Wild Goose Chase / #4: A Strange Peace / June 9, 2013

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Wild Goose Chase / #4: A Strange Peace / June 9, 2013"

Transcription

1 Wild Goose Chase / #4: A Strange Peace / June 9, 2013 You don t have to go to jail to wear chains. There are a whole lot of people who wear these all the time maybe not quite as visible as these, but they re wearing them. Some of you guys (maybe, most of you guys) are wearing some kind of chains right now. For some of you and I am not about to ask for a show of hands, that could start a war. For some of you this is what your marriage feels like. In fact some people even talk about their husband or their wife as their ball and chain. You d get out of it, if you could, but you feel trapped. For some of you maybe it s a job. You don t like your job, in fact you may even hate it, but you need the money and you have no good alternatives, especially in this economy. Jobs are hard to come by, so you are trapped. Or maybe you feel like you are chained to some sin, or some addiction. You hate what you are doing, but you can t seem to break free. You hate the shame, the guilt, the fear of discovery, but you just keep on doing it. The lure or your sin is simply stronger than your will. Or maybe for you, these are chains of obligation, chains of expectation. You think, I should, or I ought, or I have to because that s what people expect. You are chained by other people s opinions. You are a slave to what other people expect from you your mom, or your boss, or your friends. I ll bet most every one of you have felt chains like this before. In fact, I ll bet that a lot of you, maybe even most of you, have felt chains like this just coming in this room. A whole lot of people feel like they do life with God because they have to, not because they want to. Some of you guys are here because of duty, because you know you should, because you know you ought to, not because you really want to. And for some of you that means your life with God is sheer drudgery. And some of you guys are here because of fear. You are afraid that if you don t put up with church now, you might miss out on heaven later. And that attitude doesn t make this church stuff much fun. The truth is, whether it is out there, or in here, there are a whole lot of chains. And our chains kind of steal our joy. When you start poking around and listening to people, you realize that most folks are not very content, and they re not very happy. We try to be. We want to live a life we re proud Page 1 of 9

2 of, and we want to be happy. But most of us have this sinking feeling that there s got to be more. Is this life I m living, really, as good as it gets? That s kind of a downer. We re not content with who we are, and we re not content with what we re doing, and even when we achieve some goal we realize that there still has to be more, because it doesn t fill the hole inside. Even in our life with God. We get this sinking feeling there has to be more. Is this, really, as good as it gets? The Bible talks a whole lot more about peace with God, and joy from God than most of us actually experience it seems. In fact, after a while, for a whole lot of Christians, those are just words. They are not what drive us; we are dragged more by chains. Well guys, that s not what God meant for us. We re missing it. And our missing it is corrupting our life with God, and it s holding us back from bringing others to him. Now, we re wrapping up our series on Chasing the Wild Goose this morning. Remember, the Wild Goose is an image we are using for the Holy Spirit. We are also wrapping up our study of Acts this morning we ve been studying Acts since September. We re going to look at the last verses in the last chapter of the book. Now Acts ends kind of weird. It s kind of like you re right smack in the middle of a story, and it just ends. Doctor Luke, the guy who wrote the book, doesn t try to resolve any of the storylines, he doesn t try wrap things up with a summary or a conclusion. The story just quits in the middle of a scene It s almost like he expects us to understand that the story really isn t over yet. At during this final scene the apostle Paul is wearing these (chains). But his chains are quite visible, like these because he was a prisoner of Rome. Here s what it says, Acts 28.16: When we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him. That s kind of weird. Even though he was a prisoner, they let him live by himself, with just one guard. I m telling you guys, if there was one soldier guarding me, and I wanted to get away, I could figure out a way. The soldier has to sleep sometime. So, for some reason, they didn t think Paul would try to escape Why not? We hate chains! Verse 30: For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. So he s a prisoner (chains), waiting for trial, he s having to cover his expenses himself, and he makes no attempt at escape. Guys, by this time Page 2 of 9

3 Paul has been wearing these chains, and waiting for his trial for about 4 years, and it s almost like he doesn t care. But that s weird, because Paul is no couch potato, he s a man of action. There s something about Paul, guys, that we need to get. He had a peace about him, a contentment that absolutely blows my mind; he had this boldness, this courage; he had this joy, even, that most of us want, but never really experience. You see, these chains really didn t bind him. What he had, I want; what he had, I want for you; what he had, you want, I think. Now this is going to be a little strange, but I want to show you what Paul had inside, not from Acts, but from a letter that he wrote during these years he was in prison in Rome. The letter is in your Bible; in fact we have four letters he wrote from prison we even call them the prison letters Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. I want to focus on Philippians, and show you, very quickly, 5 places in his letter that kind of give us a window into what Paul had inside him, that we want. Ready? Philippians : Paul writes, (remember, he s a prisoner) 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. Paul has this amazing perspective on life: Sure I m wearing these chains, but they re not keeping me from doing what God has called me to do, so I m okay with them. In fact they have opened some doors for me. He says, For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. Because of these chains, I ve been able to share Jesus with some of the most elite soldiers in the empire. Isn t that cool. And more than that, he says, Because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and (they) boldly speak God s message without fear. These chains have not only opened doors for me, they have helped some of you find your mettle, and your grit, and your courage. A lot of good has come from these chains, he says. Now, I m not sure, if I was doing prison time, that my perspective on life would be so optimistic, so Christian. Next one, Philippians , just a few verses later. These verses are incredible; if you lived them, it would change your life. Paul writes, from jail (remember, he s in jail), I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Paul has appealed to Caesar to settle his case. Do you know who the Caesar was? A guy named Nero. He was one crazy bad dude. Page 3 of 9

4 You see, Paul was not calm because he was confident they were going to let him go, he was calm because he really didn t care. He says, For to me, living means living for Christ (which is really cool), and dying is even better (because then I will taste life as God meant it). Could you say that? Do you believe it? A lot of us do, intellectually, but we don t live that way. It is no wonder Paul was so calm, and so bold, and so fearless. Guys, I don t want just to believe these verses up here; I want to believe them down here. I don t want you just to believe these verses up here; I want you to live them. Next one, Philippians 4.4. This is an amazing verse, a verse some of you have heard a thousand times. But here s the deal: Paul meant it. Paul writes, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice. Now, these are imperatives, they are commands, they are not options. I like the way the Message puts it: Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean (it), revel in him! Guys, if you study this letter to the Philippians you ll discover why they call it the joy letter. He comes back to this joy over and over again. He s in prison, and he s still got it, and he wants us to get it. And when we get it, it will change our life. A couple verses later, Philippians Paul writes, Don t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Remember, Paul s not writing this from some ivory tower. He s writing from chains, and he s got a whole lot to worry about. He could end up dead. But I think he means it. You see, worry is a choice. He says, Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. And guys, no matter who you are or what you re facing, you have a whole lot to thank God for. Do you buy that? He says, Then (when you stop worrying and start thanking) you will experience God s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Have you ever felt that kind of peace? Would you like to? You see, we know this stuff up here (head), but it s so hard for us to get it down here (heart). One more: and these are some of my favorite verses in the Bible. In fact they have been one of my life challenges. Philippians , Paul writes, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I have learned to be content. That part is so important: it means that contentment is not always easy, but it also means it s possible. There is a way to learn to be content. He says, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every Page 4 of 9

