The Rock - Paarl

This year we are believing for people to live bold lives which, means being confident in God (Heb 10:35-36). God has promises and plans for each of our lives, and he also calls us to be a part of a greater mission.

Q: Have you ever considered that God can use you to change the world around us?

God builds us up to be world changers but the enemy tries to convince us that we can’t be a part of His plans. But never forget that God is the one who calls and qualifies you. Let God define your future.

Here are 4 things we should do to be a part of something greater that God is doing in us and through us:

1️⃣ LET GO & RECEIVE

To move forward we have to let go of some things in our past. Some hurts, anger, lies that have caused us to live small.

Q: What must you let go of to receive the full life that Jesus has for you?

(Eph 4:17-24) We have all made mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to define us. Letting go allows us to receive the new life that Jesus has for us. (Eph 4:21-24) Letting go allows us to be a part of something greater. Community is there to help us to let go and receive all that Jesus has for us.

2️⃣ TAKE HOLD & DISCOVER

We are called to make a difference in this life, and we do that when we take hold of our new life with Jesus and discover our part in the greater work He is doing. Jesus sets the perfect example for us (John 13:3-5 / 12-15). Take hold of what Jesus has done for you and discover all he has set before you.

3️⃣ GROW CLOSER & REACH BEYOND

The church is the hope of the world. We should always be looking to grow closer so that we can reach further into the world to make a difference. (Phil 2:1-5 & 15) We have a great ability to be a blessing to others when we come together as one.

Q: Who are you doing life with? Do you have friends who you can do good with?

4️⃣ BE BOLD & BELIEVE

Jesus is the only one who can lead us into new life where we are a part of something greater (2 Cor 5:17). We need to be bold and believe in the power and person of Jesus. We need to follow him boldly as he leads us into an awesome future!

Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services. So why not join us at 10 am on www.therockchurch.co.za.

We all want to live in financial freedom, but if money controls us then we will never have it. We could have great wealth and still not have financial freedom. The decisions you make today will impact your future so let’s make the right, BOLD financial decisions.

There are 3 areas to work on if we want to find financial freedom.

- Obedience

- Being fruitful

- ⁠Managing our finances

Today we will look at obedience. We need to do what God tells us to do if we want God to bless our finances.

Q: [Read Psalm 112] What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it finances only?

We are blessed in many more ways when we live in true financial freedom. But the blessings are a by product of fearing God. God is always the focus of our lives. The bible warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we place God at the centre of our lives, including our finances, the blessing, in all its different shapes and sizes will follow. Don’t chase money, chase after God and follow his commands.

The bible commands us to bring our tithes and our offerings. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 / malachi 3:10). It’s important to know that Tithing is still important in our obedience today. Here are 3 reasons why:

1️⃣ We bring honour to the Lord when we tithe

(Prov 3:9) God is still holy and worthy of our honour. (Malachi 1:6-8) By being faithful with bringing our tithe we honour God and acknowledge him as our provider.

2️⃣ There is provision for ministry when we tithe

(Malachi 3:10) The storehouse is your local church. Our tithe allows the full time ministry to happen that will advance the kingdom of God.

3️⃣ When we tithe, the 90% is redeemed

(Exodus 13:1-2) The first 10% belongs to God and redeems the rest when we bring it to God. No one has the power to bless your finances but God.

Some people mistakenly think that tithing was only for the Old Testament law. Here is why Gods commands are still relevant today:

These 3 reasons below were relevant in the Old Testament and are still relevant today.

- ⁠We can’t ignore godly principles because they came through the Old Testament (Matt 5:17-18)

- ⁠The bible described tithing long before the Old Testament law was given (Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22).

- ⁠Jesus commanded it aswell (Matthew 23:23).

The good news is God’s promises are still applicable today too! We find financial freedom when we live under that blessing. Obedience is how we start to step into that blessing. Chasing after God is the first step in financial freedom.

We all want to live in financial freedom, but if money controls us then we will never have it. We could have great wealth and still not have financial freedom. The decisions you make today will impact your future so let’s make the right, BOLD financial decisions. There are 3 areas to work on if we want to find financial freedom. - Obedience - Being fruitful - ⁠Managing our finances Today we will look at obedience. We need to do what God tells us to do if we want God to bless our finances. Q: [Read Psalm 112] What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it finances only? We are blessed in many more ways when we live in true financial freedom. But the blessings are a by product of fearing God. God is always the focus of our lives. The bible warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we place God at the centre of our lives, including our finances, the blessing, in all its different shapes and sizes will follow. Don’t chase money, chase after God and follow his commands. The bible commands us to bring our tithes and our offerings. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 / malachi 3:10). It’s important to know that Tithing is still important in our obedience today. Here are 3 reasons why: 1️⃣ We bring honour to the Lord when we tithe (Prov 3:9) God is still holy and worthy of our honour. (Malachi 1:6-8) By being faithful with bringing our tithe we honour God and acknowledge him as our provider. 2️⃣ There is provision for ministry when we tithe (Malachi 3:10) The storehouse is your local church. Our tithe allows the full time ministry to happen that will advance the kingdom of God. 3️⃣ When we tithe, the 90% is redeemed (Exodus 13:1-2) The first 10% belongs to God and redeems the rest when we bring it to God. No one has the power to bless your finances but God. Some people mistakenly think that tithing was only for the Old Testament law. Here is why Gods commands are still relevant today: These 3 reasons below were relevant in the Old Testament and are still relevant today. - ⁠We can’t ignore godly principles because they came through the Old Testament (Matt 5:17-18) - ⁠The bible described tithing long before the Old Testament law was given (Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22). - ⁠Jesus commanded it aswell (Matthew 23:23). The good news is God’s promises are still applicable today too! We find financial freedom when we live under that blessing. Obedience is how we start to step into that blessing. Chasing after God is the first step in financial freedom.

We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations. (John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy. Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy: 1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened (Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good. Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening. Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first? 2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct (Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up. Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life? 3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters (Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice. Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.

