of God.-Doing right when you feel wronged.-Walk humbly with your God.Notes:Stay humble when…You are persecutedOthers are happyOthers mournThere is discordSurrounded by “lowly people”You think you’re rightYou’ve been wrongedTempted to act dishonorablyDisagreeing with someoneYou desire revengeGod fights for youYour enemy is in needEvil is crouching at your door

Scriptures: Matthew 5:4, Isaiah 61:1-3, James 4:7-10, John 14:15-17Main Points:-Mourning for WHO? About WHAT?-God OPPOSES the enemies of his people.-Repentance for OUR sins.-Who needs COMFORT?God Opposes...The Proud –James 4:6The Arrogant –Isaiah 2:11The Wicked –Psalm 11:5Oppressors –Isaiah 10:1-2The Dishonest –Proverbs 11:1Murderers –Proverbs 6:16-17Idolators –Deuteronomy 32:16Liars –Proverbs 6:16-17The Immoral –Colossians 3:5-6Hypocrites –Isaiah 29:13The Corrupt –Isaiah 5:20The Divisive –Proverbs 6:16 & 19

Scriptures: Matthew 5:3, Isaiah 66:1-3, Psalm 51:16-17, Ephesians 5:9-14, Matthew 6:33Main Points:What does it mean to be POOR?Without God, I have NOTHING…God wants my HEART.Love Others, Love God. Avoid: Sexual Immorality, Impurity, Greed, Obscene stories, Foolish Talk, Coarse Jokes.The COST of the Kingdom.

Biblical Relationship Between the Heart & MindScriptures: Romans 1:21-22, 28, 7:21-23, 8:5-6, 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:21-23, Philippians 4:8-9Sermon Notes:-Finding God's good, pleasing, & perfect will-Have the desires of my mind been changed?-A renewed mind enjoys the peace of God.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18Main Points:-Run with PURPOSE-Run with DISCIPLINE-Run with PERSEVERANCE

Scripture: Psalm 33:12, John 8:31-32, Galatians 5:1Sermon:Let’s suppose that sometime this week you turned on the News and heard these 3 Announcements:#1 “The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has just issued this statement: ‘Divine Providence (that’s God) has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty ... of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.’” (This was a portion of a Letter to John Murray, October 12, 1816)#2 “Inquiries by our reporters reveal that almost every state legislature has now passed a law requiring all elected officials to take this oath: ‘I do profess faith in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ His only Son... and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old & New Testaments to be given by divine inspiration.’”#3“Legislation was passed today in Congress to affirm that, ‘The Congress of the United States approves of and recommends...the Holy Bible for use in the schools.’”FREEDOM FOR ALLRESPONSES TO ONE'S FREEDOM-The First Amendment to the United States Constitution:What does the law say there? Freedom of religion, in other words, Freedom of FAITH.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-27, Jeremiah 17:9-10, 17:5-8, Matthew 11:28-30Main Points: The HEALTH of my heart determines my future.A BAD heart believes in human strength.Jesus can TEACH my heart to rest in Him.Notes:How do I examine my heart?What do I think about the most?What do I worry about the most?What is my first thought about how to fix a problem?How bad do things have to get before I involve God?Where is the bulk of my time and money being spent?

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103:8-14, Hebrews 12:5-11, Luke 11:11-13 NLTMAIN POINTS:The CHARACTER of a good father gives life to his children.restrainedcompassionateforgivingyieldingmercifulpatientcarefulsteadfastlovingunderstandingforgetfulThe DISCIPLINE of a good father gives life to his children.The GUIDANCE of a good father gives life to his children.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15Main Points:Giving to God is a MINISTRY to reach the lost and provide for the poor.Generosity leads to abundance and a DELIGHT in sharing with those in need.Notes:Generosity FalsehoodsYou can’t afford to giveThe church is greedyGod understands you need your moneyGiving is legalistic and Old TestamentYou will give when things are betterGiving your time is enoughGod’s Generosity Pathway (Old Testament)Honor God with your wealth, and your blessings will overflow(Proverbs 3:9-10)Generosity = Prosperity(Proverbs 11:24-25)Your money doesn’t last because you don’t honor God(Haggai 1:5-6)Stop cheating God and watch him bless you. Test him!(Malachi 3:8-10)God’s Generosity Pathway (New Testament)Treasures impact your heart’s desires. God will provide!(Matthew 6:19-21 & 31-33)Generosity to the poor matters(Matthew 19:21)Tithing is just the beginning of honoring God(Matthew 23:23)Generosity = Prosperity for sharing with others(2 Corinthians 9:6-12)