5 situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (whether in chains or not. Paul says, -- here it is). I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Now this is really ironic: Paul is in chains writing to people who are free. He is a prisoner who has learned to be content, writing to people who are free, but miserable. And he s writing to Christians, because most Christians have not learned how to be content. Do you buy that? Are you content? I guess those last verses have been important to me because contentment has been one of the great spiritual battles of my life. I struggled to be content for decades. Some of you guys might not get this part, because you don t have this struggle, but hang with me. I ve told you before that when I was a High School kid my plans were to go to college and study law, and then go into the FBI. And I had the skill set to do it. But one day in a little church in Port Orford, Oregon, I felt God call me into ministry. Now there was no light from heaven, no voice, but there was no doubt in my mind that God called me into ministry. If there had been any doubt at all, I wouldn t have done it, because I did not want to be a minister. I didn t mildly dislike the idea, I passionately disliked God s call. So here s what I looked like (chained to the Wild Goose). I followed him, but I didn t want to. I knew I should, I knew I ought to, I knew it was my duty, and I was afraid not to follow him. But I was probably the grumpiest ministerial student at my college. I felt no contentment, no peace, and I was a world away from joy. It was a little better when I was a professor. I was still, by nature, grumpy. And I was still annoyed at God for dragging me down a path I didn t choose. But I did like to teach, and I do have a passion for kids (I never admit that out loud, but I really do). And I would have stayed at the college for 40 years if they had let me. But they didn t, and so the one part of ministry that I could tolerate was snatched away. Guys, I tried to hide it from you, but when I came here to Capital City I didn t want to be here. Now I was willing to go wherever the Wild Goose dragged me because of these (chains), but there is a profound difference between being willing to go, and wanting to go. So I settled in here to do my duty as a slave of the Wild Goose. But God kept picking on me. Paul says, I have learned to be content. And God kept whispering, Why can t you, you grumpy little twit? So, out of duty, I actually started praying for contentment. Guys, it s not safe to pray for something you don t really want. But I started Page 5 of 9

6 praying for contentment. They weren t very spiritual prayers: God, help me just to want to be content here. And I can still vividly remember the evening, about 15 years ago, when I started to taste it. That was a surprise. It s kind of incredible contentment. It doesn t take away your drive, but it gives you a boldness, and a courage, and a peace. -- UNDO CHAINS -- It s a whole lot better to chase the Wild Goose than to be dragged through life by him. But as the years have passed I learned something else: there is a difference between contentment and joy. Paul had both, but I didn t yet. You can learn to be content and still reject God s command for joy. I know you can, because that s where I was I was learning to be content, but I was a long ways from joy. You see, real joy is more than just contentedness, although that s a part of it. There are people who learn to be content who never experience real joy. Did you know that s a sin to refuse joy? You see, real joy is more than just a feeling, it is a delight in life, it s a delight in God, that goes deeper than our pain or our pleasure. It s a strength that flows from a sense of God s presence a sense of his power and his grace in your life. It s an attitude that changes your whole perspective on life. Okay, I m going to show you two more verses from Philippians and then I ll wrap all this up with three big ideas actually with two big ideas and one huge idea. Here are the two verses, Philippians : Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. You work, because God is at work. Work out your salvation, start living out your salvation, start doing life with God, God s way; because God is working in you. You see, we couldn t succeed in working out our salvation if God wasn t working in us. And here is what God is doing: he is working in you to make you willing and able without chains to obey his purposes. Okay, two big ideas, and one huge one. Here s big idea #1: Contentment is a choice, joy is a choice. Paul says, I have learned to be content. It is something we can learn, it is something we can choose. Paul says, Rejoice in the Lord, always, I mean it, choose joy. Guys, God doesn t command us to do things we can t choose to do, with his help. When I live in discontent, that s a choice. When I live without joy, that s a choice. I don t care who you are, or where you ve been, or how tough your life is you can choose contentment, and you can choose joy. Page 6 of 9

7 And maybe you re thinking, I ve tried, and I can t. I just can t be content, and I just can t feel any joy. Here s big idea #2: You can, because. God. is. at. work. in. you. Maybe you can t, by yourself, but God is at work in you and he is big enough, and strong enough, and smart enough, and good enough to pull it off. Do you buy that? If you don t think God can, your God is a myth, your God is too small. You see, these are what are called fruit of the Spirit. This is what happens when we choose to let God s Spirit do his work in us. The Bible says the fruit of the Spirit is love, and joy, and peace The list keeps going, but joy and peace are right up front. These are what you will experience if you choose to let God do his work in you. His promise! Last one, idea #3 this one is huge: you will never experience these fruit of God s Spirit unless you are chasing the Wild Goose without chains. Most of you know there is something missing in your life; you know there must be something more. You want to be content, you want to taste joy, you want to feel God s peace, you want to have the sense of purpose, the zest for life, the courage that just drips from Paul. Guys, you won t get it unless you are right here, chasing the Wild Goose without chains. Here s what we do. God, I m pursuing this path (not yours), but I need you to give me some contentment, and some joy. I know it s not your path, God, but you promised some peace and some joy! God, I m chasing happiness. I ve looked for it on this path, and I ve looked for it on that one, and it s just not happening. I expected more from you, God! Guys, God s joy, and God s peace, and God s contentment, and God s courage can only be found on God s path. You can t choose a different path and then whine about having no contentment, no joy, no peace. They are side effects they are side effects of doing life with God, for God, God s way. They are side effects of chasing the Wild Goose without chains. Do you buy that? These are by-products of a life well lived God s way. Guys, don t settle. This Wild Goose will lead you to places where you didn t plan to go, he will lead you to do things you didn t plan to do. This Wild Goose chase can be risky, it can cost a lot. But the pay-off? It is the only way to experience what you re really looking for a sense of God-honoring purpose, a boldness and courage that s beyond your strength, a contentment you need, a peace that will strengthen you and dazzle them, and a joy a zest for life. Guys it s worth it. Don t settle. Page 7 of 9