We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations.

(John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy.

Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy:

1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened

(Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good.

Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening.

Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first?

2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct

(Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up.

Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life?

3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters

(Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice.

Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.

Gerrit Van Niekerk shares on how God is the one who is always in control when life's challenges faces us. It is not checkmate for you - if you know God has the final move.

History has been shaped by people who thought ‘what if?’. There is so much power in a thought.

1️⃣ Your thinking determines your living.

(Ecclesiastes 10:2) Our living is a result of our thinking. Everything in life begins with a thought. Every sin and every good action begins with a thought.(Romans 12:2) We need to let God change our thinking through his Word.

2️⃣ Your thinking determines how you feel

(Philippians 4:8) As we set our minds on the right things, God is able to give us peace in our hearts and our minds.

Q: Have you ever experienced how thinking about good things has changed how you felt for the better?

3️⃣ Your thinking determines your destiny

Your thinking drives the direction of your life. (Romans 8:5-6) We can have the peace of God when we set our minds on the things of God. We can’t always control the thoughts that come into our minds but we can capture them. You don’t have to think every thought you think.

🔵 4 ways to capture and change your thoughts

1 - Examine your thoughts.

(Hebrews 4:12)

Judge every thought you have against the Word of God. Is it of God?

Q: Are you often intentional about examining your thought? Or do you find this a difficult thing to do?

2 - Replace your thoughts

(Romans 12:2 NIV)

Replace the thoughts that aren’t from God with God’s Word.

Q: What is one thought that you know is NOT from God? And what does God’s word say about it?

3 - Direct your thoughts

(Isaiah 26:3/Colossians 3:2)

Think about what God says about you. Direct your thoughts to what God says about you.

4 - Grow your thoughts

(Hebrews 10:24-25)

You need to be surrounded by people who will grow the thoughts that will shape your life for the better! People that will cause you to grow with God BOLDLY!

We can learn so much from the story of the Wright brothers who changed the world by revolutionising how we look at flying. Today, because of their bold dreams roughly 6 million people fly daily. Imagine what you might be capable of with God by your side. Being bold is not just what we do, it’s who we are (Proverbs 28:1).

Here are four areas that will help us live boldly:

1️⃣ To be BOLD we need vision

Vision starts on the inside. (Ephesians 4:24) Gods spirit is able to renew us and give us fresh vision for the future. Like the Wright brothers, we must believe that the impossible can be possible. How much more are we, who walk by faith and not by sight, able to achieve with God by our side!

Q - what are the things that you have been or are most passionate about?

We know that God can do what we can’t do (Matthew 19:26). Be bold enough to have an impossibly big vision for your life, and trust God to go before you.

2️⃣ To be BOLD we need to change our lens

When we pursue our dreams we will face opposition.(Numbers 13:33) When we stair at the obstacles in the way of our dreams we may feel like it’s impossible. But when we keep our faith and remember where the promise comes from, we can take bold steps to pursue all God had for us.

Q - Do you have challenges in your world that seem intimidating? Financial, relational, a bad habit, lack of self worth?

It may be time to change your lens and start to focus on what God has promised - what God has said - his purposes for you.

3️⃣ To be BOLD we need to identify the steps ahead

We can’t move when we don’t know where to place our feet.(John 16:33) Your faith will grow when you take steps to grow and trust God. (Romans 5:3-4)

Q - Have you identified your next steps to move closer to God and forward in your vision/dreams? Or is this an area you need to ask God to guide you in?

4️⃣ To be BOLD you need to use what is in your hand

(Exodus 4:2-3) Don’t be fooled into thinking you need more than you have to reach the vision God has given you. Moses felt unprepared, but God showed he can do the extraordinary with what we call ordinary. Start today being bold with what you have and the vision and dreams God has given you.

We can learn so much from the story of the Wright brothers who changed the world by revolutionising how we look at flying. Today, because of their bold dreams roughly 6 million people fly daily. Imagine what you might be capable of with God by your side. Being bold is not just what we do, it’s who we are (Proverbs 28:1). Here are four areas that will help us live boldly: 1️⃣ To be BOLD we need vision Vision starts on the inside. (Ephesians 4:24) Gods spirit is able to renew us and give us fresh vision for the future. Like the Wright brothers, we must believe that the impossible can be possible. How much more are we, who walk by faith and not by sight, able to achieve with God by our side! Q - what are the things that you have been or are most passionate about? We know that God can do what we can’t do (Matthew 19:26). Be bold enough to have an impossibly big vision for your life, and trust God to go before you. 2️⃣ To be BOLD we need to change our lens When we pursue our dreams we will face opposition.(Numbers 13:33) When we stair at the obstacles in the way of our dreams we may feel like it’s impossible. But when we keep our faith and remember where the promise comes from, we can take bold steps to pursue all God had for us. Q - Do you have challenges in your world that seem intimidating? Financial, relational, a bad habit, lack of self worth? It may be time to change your lens and start to focus on what God has promised - what God has said - his purposes for you. 3️⃣ To be BOLD we need to identify the steps ahead We can’t move when we don’t know where to place our feet.(John 16:33) Your faith will grow when you take steps to grow and trust God. (Romans 5:3-4) Q - Have you identified your next steps to move closer to God and forward in your vision/dreams? Or is this an area you need to ask God to guide you in? 4️⃣ To be BOLD you need to use what is in your hand (Exodus 4:2-3) Don’t be fooled into thinking you need more than you have to reach the vision God has given you. Moses felt unprepared, but God showed he can do the extraordinary with what we call ordinary. Start today being bold with what you have and the vision and dreams God has given you.

We just had our vision Sunday. On vision Sunday every year we have ‘a word’ that sets the direction that we are moving in. Last year it was FORWARD, and it truly did propel our church and so many individuals forward into all God had for them in 2023. But this year our new word is BOLD!