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:25-29, Exodus 20:8-11, 31:12-17, Mark 2:27Main Points:Why does a pastor need to take a Sabbatical?Make Time to rest.Generational Stress.Notes:What is a Sabbatical?NOT a vacation or a break from the work of ministry.NOT a reward for time served in ministry.An investment into the future of ministry.A chance to heal from the emotional and spiritual strain that accompanies ministry.A time, through healing, to reconnect with God in the quiet.A time for safety from surprise traumas or eventsEmotionally Healthy Spirituality-Pastor Peter ScazzeroSabbath is a 24-hour block of time in which we stop work, enjoy rest, practice delight, and contemplate God.”Stop – God is in control, not meRest – Intentional recovery for the soulDelight – Enjoy God’s gifts/creationContemplate – Focus your life on GodThe Science of StressStress releases adrenaline and cortisolIncreased BP, Heart Attack & StrokeDecreased immune functionHormonal imbalancesDigestive disorders and ulcersMuscle tension, headaches & body painAlters memory, mood & emotionsShortens DNA protective caps, telomeresAnxiety, Depression, & sleep disruption

Scripture: Luke 6:12-19, Exodus 17:8-11, Mark 5:21-34Main Points:Find time for Prayer.Find your People.Love the One in front of you.Prayer in the BIBLE:1 Thessalonians 5:17 = pray without ceasingMatthew 6:5-13 = it doesn’t have to be fancyRomans 12:12 = pray constantlyColossians 4:2 = continue steadfastly in prayerLuke 18:1 = always pray, don’t lose heartPhilippians 4:6-7 = rid of anxiety and gives peaceMark 6:5-13 = Reminds of who God is, puts him in his rightful placePsalm 4:1 =gives reliefMark 11:24 = gives us what we ask forJames 5:14-15 = brings healing and forgivenessMark 11:25 = brings forgiveness for you as well as for othersPsalm 34:17 = deliverance from troubles

Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:13-16, Leviticus 20:7-8, John 14:15-17, 16:7-14, 20:19-22, Galatians 5:16-26Main Points:Righteous Response3 days laterLiving with GodHoly Living for JesusRom. 12:1-2 – Live as Holy SacrificesEph. 4:1 – Walk worthy of your callingTi. 2:11-12 – Renounce ungodliness2. Cor. 5:14-16 – God’s love controls usGal. 5:16-25 – Life in the Spirit (Fruit)Phil. 2:12-13 – Work out salvation in fear & tremblingHeb. 12:14 – Without holiness, no one will see God1 John 3:2-3 – Hope compels us to purify ourselves

Scriptures: Romans 4:18-24, Romans 4:25-5:2, John 8:31-36Main Points:Impossible PromisesThe Hope of GloryThe Hope of FamilyResurrection OutcomesIs. 53:5 & 1 Pet. 2:24 – Paid the penalty for our sinsRom 3:25 & 1 John 2:2 – Satisfied the justice of God2 Cor 5:18-19 & Rom. 5:10 – Reconciled us to GodEph 1:7 & 1 John 1:9 – Forgave our sinsRom. 6:6-7 & Col. 1:14-14 – Defeated the power of sinCol. 2:15 & Heb 2:14-15 – Defeated Satan/Devil1 Cor. 15:2—22 & Rev. 1:18 – Defeated deathJohn 11:25-26 & 1 Pet. 1:3-4 – Gave us eternal life

Scriptures: John 3:28-34, John 1:29-30, Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33Main Points: -I'm NOT Him.-The Lamb of God.-Beyond a Prayer.Prophecies of the MessengerMal. 3 – A messenger declaring the Messiah and judgementMal. 4 – Another “Elijah” to turn hearts of fathers/sonsLuke 1 – Gabriel says child will have the “spirit of Elijah” and to name him John (God is gracious)Luke 1 – Zechariah prophecies “prophet of the Most High”Public Professions of FaithPeter - Matthew 16:16Martha - John 11:27Nathanael - John 1:49Andrew - John 1:41Demons - Luke 4:41Centurion - Mark 15:39Disciples - Matthew 14:33Paul - Acts 9:20

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3-9, 1 Peter 2:22-24, Romans 8:3-11Main Points:Sustitutionary deathGod ForsakenOut of Control