8 Closing Challenge Wild Goose Chase. That s where we ve been the last few weeks. We told you that some of the Celtic Christians called him An Geadh-Glas (on god gloss), or the Wild Goose, because he is mysterious; he cannot be tracked or tamed; there is an air of unpredictability around him. And he will take us places we could never have imagined by paths we didn t know existed. Is that okay with you? I said that many of us try to tame the Wild Goose. We want what God offers, but on our terms. We want to do life with God, as long as we get to dictate how, and when, and where. We want to serve him, when it s convenient, when it s comfortable. We want his power, his strength but at our disposable, under our control. And the Wild Goose won t play. We don t get to (snap fingers) tell him when to appear, and what to do, and how to do it. You see, in our dance with God, guys, he gets to lead. He wants to do life with us but he insists on leading. Will you let him? I also said that chasing the Wild Goose can be terrifying. You see, the Holy Spirit has an agenda for your life that is way bigger, and way bolder than just making you comfortable and happy. And he will take you places, sometimes, where you don t want to be, and tell you to do things sometimes that you don t want to do. He ll lead us way out of our comfort zones. Are you okay with that? And I also said that during this Wild Goose chase he is going to be shaping us. He let s us go through some pretty hard times. In fact, sometimes God does his most powerful work in us when we are going through really hard times. He doesn t cause most of the troubles we have, but he uses them to do his work in us, and through us. Have you seen it in your life? And today I said that chasing the Wild Goose, no matter how daunting it might seem it s worth it. It s the only way to experience the purpose and the contentment, and the peace, and the joy, and the zest for life that you were made for. Don t expect to experience the fruit of God s Spirit unless you are following his path. Are you game? Page 8 of 9

9 About 125 years ago a guy named Henry James wrote a story he called The Madonna of the Future. It was a story about an artist who devoted her whole life to one single painting. When she died, her canvas was still blank. She never finished her life work, because she never started. That is a picture of how a lot of Christians chase the Wild Goose. We can t finish our masterpiece we were created for, unless we start doing life with God his way. So here s the question: What is your unpainted canvas? What God-given dream is collecting dust? What God-ordained passion remains caged in you? I have no idea what your Madonna of the Future is, but here s what I do know: you ll never finish what you don t start. And that is where so many of us get stuck. We don t take that first step, so the Wild Goose chase never begins. Or we take it with reluctance with chains so we never experience the zest, and the courage, and the peace, and the joy we can discover there. Instead of adventure, we settle for routine. Instead of playing offense with our lives, we play defense we settle. Instead of living by faith, we settle for comfortable. As we close this series I want you to pray with me. But this time I don t want you to close your eyes, because I want us to pray this prayer together. I m going to read it first, so you can hear it. Because I don t want you to say anything, to pray anything you don t mean. He ll know. So let me read our prayer for you: God, Please forgive us for grieving and resisting your Spirit through our self-centeredness, through our sin, and through our fear. So often we knew what you wanted us to do, but we chose to ignore your nudges. This is not how we want to live now. We want you to change us. We want to do life with you, and for you. Protect us from disbelief, and from fear. Give us your strength to do what you ask us to do, and to live how you ask us to live. We want to hear when you speak, and to obey when we hear. Shape us and use us, by your Holy Spirit. Whatever, wherever, whenever, no matter what the cost we re all in. In the name of Jesus Amen Ready Page 9 of 9

Wild Goose Chase Series / Goose Bumps / May 26, 2013

Wild Goose Chase Series / Goose Bumps / May 26, 2013 Wild Goose Chase Series / Goose Bumps / May 26, 2013 What is the scaredest you have ever been? Is that a word, scaredest? Well, what is the most scared, the most afraid, you ve ever been? Now I m not talking

More information

Patience for Relationships Cross Culture February 19, 2011 Joel Shorey

Patience for Relationships Cross Culture February 19, 2011 Joel Shorey Patience for Relationships Cross Culture February 19, 2011 Joel Shorey As a pastoral team, we are aware that a topic like this can be a difficult thing to cover in a group of this diversity. We feel that

More information

Bethel Community Church JOY IN SUFFERING. Philippians 1: May27 th, 2018

Bethel Community Church JOY IN SUFFERING. Philippians 1: May27 th, 2018 Bethel Community Church JOY IN SUFFERING Philippians 1:12-27 May27 th, 2018 MAIL FROM JAIL Quick Review Special Love for the Philippians House Arrest in Rome Preaching to Visitors and Guards Philippians

More information

In Revelation 21, in the very final state when we are going to be with God, read this:

In Revelation 21, in the very final state when we are going to be with God, read this: LIVING COURAGEOUSLY: LIVING A LIFE THAT MATTERS PASTOR FRANCIS CHAN One of our pastors is driving down the street, and a 75-year-old man in front of him hit a bicycle rider and knocks him over. The guy

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. Jesus At the Temple. January Luke 2:41-52 (Pg. 1197) Jesus as a kid shows US how to act as kids.

Kindergarten-2nd. Jesus At the Temple. January Luke 2:41-52 (Pg. 1197) Jesus as a kid shows US how to act as kids. Kindergarten-2nd January 12-13 2013 Jesus At the Temple Luke 2:41-52 (Pg. 1197) Jesus as a kid shows US how to act as kids. Hang out with kids (10 minutes) Large Group (30 minutes) Small Group (20 minutes)

More information

God s Truth for You! 1. How can I know if I love Jesus? 2. Does God want me to be happy? 3. Does God still love me even when I do something bad?

God s Truth for You! 1. How can I know if I love Jesus? 2. Does God want me to be happy? 3. Does God still love me even when I do something bad? God s Truth for You! Part of growing as a Christian means opening up God s Word and learning His truth. Of course, even if you have grown up in a Christian home with your own Bible, you may find that you

More information

Paul Before Rulers. Leader BIBLE STUDY. should tell about Jesus all the time.

Paul Before Rulers. Leader BIBLE STUDY. should tell about Jesus all the time. UNIT 34 Session 2 Use Week of: June 10 3's/Pre-K Class Paul Before Rulers 2 BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 24:22-27; 25:1-14; 26:24-32 MAIN POINT: Paul preached about Jesus to rulers. KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 1:21

More information

Can you hear me now / Sermon 4: Malware (Acts 20) /

Can you hear me now / Sermon 4: Malware (Acts 20) / Can you hear me now / Sermon 4: Malware (Acts 20) / 4-28-13 I ve asked Logan and Josh to come up for a couple of minutes to give me a hand. Now, what they are going to do is not a trick. They ve done it

More information

The William Glasser Institute

The William Glasser Institute Skits to Help Students Learn Choice Theory New material from William Glasser, M.D. Purpose: These skits can be used as a classroom discussion starter for third to eighth grade students who are in the process

More information

The Story / Grace Gone Viral Chapter 28: "New Beginnings" April 12, 2015

The Story / Grace Gone Viral Chapter 28: New Beginnings April 12, 2015 The Story / Grace Gone Viral Chapter 28: "New Beginnings" April 12, 2015 Sometimes people just change. And sometimes the change happens so fast. Less than two months ago Jesus' disciples were kind of wusses.