To be bold is to be confident, courageous, fearless, brave, and daring. Proverbs 28:1 NKJ says “…the righteous are as bold as a lion”. We are believing for bold dreams, bold prayers, and bold invitations in the year that lies ahead (read Ephesians 3:12 // Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

Q : Have you thought of some things that you are trusting and believing God for in 2024?

Q: How can you start to be bold before God as you trust him in your life?

Boldness is confidence, it’s knowing that when we pray in faith according to Gods word and live in obedience, that we will receive what we ask for. We have a faithful Father in heaven who is more than able!

Having a vision and a word for the year is about reminding us of our ‘why’. Why we do what we do. Why God has placed us where he has placed us. Why God has chosen us to reach out and impact the world around us. Vision helps us be effective in all we have been called and equipped for (read proverbs 29:18).

We need vision for every area of our life. Vision to give us confidence and direction. Don’t lose vision for your life. When you lose your ‘why’ you lose your way.

Reflect: Do you have an area in your life that needs a fresh vision to help you find your ‘why’ and your way? Consider your family / your church involvement / your social groups / your business / etc. Spend time with God and ask him to give you vision to walk in this year. Then be bold (confident and full of faith) as you step out in faith in 2024 and trust God to lead you in that vision.

Go to https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c0a0-TM8Y04 for the full message.

The world says that it’s normal to live with stress in an ever changing world. But as people of faith we should remember that we are people in the world but of the Kingdom. We need to shift our perspective. We have an unchanging God (Malachi 3:6 / Hebrews 13:8). Let us follow His ways above what the world says.

(Matthew 6:31-34)

God really cares about YOU and he knows what we need, but he still desires us to put Him first even above all our worries. He wants our focus to be on Him.

Q - Do you have things in your life that remind you to shift your focus back to God? (A scripture, song, quote or memory perhaps)

What we behold we become. To behold is to ‘observe and consider’. When we behold Him we become more like Him. When we behold the things of the world we become more stressed and anxious. But looking up - lifts up. When we fix our eyes to look up to God we find it lifts us up out of a place of worry. Focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

Q - can you think of a difficult experience or situation when God was by your side? Have you known God’s peace, or joy, maybe it was a sense of hope, or comfort, etc?

When we choose to focus on God’s ways we can experience a flourishing and fulfilled life! His promise is to give us dreams and visions for the future when we focus on Him (Joel 2:28). Do you have a dream and a vision for the future? God is ready to do new things in your future. Prophesy about your future - speak the word of God into your life and into your future. Allow the Holy Spirit to make space in your life to give you hope for what is to come. But it all starts with putting our trust and focus in God first. (Psalms 37:3-4)

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

Welcome to 2024! We are excited to start the year with our annual week of prayer and fasting. As a church, fasting collectively has always advanced our lives and advanced the kingdom of God. All of the growth we have seen has been made possible by the power of prayer and fasting.

(Read 2 Kings 13:18-19)

In this passage, Elisha was angry with the king. Perhaps it was because the king had wasted an opportunity for greater victory. Every time God puts things before us we have an opportunity for breakthrough if we will choose to press in and go a little further. God sees so much potential in you, but he needs you to press in and take the opportunities.

We need to be intentional. To be intentional is to be deliberate and to do something on purpose. God wants us to be intentional with him, his word, and with his ways. (Read Ecclesiastes 10:10) When we are intentional prayer and fasting is how we sharpen our spiritual axe. It enables us to do what God is calling us to.

Are you living a healthy spiritual life? Consider how you eat, sleep, and exercise in terms of your spiritual life.

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.

Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services. So why not join us at 10 am.

(Proverbs 4:23) Solomon instructs us to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Our lives go in the direction of our heart and it’s up to us to protect it.

There are four aspects to the heart that we need to understand in order to be people who guard our hearts.

1️⃣ Our intellectual capacity

How we think about ourselves, our purpose, and even about God will determine the direction we are going to go.

2️⃣ Emotional capacity

Emotions are important, but we can’t let them direct our lives.

Q - in what ways can you protect the emotional capacity of your heart?

3️⃣ Volitional capacity

This is your will. The determination when you set your heart to move in a certain direction. It’s that inner resolve that refuses to quit.

4️⃣ moral capacity

That is the value system you have to determine right from wrong (Mark 7:21). The moral compass is part of what makes up our heart.

When Solomon tells us to guard our heart he is referring to protecting all of these areas and that it should be our top priority to guard our heart. The enemy wants to take you off course. We need to maintain an intensity in protecting our hearts.

Solomon gives us the blueprint to do this.

1️⃣ Control our tongue

(Proverbs 4:24) What we say has the power to bring life or death. Pay attention to what comes from your mouth, because it all comes from the heart. The same is true for our texts and what we say through our messages. Be careful of gossip (Proverbs 11:13).

Be aware of your tone when you speak (Proverbs 15:1). Our words are a reflection of our heart.

2️⃣ Fix our eyes

(Proverbs 4:25) Make sure you are paying attention to what has your attention. There are many things we can do with our eyes. We could be looking back to what has happened. Living in regret and focusing on the mistakes that were made. We could be looking around us and comparing, but comparison is the thief of joy. Instead let’s look forward and fix our eyes on Jesus! Stay focused on what God has called you to.

Q - what are some of the things we can do to help us fix our eyes on Jesus?

3️⃣ Watch our steps

(Proverbs 4:26-27) We need to keep moving in the direction that God is calling us to walk in. Walk into those areas where God moves your heart. Predetermine to submit your steps to Him.

Q - what does it look like for you to submit your steps to God?