More information

HOW DO I BALANCE FAMILY, WORK AND FAITH?

HOW DO I BALANCE FAMILY, WORK AND FAITH? 1 HOW DO I BALANCE FAMILY, WORK AND FAITH? If I were to ask you guys to write down your top three priorities in order of importance, 95% of your responses would be: faith, family and work. Unless you re

More information

Acts 24:22-27; 25:1-14; 26: should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult. TEACH THE STORY APPLY THE STORY (10 15 MINUTES)

Acts 24:22-27; 25:1-14; 26: should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult. TEACH THE STORY APPLY THE STORY (10 15 MINUTES) UNIT 34 Session 2 Use Week of: June 10, 2018 Paul Before Rulers Acts 24:22-27; 25:1-14; 26:24-32 MAIN POINT: Paul preached about Jesus to governors and kings. KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 1:20-21 BIG PICTURE

More information

Stay PLUGGED IN to your Bible!

Stay PLUGGED IN to your Bible! Stay PLUGGED IN to your Bible! Each week in Motion we plug in to God s power when we read from the Bible as an egroup and memorize verses from the Bible together. But it s important to not only plug in

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. March 16-17, Jesus Calms the Storm. Matthew 8:23-27 Adventure Bible for Early Readers, pg We can give our fears to God

Kindergarten-2nd. March 16-17, Jesus Calms the Storm. Matthew 8:23-27 Adventure Bible for Early Readers, pg We can give our fears to God Kindergarten-2nd March 16-17, 2013 Matthew 8:23-27 Adventure Bible for Early Readers, pg. 1131 Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups and play games together.

More information

Bible Builders Peter Freed from Prison July 2007 Encounter

Bible Builders Peter Freed from Prison July 2007 Encounter Bible Builders Peter Freed from Prison July 2007 Encounter Scripture: Acts 12:1-19 Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. Moses and Red Sea. August 3-4, Exodus 5-15; Philippians 4:13. God rescues his family

Kindergarten-2nd. Moses and Red Sea. August 3-4, Exodus 5-15; Philippians 4:13. God rescues his family Kindergarten-2nd August 3-4, 2013 Moses and Red Sea Exodus 5-15; Philippians 4:13 God rescues his family Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups and play games

More information

Keep Calm and Carry On Do Not Be Ashamed 2 Timothy 1:8-18

Keep Calm and Carry On Do Not Be Ashamed 2 Timothy 1:8-18 Keep Calm and Carry On Do Not Be Ashamed 2 Timothy 1:8-18 1 Reality SB Ryan Hillner 1.24.16 We are in an 8-part sermon series in the book of 2 nd Timothy. The heading or title we re using for it is Keep

More information

SERMON JONAH 3:1-5, 10 WHAT GOD DOES: CHANGING FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WINSTON-SALEM, NC JANUARY 21, 2018 AMY R. MCCLURE

SERMON JONAH 3:1-5, 10 WHAT GOD DOES: CHANGING FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WINSTON-SALEM, NC JANUARY 21, 2018 AMY R. MCCLURE SERMON JONAH 3:1-5, 10 WHAT GOD DOES: CHANGING FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WINSTON-SALEM, NC JANUARY 21, 2018 AMY R. MCCLURE Sermon Title: What God Does: Changing Sermon Reference: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Would you pray

More information

LARGE GROUP. Go Lesson 2 January 14/15 1

LARGE GROUP. Go Lesson 2 January 14/15 1 LARGE GROUP 1 Series at a Glance for Elevate Traveling is awesome! When we travel, we get to explore new places, spend time with friends and family, and talk to different and exciting people. Making Jesus

More information

Faith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016

Faith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016 Faith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016 Faith Works. If you were here last week, you might remember identified that as the theme of this book: Faith really does work. And James

More information

Paul Imprisoned in Rome Lesson Aim: To challenge children to live a life faithful to God.

Paul Imprisoned in Rome Lesson Aim: To challenge children to live a life faithful to God. Teacher s Guide: Ages 8-9 Prophets & Promises Part 1: Acts through Revelation Unit 4, Lesson 21 THE WORSHIP Who God Is: The Spirit Who Connects Us Paul Imprisoned in Rome Lesson Aim: To challenge children

More information

Signs / 2: A Nobleman s Son July 5, 2015

Signs / 2: A Nobleman s Son July 5, 2015 Signs / 2: A Nobleman s Son July 5, 2015 We re going to unpack a story today found in the Gospel of John chapter 4. So if you have a Bible app on your phone or tablet, find John chapter 4. The story starts

More information

I Have a Friend Who Is Always Negative. the world. (Click forward to a blank screen) What do you all see here? That s correct a

I Have a Friend Who Is Always Negative. the world. (Click forward to a blank screen) What do you all see here? That s correct a January 28, 2018 Philippians 1:12-26 I Have a Friend Who Is Always Negative Let me give you a little example of how I believe most people who are negative view the world. (Click forward to a blank screen)

More information

Life Change: Change that Leads to Freedom Mark 5:1-20

Life Change: Change that Leads to Freedom Mark 5:1-20 Life Change: Change that Leads to Freedom Mark 5:1-20 *Dog in a Cage For Christmas this year, Santa brought us a puppy. Puppies are cute, but at the same time, they re a lot of work; barking in the middle

More information

April 27-28, Paul and Silas. Acts 16:16-40 (Pg ) When we worship, God helps us!

April 27-28, Paul and Silas. Acts 16:16-40 (Pg ) When we worship, God helps us! rd th 3-5 April 27-28, 2013 Paul and Silas Acts 16:16-40 (Pg. 1220-1221) When we worship, God helps us! Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups and play games together.

More information

Lesson 1: Managing My Attitude

Lesson 1: Managing My Attitude Lesson 1: Managing My Attitude The Big Idea: They have made me caretaker of the vineyards, but I have not taken care of my own vineyard. Song of Solomon 1:6 Three of the most difficult areas to master

More information

CHAPTER 13. God's Missionary In Rome (Acts 28)

CHAPTER 13. God's Missionary In Rome (Acts 28) also Page 67 CHAPTER 13 God's Missionary In Rome (Acts 28) Following the violent storm and shipwreck (Acts 27:14-44) and following the snake bite (Acts 28:3-6), Paul finally made it safely to Rome (Acts

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. BRAVE Journey: STORM. April 18-19, Matthew 14:22-33; Joshua 1:9 Adv. Bible for Early Readers (pp.