In any healthy relationship there needs to be growth, and if we want to grow in our lives and in our faith then we need to prioritise growing in our relationship with God. The way we do that is by paying attention to the areas where He invites us into deeper relationship. God cares for you the way a close friend would. He cares about what’s on your heart and wants to have a relationship with you. Often in the season where we struggle on our own it’s because we have drifted away from Him. But He is still waiting in that place you left Him, ready to move forward with you again! Q - how would you describe your relationship with God to someone who has never had one? Matthew 7:24:-25 reminds us that we can have a relationship with God that can see us through even the toughest of times. And God wants this for each of us. He doesn’t just want us to know of Jesus, but he wants us to experience the life-changing power that a relationship with Jesus brings. So how can we continue to grow with God? 1️⃣ Spend time getting to know God Ephesians 3:12 reminds us that we can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. That means you can know God is a very real and personal way. Spend time getting to know the person, the presence, and the power of Jesus (Romans 8:1-4). 2️⃣ Listen for His voice The power a relationship can have on us is only made real when we learn to listen. Matthew 7:24 says that anyone who “listens”… is wise. God has answers to the questions we live with, so we should listen to hear the heart of God (Romans 10:17). Start each day in conversation with God and in his word ready to listen for when he speaks to you. Q - how has listening for Gods voice grown your relationship with the Father? 3️⃣ Follow Jesus boldly Following is what should come from listening to God. In this world people follow many things, but what we follow matters. The only way to live in the freedom and victory that God offers is to follow Jesus. Romans 5:1-5 tells us what this life looks like when we accept the invitation from Jesus to follow him. 4️⃣ Learn to surrender to Him The change that God brings to our lives is always for the better. It’s always in our best interest. We need to allow God to shape us by surrendering to His will. We can trust in him because he is a good Father (Luke 11:10-13). He truly loves you and is inviting you to move forward in relationship with him!

In any healthy relationship there needs to be growth, and if we want to grow in our lives and in our faith then we need to prioritise growing in our relationship with God. The way we do that is by paying attention to the areas where He invites us into deeper relationship.

God cares for you the way a close friend would. He cares about what’s on your heart and wants to have a relationship with you. Often in the season where we struggle on our own it’s because we have drifted away from Him. But He is still waiting in that place you left Him, ready to move forward with you again!

Q - how would you describe your relationship with God to someone who has never had one?

Matthew 7:24:-25 reminds us that we can have a relationship with God that can see us through even the toughest of times. And God wants this for each of us. He doesn’t just want us to know of Jesus, but he wants us to experience the life-changing power that a relationship with Jesus brings.

So how can we continue to grow with God?

1️⃣ Spend time getting to know God

Ephesians 3:12 reminds us that we can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. That means you can know God is a very real and personal way. Spend time getting to know the person, the presence, and the power of Jesus (Romans 8:1-4).

2️⃣ Listen for His voice

The power a relationship can have on us is only made real when we learn to listen. Matthew 7:24 says that anyone who “listens”… is wise. God has answers to the questions we live with, so we should listen to hear the heart of God (Romans 10:17).

Start each day in conversation with God and in his word ready to listen for when he speaks to you.

Q - how has listening for Gods voice grown your relationship with the Father?

3️⃣ Follow Jesus boldly

Following is what should come from listening to God. In this world people follow many things, but what we follow matters. The only way to live in the freedom and victory that God offers is to follow Jesus. Romans 5:1-5 tells us what this life looks like when we accept the invitation from Jesus to follow him.

4️⃣ Learn to surrender to Him

The change that God brings to our lives is always for the better. It’s always in our best interest. We need to allow God to shape us by surrendering to His will. We can trust in him because he is a good Father (Luke 11:10-13). He truly loves you and is inviting you to move forward in relationship with him!

When God can trust us to be faithful in the ordinary then he can take us into the extraordinary. When we are faithful in the routine, something is happening that we can’t see. Spiritual muscles are being strengthen and we are being prepared for what is ahead. And the routines of life are not always exciting but they are necessary to become all God has created us to be. Remember that God will always put bigger things in your spirit before they come to pass. David was anointed to be king at an early age but he still had to be faithful in the shepherds fields. David had to pass the test of being faithful in the ordinary even when he knew he had a greater anointing. Q: what are some of the day to day things God is calling you to be faithful in? Are you being faithful and excellent where you are now? You won’t move forward unless you learn to give your best where God has you right now. It’s not the big things that hold most people back but it’s the small things. The bible tells many great stories of the heroes of faith in the bible, but the truth is those events account for just a few days in their lives. Most of their days were ordinary. We can’t live for the big events alone. Instead we must learn to enjoy where God has us now. Psalm 118:24 says this is the day the Lord has made! Q: What do you do to remain faithful and enjoy where God has you now? The bible tells us how God is the potter and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:6) and shaping us means going around in circles. If we choose to step away from that because it’s too ordinary or boring, we miss the opportunity to be shaped into something great. Q: Discuss how we might discover what God is trying to teach us in the ordinary seasons of life. The Israelites were told by God to march around the walls of Jericho, which may have seemed pointless, but when you are faithful in the routine, God can make things happen that you could never make happen on your own (Psalm 18:29). Marching around the city was their test. (Psalms 110:1) No person can keep you from the destiny God has for you. Don’t speak negatively or turn away from Him. Trust Him to take you into your future (Romans 8:28). Guard your heart and stay encouraged. God is faithful to the end!

(Read Jeremiah 12:1-6) The same God who spoke to Jeremiah is speaking to us today. And He is challenging us saying, “don’t get stuck”. (Jeremiah 29:11) We know God wants us to keep moving forward!

The Israelites prayed to God to save them from Egypt and he heard them and saved them. When they were faced with a sea in front of them and an army behind them (Exodus 14:13-20) God made a way for them to cross over safely. And when they were in the desert, God provided for his people everyday and yet they still complained and wanted to go back to being slaves.

They wanted everything to go back to the way it was but for everything to have changed. But it is impossible for everything to change while also having everything stay the same.

God went on to show them the promised land, yet there were many who doubted because they knew that is was impossible in their own strength. Actually it never had anything to do with their ability but only about God’s ability.

Q: In our everyday lives, what does it look like to trust in God’s ability and not your own?

But for the Israelites, even after seeing all the miracles they had seen, they still got stuck between where they had come from and the promise that was ahead of them. God doesn’t want us to get stuck the same way again. He wants you to move forward.

Q: What are some things in your life or from your past that you refuse to allow to hold you back from the plans and purposes God has for you?

Here are a few points to keep ourselves from getting stuck and keep moving forward with God:

1️⃣ Ask the question: What do you want?

(Read John 5:1-9) In this story of Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda, we are reminded that we have to want to change. We have to verbalise and understand what we want to change in our lives.

2️⃣ Your world will change.

Often we don’t want the change, but just like the man who Jesus healed we have to want the change and then move forward in that change.

3️⃣ You need to trust God in the process.

We can only get the end result if we follow the instructions. We cannot bypass the the confrontation that comes with change.

4️⃣ We need to believe it

We need to believe that God is able to do what he has promised to do! He was faithful then and he is faithful now.

The kingdom of God needs built people. People who spend intentional time building their lives to walk with God through challenges and pressures of life. We aren’t supposed to be shaped by media, trends, or popular opinions. God wants to build us to have a greater impact in this world. There is an inner and an outer anointing on your life. The outer represents your talents, skills, gifts and abilities. But the inner anointing is character and integrity. Those spiritual disciplines and habits that shape our lives. Those things you do beyond a Sunday service. Q: Do you spend time building your life in Christ outside of a Sunday? How? We don’t need spiritual ‘highs’ alone. We also need spiritual consistency. Being built Christian’s means having some spiritual consistency in our everyday life. God is building you for the many years ahead of you, not just today! So how is God wanting us to be built: 1️⃣ Be built different When we are built different we aren’t built by this culture norms. What builds us is the faithfulness of God. It’s his Word that shapes us and his Spirit that leads our lives. In Mark 14:3 we see that Mary pours our a very expensive perfume on Jesus. She was fully invested in giving her life to Jesus. She took the step to do what no one in the room was willing to do. [Reflect and consider the last time you changed your schedule or inconvenienced your own plans for God. ] 2️⃣ Be built devoted We need to have an eternal longing to remain devoted to God and his call on our lives. Devotion is proven when no one is watching. In Mark 14:3 we see the devotion of Mary that brought her into the presence of Jesus. Her faithfulness wasn’t limited by the customs of the day. She was fully devoted to bringing her best to Jesus. It’s never a waste to be excessive in our devotion to God! Q: Why do you think it is so important that we live with a greater devotion to God in this day and age? 3️⃣ Be built dangerous There is too much working against the Kingdom of God for us to be timid. We need to be ‘dangerous’ and effective for the kingdom of God! Mary broke the jar of perfume in the house of Simon the Leper, which would have brought a new smell into the house. [ Ask yourself what your “breaking” is bringing. Do your decisions bring you closer to Jesus?] When we live dangerously there is an aroma of power to our lives and our decisions. The love of God is a fragrance that can bring new life to each of us! Let’s be built Christian’s.

Are you still holding onto the promises that God has given you and stepping into the dreams and desire God has planted in your heart? This week Caelan shared how we need to intentionally push forward and above all “don’t stop believing.”

God can still move in 2023! Here are 4 things that can help us finish this year strong and see the breakthrough that we are trusting God for: 1️⃣ Words shape our worlds (Prov 18:21) What we speak about matters. Our words lead to actions and reactions. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) It’s up to us to speak into the things that God has set before us (Psalms 118:24). Q: Have you experienced how speaking with a positive expectation rooted in faith invites God move in your life? 2️⃣ Input creates output It’s the small consistent things we do that bring the results we are looking for. Q: Do you consciously think about the things you watch, listen to, and read, and do you consider how they influence your actions? (1 Peter 5:8) We need to make sure that we aren’t leaving a back door open for the enemy to come into our lives by the things that we allow in our lives. 3️⃣ It’s not owed The world does not owe us anything but by God’s grace it is given to us. (Prov 14:23) God, in fact rewards hard work and he provides for the needs of the godly (prov 10:3-5). Q: How can we work and live in such a way that we show thankfulness to God for his grace and provision? (Col 3:23-24) 4️⃣ Tired is a target (1 Kings 19:4-8) A tired mind is an easy target and can lead to an unhealthy perspective of life. Resting in God will renew your strength. Make sure you have moments when you stop, pause and rest in God’s presence. If we walk with Jesus then we will walk into the amazing future he has for us! Don’t stop believing.

Every week, Church on the Rock streams the in person message on podcast.

Every week, Church on the Rock streams the in person message on podcast. This week is about the importance of remaining in Jesus from our senior pastor.

You can’t please everyone - even Jesus who was perfect couldn’t make everyone happy. If you want to please someone, please God and choose purpose over popularity! Living for the approval of people keeps you from the purposes of God. If you don’t know the purpose of your life, you’ll misuse it - ask your creator about your purpose - then live in it. We please God when we live according to his purposes!

Q - In your own words, what is purpose? And do you know what your purpose is?

3 thoughts about the power of purpose

1️⃣ Purpose diminishes distractions

A big distraction is ‘comparison’. Like Nehemiah, we need to recognise the daily good work God has called us to and not live for the approval of people.

2️⃣ Purpose pushes us through the pain.

We all face pain at some point when opposition comes against us, but we can’t let that process pull us away from our walk with God.

3️⃣ Purpose empowers you to please God

Moses walked faithfully in his purpose and in so doing pleased God. (Acts 5:29) When we choose to obey and follow God rather than people we live a life that pleases God.

Q - When in your life have you chosen calling over comfort?

You can’t please everyone - even Jesus who was perfect couldn’t make everyone happy. If you want to please someone, please God and choose purpose over popularity! Living for the approval of people keeps you from the purposes of God. If you don’t know the purpose of your life, you’ll misuse it - ask your creator about your purpose - then live in it. We please God when we live according to his purposes! Q - In your own words, what is purpose? And do you know what your purpose is? 3 thoughts about the power of purpose 1️⃣ Purpose diminishes distractions A big distraction is ‘comparison’. Like Nehemiah, we need to recognize the daily good work God has called us to and not live for the approval of people. 2️⃣ Purpose pushes us through the pain. We all face pain at some point when opposition comes against us, but we can’t let that process pull us away from our walk with God. 3️⃣ Purpose empowers you to please God Moses walked faithfully in his purpose and in so doing pleased God. (Acts 5:29) When we choose to obey and follow God rather than people we live a life that pleases God. Q - When in your life have you chosen calling over comfort?