Kindergarten-2nd. BRAVE Journey: STORM. April 18-19, Matthew 14:22-33; Joshua 1:9 Adv. Bible for Early Readers (pp. Kindergarten-2nd April 18-19, 2015 Matthew 14:22-33; Joshua 1:9 Adv. Bible for Early Readers (pp. 1140-1141, 249) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups

More information

LESSON 1 PAUL & SILAS IN PRISON

LESSON 1 PAUL & SILAS IN PRISON LESSON 1 PAUL & SILAS IN PRISON Bible Reference: Acts 16:19-34 Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. OVERVIEW - Bible Story - Key Verse

More information

2013 Church / Sermon 2 / Wide and Deep / January 13, 2013

2013 Church / Sermon 2 / Wide and Deep / January 13, 2013 2013 Church / Sermon 2 / Wide and Deep / January 13, 2013 Were you here last week? We watched a clip from a brilliant young pastor, a guy named Steve Furtick. I just changed one word. He says, If you know

More information

If you get it you get it, if you don t, you don t. Like literally, that s how it ended. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

If you get it you get it, if you don t, you don t. Like literally, that s how it ended. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 1 Easter 2018 I don t like Easter much. I know you do. I get it. Its the bunnies and chocolate and hiding and cute gifts and new dresses and seeing family. Alright, I like all that stuff too. But man,

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. June 27-28, Abraham and Sarah. God planned a rescue. Genesis 12-21; Philippians 4:6

Kindergarten-2nd. June 27-28, Abraham and Sarah. God planned a rescue. Genesis 12-21; Philippians 4:6 Kindergarten-2nd June 27-28, 2015 Genesis 12-21; Philippians 4:6 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30 minutes):

More information

August 10-11, The Israelites Enter the Promised Land. Joshua 6-10 (Pg ) God is Omnipotent (all-powerful)

August 10-11, The Israelites Enter the Promised Land. Joshua 6-10 (Pg ) God is Omnipotent (all-powerful) rd th 3-5 August 10-11, 2013 The Israelites Enter the Promised Land Joshua 6-10 (Pg.241-249) God is Omnipotent (all-powerful) Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups

More information

#The Struggle Is Real I try to get my Sunday morning sermon written on Friday, at least a pretty complete version of it, but I struggled all day long

#The Struggle Is Real I try to get my Sunday morning sermon written on Friday, at least a pretty complete version of it, but I struggled all day long #The Struggle Is Real I try to get my Sunday morning sermon written on Friday, at least a pretty complete version of it, but I struggled all day long trying to decide what to preach. I kept asking the

More information

Basics of the Gospel Session 1: The Problem

Basics of the Gospel Session 1: The Problem 2 Part 1: Bible Time Supplies: Playdough, Jesus Storybook Bible Basics of the Gospel Session 1: The Problem Introduction I want to tell you a story. A true story. It s actually our story, but to understand

More information

Bible Builders Peter Freed from Prison July 2007 Games

Bible Builders Peter Freed from Prison July 2007 Games Scripture: Acts 12:1-19 Bible Builders Peter Freed from Prison July 2007 Games Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. December 13-14, Shepherds and Wise men. Matthew 1:21 Adventure Bible for Early Readers (p. 1122) God speaks to us

Kindergarten-2nd. December 13-14, Shepherds and Wise men. Matthew 1:21 Adventure Bible for Early Readers (p. 1122) God speaks to us Kindergarten-2nd December 13-14, 2014 Matthew 1:21 Adventure Bible for Early Readers (p. 1122) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity.

More information

"Love is..." Series #2: "Love does not envy, love does not boast" May 15, 2011

Love is... Series #2: Love does not envy, love does not boast May 15, 2011 "Love is..." Series #2: "Love does not envy, love does not boast" May 15, 2011 I m going to start by giving you one half of the big idea. It s a simple little equation. Here it is: to be "full of yourself"

More information

Use It or Lose It November 19, 2017 Michael Slayter, Commissioned Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida

Use It or Lose It November 19, 2017 Michael Slayter, Commissioned Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Use It or Lose It November 19, 2017 Michael Slayter, Commissioned Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 1 14 For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned

More information

"Snatch them from the fire" series Sermon 4: "All things to all men" October 9, 2011

Snatch them from the fire series Sermon 4: All things to all men October 9, 2011 "Snatch them from the fire" series Sermon 4: "All things to all men" October 9, 2011 Okay, if you have your lphone or your lpad ready, open up your Bible App to 1 Corinthians 9. We're going to dig in there

More information

School, Friends and Faith in Jesus!

School, Friends and Faith in Jesus! School, Friends and Faith in Jesus! Devotional for 8 10 year olds (but it s OK if you re 7, or 11, or 25!) Peter Walker, 2019 www.1peter1three.weebly.com Jesus said, Let the children come to me, and do

More information

Crazy kingdom. January 23-24, Loving others like Jesus did can look pretty crazy. Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4

Crazy kingdom. January 23-24, Loving others like Jesus did can look pretty crazy. Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4 rd th 3-5 January 23-24, 2016 Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large

More information

Bishop Youssef

Bishop Youssef Bishop Youssef Introduction Author: St. Paul (Phil 1:1;1:12-14) 14) The Recipients: i the church in Philippi, modern day Turkey (Phil 1:1) St. Paul went there in his secondary missionary trip based on

More information

Psalm 139:1-6 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and

Psalm 139:1-6 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and God Is Here Always Near Page 1 of 8 God Is Here: Always Near Psalm 139 Today is the first Sunday in the season of Advent. The word advent simply mean arrival; this is the season that leads up to the arrival

More information

Q1: Lesson 1 Will the Real God Stand Up?

Q1: Lesson 1 Will the Real God Stand Up? : Lesson 1 Well hello everyone! You ve made it to week one of your forty week transformation! We are going to be tackling the First Big Q, Who is God? during the next eight weeks, and I am so excited to

More information

Sermon October 28, 2018 Chris Osborne. Verses Covered Ephesians1:15 17 John 14:26 John 16:13 Acts 8:26, 29 Acts 13:2 3 Acts 16:6-10

Sermon October 28, 2018 Chris Osborne. Verses Covered Ephesians1:15 17 John 14:26 John 16:13 Acts 8:26, 29 Acts 13:2 3 Acts 16:6-10 Sermon October 28, 2018 Chris Osborne Verses Covered Ephesians1:15 17 John 14:26 John 16:13 Acts 8:26, 29 Acts 13:2 3 Acts 16:6-10 Contrary to opinion, I do still work here. Does anybody remember what

More information

Sovereignty of God. This is a portion of scripture that talks about joy in affliction and opposition.