The difference between those who are fulfilled in life (great meaningful relationships, strong finances, enjoying ministry & life) and those who aren’t is not talent, intelligence or even appearance. The direction of our lives is due to the decisions we make. If your life is moving in the direction of your decisions, do you like the direction your decisions are taking you? The decisions we make in a moment can impact us for a life time - so how do we make better decisions? We PRE-DECIDE!

Discussion:

🚩What would you say is your weakness in some of your bad decision making - decision fatigue, being scared of making the wrong choice or letting emotions overrule your logic?

🚩 One of the best ways to live a forward-looking, people-loving, God-glorifying life is to decide BEFORE what you will do later. What strong pre-decisions would you like to make? Decide like this:

When faced with _____ (this situation), I have pre-decided to ____ (take this action). Now pray and ask God to help you stay faithful to the decisions you have made.

This past Sunday was our birthday and Heart for the House service, where we got together to sow into our future as a church! We came together to believe for God to do more than we could ever hope or imagine as he builds his church through US collectively. God doesn’t want any of us to go through life and miss the point of why we are here. We are all here to play a unique role in building His church and glorifying His name. As we truly start to understand God’s heart we find the joy and peace that this life can bring us. Q - Have you ever experienced the joy and peace that comes from putting God first in your life? (John 12:24 / 26) A seed has no purpose unless it is planted. The potential for growth and harvest lives inside the seed, that is inside of the harvest. And so each of us are the product of seeds that have been sown into our lives. The problem comes when we choose to either store or consume everything that has been invested into us. We should always seek to be a blessing first, and then we can reap the benefits second. (Prov 3:27) Q - Can you a think of time when your generosity (whether it be with time, energy, or finances) made a difference in someone else’s life? Just like the pressure it take to make olive oil or wine, there is a lot of pressure that comes against us when we do good things for others, but the end product is always worth it. Jesus knew that pressure. He died for his Church, and so if it matters that much to God then there is nothing more worthy of our seed. (Gal 6:10) We are all called to sow seeds of time, seeds of talent, and seeds of treasure to glorify God and so others may live. (John 12:26) Thank you for all you have sown faithfully and believed God for! It’s because of the equal sacrifice of many that we are able to praise God for all He has done through us. Have an expectation for the future! Because the best is yet to come.

Imagine approaching a new group of people to ask to sit with them and they just answer, “sorry, this seat is taken”.

We can also live a life that does not have room for new people, or we can choose to make space for new people at our table.

The one way of living is self-serving with a small impact. The other way invites new people in and has a great impact on the lives of others! That is a life of legacy and the life God wants us to live.

(Read 2 Samuel 9:1-2)

Our default setting is to think of ourselves. But like David we need to be looking for ways to show God’s kindness to others, even when there is no benefit for us. We need to enter each day being a blessing first. Not seeking benefit first.

Q - How can we become more outward focused and blessing minded to others in our daily walk with God?

David brought Mephibosheth from Lo Debar ( which means “No Thing”) and gave him a seat in the palace. David brought him from nothing (a place of no hope and no vision) and restored his honour and hope for the future.

Q - Who do you have in your world that God is calling you to invite to his table? Maybe spend some time this week and ask God who you need to invite in.

We are a Church that is committed to reaching people who have yet to be reached! Heart for the House Sunday is a chance to come together and give to the vision that is working to reach people beyond ourselves. It’s about moving forward because God has more for us to do!

Q - Have you spent time asking God how he wants you to be a blessing to others in this Heart for The House season?

We have all been in that place of Lo Debar (the place of nothing). But thank God that we received that invitation to the Kings table. Now we have a hope and a future. But now it’s our opportunity and responsibility to make room for others at the table.

God’s grace and his mission for his church to reach the lost and lonely should never end with us. It’s all so others may live!

Without faith it is impossible to please God. If we want to step out to take new ground then we need to take faith steps to move into our future! The passage Ps. Jan shared with us this Sunday is out of 2 kings 3:7-20. It is a story of moving forward in faith! Here we find that king Jehoshaphat travels with 2 other kings to overcome their enemy, only to later realise they had no water for their men or animals in the desert. As a result Jehoshaphat insists that they turn to the prophet of God Elisha to ask God to intervene. Because of king Jehoshaphat’s presence, who was a godly man, Elisha was willing to help them. Verse 15-20 tells us how God was able to miraculously provide them with water. 1️⃣ Your challenge is faith’s opportunity The need is necessary to produce faith and for us to grow. God doesn’t want us to be the same, and the challenges we face invite us to have faith! Q - In this season what challenges are you facing or have you faced that called you to have greater faith in God? We need to be strong and very courageous to see the plans and purposes of God come to pass in our lives (Joshua 1:9). Having faith is not a once off event but it is a lifestyle of pressing into God and trusting Him. 2️⃣ The Word is faith’s foundation Because the 3 kings now had a word from God they had hope that God could save them. In moments and seasons like this where God stretches us, we know that pushback comes and it can be hard and uncomfortable. But do we let the Word of God direct our lives? Even if it means God’s way is harder than our own way. Because faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. Is his Word your foundation? Q - how does God’s Word direct your life, even through the tough seasons? 3️⃣ Moving forward is faiths test If we do not move then faith cannot be tested. The 3 kings didn’t have to respond to the Word from the Prophet. It was their choice to trust God, and thankfully doing it God’s way has nothing to do with our ability. Q - Do you know what God is telling you to trust him in and are you ready to start moving in faith? Spend some time in prayer and the Word and discover what God is calling you to trust him in.