Sovereignty of God. This is a portion of scripture that talks about joy in affliction and opposition. July 6, 2014 Sovereignty of God Philippians 1:12-18 All Stand and Read Scripture Depending on which translation you are reading this morning, you may find that verses 16 and 17 may be reversed. This is

More information

Sermon for Confirmation. "Come, walk with me"

Sermon for Confirmation. Come, walk with me Sermon for Confirmation Text: Matthew 14: 25-29 Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water. When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.

More information

The Christmas Story in First Person: Three Monologues for Worship Matthew L. Kelley

The Christmas Story in First Person: Three Monologues for Worship Matthew L. Kelley The Christmas Story in First Person Three Monologues for Worship By Matthew L. Kelley Mary It all started that night when the angel showed up. He was telling me how much God loved me and how I was going

More information

My Crazy Family. 1. Conflict and Forgiveness November 4-5, 2017 ******

My Crazy Family. 1. Conflict and Forgiveness November 4-5, 2017 ****** My Crazy Family 1. Conflict and Forgiveness November 4-5, 2017 ****** With holidays around the corner, many of us are going to be gathering with families, so it seems like a good time to look at what God

More information

DAILY DEVOTIONAL. Tis The Season / Week 1 PRELUDE SOCIAL WORSHIP STORY GROUPS HOME WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL. Tis The Season / Week 1 PRELUDE SOCIAL WORSHIP STORY GROUPS HOME WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE. Tis The Season / Week 1 WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE. DAY 1 Have you ever hoped for something to go one way, but then it didn t? Perhaps it was that time you didn t make the team or didn

More information

THE GOSPEL IS A PARTNERSHIP Sermon preached by Pastor C. John Steer Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN October 22-23, 2016

THE GOSPEL IS A PARTNERSHIP Sermon preached by Pastor C. John Steer Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN October 22-23, 2016 1 THE GOSPEL IS A PARTNERSHIP Sermon preached by Pastor C. John Steer Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN October 22-23, 2016 No. 5: What is the Gospel? Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11 History is filled with

More information

CONTENTS INTRO WHY DON T WE LIVE FREE PAGE 2 DAY ONE FREE IN JESUS PAGE 4 DAY TWO FREE BY GRACE PAGE 8 DAY THREE FREE FROM THE LIES PAGE 11

CONTENTS INTRO WHY DON T WE LIVE FREE PAGE 2 DAY ONE FREE IN JESUS PAGE 4 DAY TWO FREE BY GRACE PAGE 8 DAY THREE FREE FROM THE LIES PAGE 11 CONTENTS INTRO WHY DON T WE LIVE FREE PAGE 2 DAY ONE FREE IN JESUS PAGE 4 DAY TWO FREE BY GRACE PAGE 8 DAY THREE FREE FROM THE LIES PAGE 11 DAY FOUR FREE FROM THE LAW PAGE 14 DAY FIVE FREE TO REST PAGE

More information

the One with all the questions: What Are You Afraid Of? Luke 24: 36-49

the One with all the questions: What Are You Afraid Of? Luke 24: 36-49 February 26, 2012 Pastor Jeremy Vaccaro Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church the One with all the questions: What Are You Afraid Of? Luke 24: 36-49 What are you afraid of? That s the question of the morning.

More information

Middle School October 20-21, 2012

Middle School October 20-21, 2012 Middle School October 20-21, 2012 Title: A Journey Home: Week 3 (Trust Your Dad) Series: A Journey Home Series Description: Something incredible happens when we feel at home. We know we belong. We let

More information

Appendix C: Crafts and Take Home Sheets, Unit 11. Hide n Seek Kids. Unit 11 Take Home Resources The God Who Saves

Appendix C: Crafts and Take Home Sheets, Unit 11. Hide n Seek Kids. Unit 11 Take Home Resources The God Who Saves Hide n Seek Kids Unit 11 Take Home Resources The God Who Saves 307 308 HSK BQ 11 L1 Coloring Sheet/Take Home 309 Hide n Seek Kids Sneaky Seekers hiding God s Word in our hearts, seeking to know God Himself

More information

Faith Bumps 2: Obstacles to Growth January 24, 2014

Faith Bumps 2: Obstacles to Growth January 24, 2014 Faith Bumps 2: Obstacles to Growth January 24, 2014 Let's play a little game. If you could, would you choose TV #1, TV #2, or TV#3? Now unless you are weird, you picked TV #3. Why would you settle for

More information

should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult. APPLY THE STORY (10 15 MINUTES) TEACH THE STORY (25 30 MINUTES)

should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult. APPLY THE STORY (10 15 MINUTES) TEACH THE STORY (25 30 MINUTES) UNIT 34 Session 4 Use Week of: June 24, 2018 Paul s Joy in Prison Philippians 1:12-30 MAIN POINT: While he was in prison, Paul told the Philippian church to be joyful. KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 1:20-21

More information

Club 345 Small Groups July 15, 2018 Bible Passage: Philippians 1:12-30 Main Point:

Club 345 Small Groups July 15, 2018 Bible Passage: Philippians 1:12-30 Main Point: LEADER DEVOTIONAL Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Paul wrote his letter to the Philippian believers

More information

Jacob. Genesis Turn to Genesis 31 Last week: at Anderson and ran into a physical therapist who treated me years ago

Jacob. Genesis Turn to Genesis 31 Last week: at Anderson and ran into a physical therapist who treated me years ago Blake Jennings Grace Bible Church - Southwood Jacob Genesis 32-33 There are parts of our lives that are broken beyond our ability to repair. But there is hope because we have a God who can fix the unfixable.

More information

CRU Camps Facebook: address: CRU Camps website:

CRU Camps Facebook:    address: CRU Camps website: CRU Camps Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crucamps Email address: info@crusaders.edu.au CRU Camps website: www.crucamps.com Hi! We re really glad that you have been challenged by God s word! We hope

More information

The Prayer of Surrender Text: Matthew 6:10 June 8, 2008 Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church ( Oakland, California Rev.

The Prayer of Surrender Text: Matthew 6:10 June 8, 2008 Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church (  Oakland, California Rev. The Prayer of Surrender Text: Matthew 6:10 June 8, 2008 Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church (www.pbpc.org) Oakland, California Rev. Chris Gelini PRAY! Today, we re going to continue our series on going

More information

Paul Imprisoned in Rome Lesson Aim: To challenge children to live a life faithful to God.

Paul Imprisoned in Rome Lesson Aim: To challenge children to live a life faithful to God. Teacher s Guide: Ages 10-12 Prophets & Promises Part 1: Acts through Revelation Unit 4, Lesson 21 THE WORSHIP Who God Is: The Spirit Who Connects Us Paul Imprisoned in Rome Lesson Aim: To challenge children

More information

Each Day Is a New Beginning February 17 & 18, 2018 PASTOR DAVE HOFFMAN Foothills Christian Church

Each Day Is a New Beginning February 17 & 18, 2018 PASTOR DAVE HOFFMAN Foothills Christian Church Each Day Is a New Beginning February 17 & 18, 2018 PASTOR DAVE HOFFMAN Foothills Christian Church Go to the book of Lamentations, however you want to get there, turn your device on or turn in your Bible.

More information

UNDERSTANDING OUR RESOURCES

UNDERSTANDING OUR RESOURCES UNDERSTANDING OUR RESOURCES SERIES: FINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE STORY By Danny Hall I imagine that everyone appreciates how great it is to have people pray for them. Even people who have no faith at all,

More information

I Have Good News: Jesus can give you new joy thru a new life! 1/26/14. John 2 The Sign of turning water into wine

I Have Good News: Jesus can give you new joy thru a new life! 1/26/14. John 2 The Sign of turning water into wine I Have Good News: Jesus can give you new joy thru a new life! 1/26/14 John 2 The Sign of turning water into wine I. Cultivate Relationship not Rituals 1. Jesus death through the blood of Christ (symbolic

More information

Introduction. Instructions

Introduction. Instructions Start your 7-week reading plan today! During the weeks leading up to Easter, alum will be reading the Bible together and diving in to 10 themes in hopes of drawing closer to one another and to Jesus. Introduction

More information

Esther. November 15-16, Esther; Philippians 4:6 Adventure Bible (pp. 561, 1306) God gives us courage for any situation.

Esther. November 15-16, Esther; Philippians 4:6 Adventure Bible (pp. 561, 1306) God gives us courage for any situation. rd 3 5 November 15-16, 2014 Esther; Philippians 4:6 Adventure Bible (pp. 561, 1306) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large

More information

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down,

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against

More information

Enemies of the Heart Series / Sermon 6: Pride / July 1, 2012

Enemies of the Heart Series / Sermon 6: Pride / July 1, 2012 Enemies of the Heart Series / Sermon 6: Pride / July 1, 2012 If you ve been around Capital City for a while you ll know that C. S. Lewis is one of my heroes, perhaps the finest Christian thinker and communicator

More information

JOHN 8:31-37 John Series: Get a Life in Jesus

JOHN 8:31-37 John Series: Get a Life in Jesus Scott Turansky, Senior Pastor December 16, 2018 JOHN 8:31-37 John Series: Get a Life in Jesus [PRAYER] Heavenly Father, it s amazing to look at your plan. How the prophecies of the Old Testament all pointed

More information

Knowing Christ Lessons from Paul s Life and Ministry Living in Christ Ephesians 1:1-23 Inductive Discovery Lesson 8

Knowing Christ Lessons from Paul s Life and Ministry Living in Christ Ephesians 1:1-23 Inductive Discovery Lesson 8 Knowing Christ Lessons from Paul s Life and Ministry Living in Christ Ephesians 1:1-23 Inductive Discovery Lesson 8 What would you do if your future was indefinitely suspended? When Paul wrote this letter,

More information

I Am Journey Week 3: Moses and the burning bush. February 25-26, Exodus 2-4; Psalm 139: God is always with us.

I Am Journey Week 3: Moses and the burning bush. February 25-26, Exodus 2-4; Psalm 139: God is always with us. February 25-26, 2017 I Am Journey Week 3: Moses and the burning bush Exodus 2-4; Psalm 139:13-14 God is always with us. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into

More information

12.4 Large Group Lesson

12.4 Large Group Lesson July 22 nd, 2018 Emoji Madness Jesus Weeps BIG IDEA: Jesus feels compassion for us when we re sad, so we can cry out to Him. BIBLE BASIS: John 11:1-44 KEY VERSE: My tears have been my food day and night

More information

NOTES TO SHARE/DISCUSS: Read Ephesians 1:1 Who is Paul talking to? Why does this matter?

NOTES TO SHARE/DISCUSS: Read Ephesians 1:1 Who is Paul talking to? Why does this matter? youthesource Bible Study Identity Theft By Rebekah Freed Week 1 Intro to Identity (5 minutes) QUESTION TO ASK: What is identity? Why is it important? QUESTION: This series is called Identity Theft and

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. Jesus Chooses Disciples. January 26-27, Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:27-32, and Luke 6: Jesus disciples put Jesus first!

Kindergarten-2nd. Jesus Chooses Disciples. January 26-27, Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:27-32, and Luke 6: Jesus disciples put Jesus first! Kindergarten-2nd January 26-27, 2013 Jesus Chooses Disciples Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:27-32, and Luke 6:12-16 Jesus disciples put Jesus first! Hang out with kids (10 minutes) Large Group (30 minutes) Small

More information

PBC AM2. How to have a Living Faith John 11:26-27

PBC AM2. How to have a Living Faith John 11:26-27 John 11:26-27 March 27, 2016 Easter Service, 11:00 AM Dr. Jack Graham [Dr. Graham, message, ] Today on this Easter Sunday morning we are beginning a message series called DARE TO BELIEVE. And the challenge

More information

Trust God He s on Your Side

Trust God He s on Your Side Trust God He s on Your Side By Bobby Schuller Today we re continuing a series on my book, which is also on this creed we just said. And today, I m going to talk about what it means to trust in Jesus in

More information

February 2-3, David and Goliath. I Samuel 17 (Pg. 321 NIV Adventure Bible) God used David to defeat Goliath

February 2-3, David and Goliath. I Samuel 17 (Pg. 321 NIV Adventure Bible) God used David to defeat Goliath rd th 3-5 February 2-3, 2013 David and Goliath I Samuel 17 (Pg. 321 NIV Adventure Bible) God used David to defeat Goliath Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups

More information

DEEP DOWN DETECTIVES

DEEP DOWN DETECTIVES DEEP DOWN DETECTIVES Fundamentals: Unit 10, Bible Truth 3 What Does the Holy Spirit Do in God s People? He Changes Their Hearts to Be Like Jesus... The Holy Spirit Gives God s People Wisdom! 87 88 Unit

More information

Faith Works (James) / 4: Judgment Mercy / June 19, 2016

Faith Works (James) / 4: Judgment Mercy / June 19, 2016 Faith Works (James) / 4: Judgment Mercy / June 19, 2016 We tend to judge people by how they look, don t we? Even in church we tend to judge people by how they look, right? Did you know that s a sin it

More information

But let s go back a few years when elephants were still held in captivity. And how they trained

But let s go back a few years when elephants were still held in captivity. And how they trained Chained Elephants Psalm 142:1-7 You don t see elephants in the circus anymore. And if you go to the Philadelphia Zoo, you won t see them there either. I m not sure if they are still on view in other zoos.