This week Ps. Mark tackled the question; how do we know if it is God speaking to us? Just as we would recognise the voice of a loved one, we can also recognise God’s voice in a world with a lot of noise. But responding to the voice of God is a faith exercise. (John 10:3-5) We can’t only step out on our opinions or best efforts. We need to step out in faith. 5 ways to test if something is from God: 1️⃣ Does it line up with the word of God? We need to know what scripture has already said on the matter. (Psalms 19:7-8) His word helps us navigate our lives. Q - Has scripture helped you understand God’s will for you life in the past? Share some examples. 2️⃣ Does it make me more like Christ? God will not lead us down a path that doesn’t make us more like Jesus. (Philippians 2:5) Our desires need to be taken captive and made obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). 3️⃣ Does godly counsel agree? These people show the fruit of the Spirit in their lives without pretending to be overly religious. They have a good track record following God. (Proverbs 12:15) Q - Who do you have in your life that you can turn to for godly council? A common mistake is asking for advice when you have already made up your mind. Or only asking people who you know will tell you what you want to hear. (Proverbs 19:20-21) 4️⃣ Do I have peace? Only once we have reflected on Gods word, considered if it is making us more like Christ, and sought godly counsel, then we can ask ourselves whether we have peace in our hearts. (Philippians 4:6-7) Remember that that faith is what brings peace, even when we feel afraid to step out into new territory. So, fear is expected. 5️⃣ Does it stretch me? God will never leave you where you are. He is always growing us to more like Jesus. We always have another faith step to take in our lives. (Hebrews 11:16) _Q - what are the next faiths steps that God is calling up to take? _ Spend some time prayerfully considering where God’s voice is calling you to step out in faith.

One area most people struggle to move forward in faith is generosity. Jesus himself speaks on money frequently in the gospels.

This Sunday Ps. Mark taught on 3 dimensions of giving that will change our lives if we move forward in all of them.

Moving Forward is a posture, but importantly it is also an action. It is observable in your life.

It is the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Abraham acted in faith when God called on him to be obedient. He showed us faith in action.

Q: Can you recall a time in your life when you stepped out in faith and God was faithful?

3 DIMENSIONS OF GIVING

1️⃣ Spontaneous giving

This is giving often driven by compassion. We see a need and our heart is moved to give. It is spontaneous.

2️⃣ Strategic giving

This is when you have predetermined your generosity. This is value-based giving. When something is important to you, you plan for it.

Our tithe is how we give strategically. (Leviticus 27:30) Our tithe is simply a tenth of all our income that belongs to God, and we return it to God. (Proverbs 3:9-10) It is holy (set apart) to God and is the first 10 percent of all our income. Tithing teaches our hearts to honour and trust God.

Q: in what ways have you experienced God’s continued faithfulness after tithing faithfully? Share some testimonies from the group.

(Read Malachi 3:6-12) Tithing says to God that we truly and fully trust Him with every area of our lives. Remember you don’t tithe because God is after your money, but rather because God is after your heart. (Matthew 6:21)

3️⃣ Sacrificial giving

This is when we give generously at a level that costs us. (2 Samuel 24:24). It’s when we can be generous above our spontaneous giving and after we have bring the tithe. It’s at that point that sacrificial giving starts to become an expression of the grace we have received from God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) The Macedonian churches were in this place of giving beyond! And through this building into the Kingdom of God and into the lives of others.

Q: Do you believe God can use you to build His Kingdom and impact the lives of others through your FAITHFUL GENEROSITY?

One area most people struggle to move forward in faith is generosity. Jesus himself speaks on money frequently in the gospels.

This Sunday Ps. Mark taught on 3 dimensions of giving that will change our lives if we move forward in all of them.

Moving Forward is a posture, but importantly it is also an action. It is observable in your life.

It is the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Abraham acted in faith when God called on him to be obedient. He showed us faith in action.

Q: Can you recall a time in your life when you stepped out in faith and God was faithful?

3 DIMENSIONS OF GIVING

1️⃣ Spontaneous giving

This is giving often driven by compassion. We see a need and our heart is moved to give. It is spontaneous.

2️⃣ Strategic giving

This is when you have predetermined your generosity. This is value-based giving. When something is important to you, you plan for it.

Our tithe is how we give strategically. (Leviticus 27:30) Our tithe is simply a tenth of all our income that belongs to God, and we return it to God. (Proverbs 3:9-10) It is holy (set apart) to God and is the first 10 percent of all our income. Tithing teaches our hearts to honour and trust God.

Q: in what ways have you experienced God’s continued faithfulness after tithing faithfully? Share some testimonies from the group.

(Read Malachi 3:6-12) Tithing says to God that we truly and fully trust Him with every area of our lives. Remember you don’t tithe because God is after your money, but rather because God is after your heart. (Matthew 6:21)

3️⃣ Sacrificial giving

This is when we give generously at a level that costs us. (2 Samuel 24:24). It’s when we can be generous above our spontaneous giving and after we have bring the tithe. It’s at that point that sacrificial giving starts to become an expression of the grace we have received from God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) The Macedonian churches were in this place of giving beyond! And through this building into the Kingdom of God and into the lives of others.

Q: Do you believe God can use you to build His Kingdom and impact the lives of others through your FAITHFUL GENEROSITY?

Have you ever built a very large puzzle with many small pieces? If you have, you would have found that looking at one piece without the full picture doesn’t make much sense. James teaches us likewise, that seeing the bigger picture can help us to make sense of the pieces that make up our lives. (James 5:8) We need to live for Gods greater eternal plan, not only for today or for ourselves here on earth. There is a bigger picture at work. Q - How do you think we can practically live our lives with an eternal perspective? James helps us by sharing 4 things to help us live with an eternal perspective: 1️⃣ Our time is short (James 4:13-14) There is no promise of a future that favors our own plans. But what is true is Gods eternal plan for each of our lives. Q: How would you live life and what choices would you make if you knew you would be face to face with God in few days time? 2️⃣ Our pursuit is God’s purpose (James 4:15-17) All we do and all we aim to pursue in our lives should be submitted to the will and purposes of God. Q - How can we go about our careers and family life, still living in submission to God’s will and greater purposes? 3️⃣ Our blessings are meant to bless (James 5:1-6) James is reminding us that God has blessed us, but also warns us to not think that it was a blessing given only for self indulgence. We are blessed to be a blessing, so others may live! 4️⃣ Our lives here are temporary (James 5:7-8) Don’t set your heart on things of this life. Set your heart on things above and keep your eyes on the bigger picture. God’s greater plan for all of His children.

Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services on podcast. This week we are continuing our series on Why God, Why? Part 4 by Ps. Jared Cerfonteyn.

Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services. So why not join us at 10 am. // WHY GOD, WHY? PART 3? // We all face battles that we have to trust God with, today we find out how we can grow to trust God. This week in our WHY GOD, WHY? message series we answer the question “Why should I trust God?”

// WHY GOD, WHY? PART 2 //

// WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER IT? //

Prayer can be both powerful, and confusing. Elijah prayed and brought down fire from heaven, Daniel prayed and was protected from lions. Amazing, right? So why are some prayers answered and some not? This Sunday we learned it comes down to the purpose of prayer; God doesn’t exist to serve us, we exist to serve Him and do HIS will. Prayer exists to help US KNOW GOD BETTER; so we always should consider our relationships, motivations and God’s will when we ask, “Why God, didn’t you answer it?”

• What initial thoughts do you have when you think about prayer?

• Read Mark 11:24-25. Talk about a time when you learned how your relationships with others can impact your relationship with God. Why do you think God cares about our relationships with others?

• On a scale of 1-10, where would your rate your faith in the power of prayer? Why did you give yourself that rating? How can you move your answer closer to 10?

• Share about a time when God didn’t answer a prayer the way you thought He should. What did you learn through that experience?

// WHY GOD, WHY? PART 1 //

“God is good, all the time.” We love to say it, but here is a question: have you ever doubted that God IS good? There has always been and will always be suffering, pain and tragedy in the world and in our lives. If God is loving, why would he allow suffering? The answer is this: If love is a choice, suffering is a possibility. If it is possible to love, it is possible to hurt. We have all been given the power of free will, the ability to choose right or wrong, love or hate, and it is our access to free will that makes suffering and evil in this world possible. God gives us our free will because He loves us and He wants us to choose Him & love Him back. He isn’t a dictator, He is your Father. So why then do bad things happen to good people? This question is near impossible to answer. Even Jesus who never ever sinned faced the suffering of the cross. It’s not that God doesn’t love people, He loved His son ever so greatly. But even His son had to face suffering so that greater things could come. So what we do know is this: Suffering is never easy, but out of suffering we find: Blessing—Forgiveness—Freedom—Victory! That’s how good our God is, He can find good in the the bad and set you up for blessing. Something better is coming. It might not seem fair right now and at the moment you might doubt His goodness, but over a lifetime, we always see his faithfulness - we see God is good. All the time.

Every week, The Rock streams their church services on podcast.

This week we received a word that shared on “The Father heart of God”. It was a message that reminds us of the incredible love God has for each of us. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uRtM9OXE7_U (Read Ephesians 1:3-6 TPT) The more we get to know God the more we understand how much we have to be thankful for. How much we can praise him for being a good Father. Consider praise as gratitude towards God for who He is. We should approach God with thanksgiving and gratitude in our hearts. Question: How do you approach God? How do you show God gratitude? We don’t need to try win God’s approval by our performance. Jesus was enough for us to receive the amazing grace of God. (Read John 1:11) Through Jesus we are born again into His family! We are adopted into the family of God. You were chosen. Question: What are some of the things that you can be thankful to God for? You may not have had a perfect earthly father, but Psalm 68:5-6 teaches us that God is “A Father of the fatherless”. Romans 8:15 reminds us we are adopted into his family and we now can call him “Abba Father” (a dad 🤗). Discussion: Discuss and share how you have come to know and experience the Father heart of God in your life.

1️⃣ My debt is paid in full. Romans 8:1 Question: Can you identify areas in your life where you have tried to get closer to God through performance? We can only understand grace when we understand the depth of sin and the great price that Jesus alone was able to pay. 2️⃣ I have been set free. Romans 8:2-4 Question: Just like a mirror only reveals things to us but cannot change them, we in our own might cannot remove sin from our lives by our works. Jesus is the ONLY one who can meet the penalty and remove the power of sin. Have you experienced this truth of freedom in Christ in your life? We are now free from sin. We should not accept that sin rules us, but rather be compelled by God’s love to change by the power of the new spirit at work in us through a process of transformation. 3️⃣ I can govern my mind Romans 8:5-8 Question: Think about those times you are not at church. How often do you find that you intentionally govern your mind and thoughts to think on the things of the Spirit? Or do you tend to go into autopilot mode? 4️⃣ I have new power. Romans 8:9-11 The Holy Spirit is our seal of salvation and gives us new power to live this Christian life (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead)! Question: How can we as Christian’s access this new power we have and walk in it daily?

This week we heard a message on part 2 of moving forward financially, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DcjrSVxz8Ts

Observation: Pastor Mark raises the question; what does it look like to be rich to God? And we discover that it looks like generosity. Generosity will bring you closer to God and make your world larger. But what is generosity all about?

Discuss the following points from the message and then spend some time on the reflective questions.

1. It’s about order

Read exodus 13:1-2

Q: Is God first in your life and your heart?

2. it’s about value

Read exodus 13:11-13

Q: am I giving God my best? (Exodus 23:19).

3. It’s about obedience

Read Leviticus 27:30 // Malachi 3:8-11

Q: Have I been stewarding my resources in obedience to Gods principles?

4. It’s about legacy

Read Exodus 13:14

Q: is my life a testimony of God’s faithfulness to the next generation?

As you reflect and apply God’s principles, ask God to guide you onto your next step. As you draw near to God he will draw near to you, and you will continue to move forward in your finances.