More information

What is the purpose of these activities?

What is the purpose of these activities? Lesson Goal: The children will learn we can trust God to provide for us when we are obedient. Main Point: I Should Trust God To Provide For Me When I Obey Him! Bible Story: Elijah and the Ravens (1 Kings

More information

Joyful Proclamation Philippians 1:12-18a 1 Five Points Community Church (12/4/16)

Joyful Proclamation Philippians 1:12-18a 1 Five Points Community Church (12/4/16) 1 Joyful Proclamation Philippians 1:12-18a 1 Five Points Community Church (12/4/16) Brett Toney October 28, 1787, a 28-year-old Member of Parliament wrote in his diary, God almighty has set before me two

More information

Daniel and the Lions

Daniel and the Lions Large Group Openings Daniel and the Lions Daniel and the Lions 167 LARGE GROUP OPENINGS Daniel and the Lions (Daniel 6:1-28) Large Group Opening 1 Welcome to Large Group Openings for the Daniel and the

More information

Which seems like a threat most of us would take rather seriously.

Which seems like a threat most of us would take rather seriously. King Herod is threatening Jesus with death. Not just any death but the classic, especially suffering infused death that the Romans were well know for. Slow, painful, public death. And a kind of death that

More information

Palm Sunday. March 23-24, Matthew 21:1-11 (Pg Adventure Bible); Luke 19:28-44 (Pg Adv. Bible)

Palm Sunday. March 23-24, Matthew 21:1-11 (Pg Adventure Bible); Luke 19:28-44 (Pg Adv. Bible) rd th 3-5 March 23-24, 2013 Matthew 21:1-11 (Pg. 1078 Adventure Bible); Luke 19:28-44 (Pg. 1153-1154 Adv. Bible) Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups and play

More information

God Sent His Son To Replace Rules with Relationships It was an amazing night.

God Sent His Son To Replace Rules with Relationships It was an amazing night. God Sent His Son To Replace Rules with Relationships Philippians 2:5-8 It was an amazing night. Fredrick Speakman, in his book The Salty Tang, put it this way, It was silent and yet there was music. It

More information

-OLOGY SOTERIOLOGY July 17 th, 2016 VIDEO: -OLOGY INTRO SLIDE 1

-OLOGY SOTERIOLOGY July 17 th, 2016 VIDEO: -OLOGY INTRO SLIDE 1 VIDEO: -OLOGY INTRO SLIDE 1 -OLOGY SOTERIOLOGY July 17 th, 2016 INTRODUCTION Good Morning! Welcome to Fox Valley Christian Church! - Online Giving YouVersion Live and www.fvcc.com/give Salvation is more

More information

A Modern Day Book of Acts Church: Filled with Joy

A Modern Day Book of Acts Church: Filled with Joy A Modern Day Book of Acts Church: Filled with Joy Acts 13: 48-52 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

More information

The Secret of a Satisfied Life

The Secret of a Satisfied Life The Secret of a Satisfied Life How many of you ate until you were satisfied and then ate some more on Thanksgiving Day? How many of you shopped on Black Friday this past week, either online or in a retail

More information

252 Groups February 12, 2017, Week 2 Small Group, 2-3

252 Groups February 12, 2017, Week 2 Small Group, 2-3 Storm Tamer Bible Story: Storm Tamer (Jesus calms the storm) Mark 4:35-41 (Supporting: Matthew 8:23-27) Bottom Line: Comfort others who are hurting. Memory Verse: Here is what love is. It is not that we

More information

The Subtle Power of Humility Part One: What is Humility? By Remy Diederich Cedarbrook Church Text: Philippians 2:3-8

The Subtle Power of Humility Part One: What is Humility? By Remy Diederich Cedarbrook Church Text: Philippians 2:3-8 The Subtle Power of Humility Part One: What is Humility? By Remy Diederich Cedarbrook Church 3.15.15 Text: Philippians 2:3-8 Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or

More information

Fathers and Children C O L O S S IA N S 3: Baxter T. Exum (#1161) Four Lakes Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin April 15, 2012

Fathers and Children C O L O S S IA N S 3: Baxter T. Exum (#1161) Four Lakes Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin April 15, 2012 Fathers and Children C O L O S S IA N S 3:20-21 Baxter T. Exum (#1161) Four Lakes Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin April 15, 2012 This morning I would invite you to look with me at two more verses in

More information

PRAYER; THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS I TIMOTHY 2:1-7

PRAYER; THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS I TIMOTHY 2:1-7 PRAYER; THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS I TIMOTHY 2:1-7 MAIN IDEA Prayer is the foundation for individuals and churches that successfully serve God. I. PRAYER IS HARD WORK (VS 1-2) IT TAKES HUMILITY AND COURAGE

More information

JOHN 5:9-19 John Series: Get a Life in Jesus

JOHN 5:9-19 John Series: Get a Life in Jesus Scott Turansky, Senior Pastor October 21, 2018 JOHN 5:9-19 John Series: Get a Life in Jesus We were going to look at verses 1-19, but as I started getting into the passage I realized it was too much for

More information

5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith Week 5: Personal Ministry

5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith Week 5: Personal Ministry 5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith Week 5: Personal Ministry One of the most fascinating things about the Bible is that when you read the New Testament you see that people are invited to connect with

More information

LESSON 3 ELISHA, Part 2: SURROUNDED

LESSON 3 ELISHA, Part 2: SURROUNDED LESSON 3 ELISHA, Part 2: SURROUNDED Bible Reference: 2 Kings 6:1-8- 23 Key Verse: Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those ho love him, who are called according to his

More information

BATTLE ARMOR SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God equips us for the spiritual battles we face.

BATTLE ARMOR SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God equips us for the spiritual battles we face. SESSION 5 BATTLE ARMOR The Point God equips us for the spiritual battles we face. The Passage Ephesians 6:10-20 The Bible Meets Life The TV character MacGyver is known for his uncanny ability to get out

More information

Scripture Stories CHAPTERS Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples, Peace in America, Book of Mormon Stories

Scripture Stories CHAPTERS Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples, Peace in America, Book of Mormon Stories Episode 29 Scripture Stories CHAPTERS 47-48 Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples, Peace in America, Book of Mormon Stories [BEGIN MUSIC: Scripture Power] [END MUSIC] Because I want to be like the Savior,

More information