Listen Again with The Bridge

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

(TEMPTATION Week 3)

Sunday, October 8th 2023

John 8:31-32 (NIV) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Matthew 26:41 (NIV) “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV) So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

HOW DO WE RUN FROM TEMPTATION TO FIND FREEDOM?

1. MOVE THE LINE

Psalm 16:6-9 (NIV) Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

1. MAGNIFY THE COST

2. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

James 4:7-8 (NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

James 1:12 (ESV) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

(Week 1)

Sunday, September 24th 2023

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

REDLINERS SKIM IN 3 AREAS:

1. RELATIONALLY

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV) “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.” 



1. EMOTIONALLY

Job 3:26 (KJV) I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

1. SPIRITUALLY

Psalm 90:1 (NIV) Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” 4 A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

KEEP THE CHANGE

Sunday, September 17th 2023

HOPE ALONE WON’T CHANGE YOUR LIFE, HABITS WILL.

Daniel 6:5 (NIV) "Finally the men said, we'll never find any basis for charges against this man, Daniel, unless it has something to do with the law of his God." 

Daniel 6:10 (NIV) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:19-22 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den.

Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

HOW TO KEEP THE CHANGE:

1. MAKE IT OBVIOUS

2. MAKE IT EASY

1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) "Do not despise these small beginnings. For the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." 

Message by Candace Payne, Guest Speaker at the Bridge on September 10th, 2023

UNITED THROUGH CHRIST

(Sacred Wk 3)

Sunday, September 3rd 2023

Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Romans 5:1-11 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

4 WAYS WE ARE UNITED THROUGH CHRIST

1.  WE ARE UNITED THROUGH ACCESS TO GOD’S GRACE. 

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

2. WE ARE UNITED IN OUR SUFFERING

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

3. WE ARE UNITED BY GOD’S LOVE

Romans 5:5-8 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

4.  WE ARE UNITED THROUGH RECONCILIATION 

Romans 5:9-11 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

KOINONIA

Sunday, August 27th 2023

Acts 2:42-47 

• KOINONIA: SHARING IN THE LIVES OF OTHER BELIEVERS

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

John 17:20-23 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one 23 I in them and you in me so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

• COMMUNITY + UNITY = LOST SOULS BEING SAVED

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Luke 6:32-34 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

1 Thessalonians 2:8; Paul said: We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well...

• COMMUNITY IS NOT ABOUT ADDING SOMETHING TO YOUR SCHEDULE, IT’S WHO YOU ARE.

Luke Chapter 15:1-2 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 7:34 The son of man came eating and drinking." 

Acts 2:46  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1 John 4:19. "We love because He first loved us."

IT IS WRITTEN

2 Chronicles 7:1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 

1 Corinthians 3:16 

Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Romans 10:17 (NKJV) Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 11:6 Without Faith it is impossible to please God.

2 Timothy 3:16 ALL SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

John 1:14 

Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Matthew 4:1:11 (NIV) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,    and they will lift you up in their hands,    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

2 REASONS WE NEED TO KNOW GOD’S WORD:

1. IT KEEPS US FROM FALLING TO TEMPTATION

2 Corinthians 11:25- 27

Psalms 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me." 

1. OUR ENEMY TRIES TO MANIPULATE WHAT GOD SAYS

Genesis 3:1-7

James 1:19-22 (NLT) 19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

There Is A Gap Between What God Has Said About Me And What I Actually See In Me

Matthew 16:13-19

Correction

Protection

Connection

John 8:12

Matthew 5:14-16

1 Peter 1:14

There Is A Gap

The Cross Bridges The Gap

2 peter 1:3-4

YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE

Sunday, August 6th 2023

2 Chronicles 7:1-3 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good his love endures forever.”

2 Chronicles 7:6 The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the Lord’s musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the Lord and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, “His love endures forever.” 

2 Chronicles 7:15-16 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

• THE TEMPLE WAS THE FIRST PERMENANT CONNECTION POINT BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Ephesians 5:32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

WHAT WAS TRUE ABOUT THE TEMPLE THEN SHOULD BE TRUE ABOUT THE TEMPLE TODAY.

1. THE TEMPLE WAS VISIBLE

Matthew 5:14-16. "You are the light of the world. "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, "but on a lampstand and it gives light to all "who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, "that they may see your good works and glorify "your Father in heaven."

2. THE TEMPLE WAS A HOUSE OF PRAYER 

Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them

3. THE TEMPLE WAS HOLY 

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

• THAT MEANS HOLINESS IS NOT YOUR FINAL DESTINATION, IT IS YOUR POINT OF ORIGIN.

1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

4. THE TEMPLE WAS A PLACE OF MIRACLES

• Psalm 19: 1-6

• 1. God’s world declares God’s glory.

• Romans 1:20 

• Matthew 6 26 

• Psalm 19:7-11

• God’s word declared God’s glory. 

• “He is wisest who reads both the world-book, and the Word-book as two volumes of the same work, and feels concerning them, "My Father wrote them both."- Charles Spurgeon,  

• Psalm 19:12-14

• God’s people declare God’s glory.

• We must live in such a way that when people see us, they see God. 

• Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

HEALING: SIMPLE YET COMPLICATED

(PART 2)

Sunday, July 23rd 2023

THREE REASONS JESUS DIDN’T DO MIRACLES

1. JESUS REFUSED TO PERFORM MIRACLES TO PROVE HIMSELF.

Mark 8:9-13 After he had sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. 11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.

2. JESUS REFUSED TO PERFORM MIRACLES THAT INTERFERED WITH GOD’S ULTIMATE PLAN. 

Matthew 26:53-54 NLT “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” 

3. JESUS REFUSED TO PERFORM MIRACLES WHERE THERE WAS NO FAITH.

Mark 5:34 … “Daughter, your faith has healed you. …” 

Luke 17:19 … “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”  

Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” … 

Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 

Matthew 17:14-20 14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 9:18-24

Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

3 STEPS TO PERSISTENT PRAYER:

• ASK- SEEK-KNOCK

• CONTINUOUS ACTION

Luke 11:5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your SHAMELESS AUDACITY he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

HEALING: SIMPLE YET COMPLICATED

(PART 1)

Sunday, July 16th 2023

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NLT) Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Acts 20:7-12 

Matthew 8:14-15 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

2 Timothy 4:20

1 Timothy 5:23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

2 Corinthians 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

John 9:1-25

• OUR FAITH IS NOT BASED ON WHAT GOD DOES BUT ON WHO HE IS.

John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 

THE PRICE IS RIGHT!

THE PRICE IS RIGHT WK 3

Sunday, July 9th 2023

Acts 20:35 (NIV)… remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 

1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 (NIV) Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God BECAUSE OF YOU?

1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT) The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 12:14-17 (NLT) Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 

1 Corinthians 12:22, 27 (NLT) In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. ... 27All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 

Ephesians 4:16 (NKJV) from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Mark 35-37 (NIV) And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and SERVANT of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

DO YOU SEE THE VALUE?

THE PRICE IS RIGHT WK 2

Sunday, July 2nd 2023

Leviticus 27:30 (NIV) ‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.

Malachi 3:10a(NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.

Genesis 14:18-20 (NIV) 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Hebrews 7:4-8 (NKJV) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.

Matthew 23:23 (NIV) “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

1. THE BAG MINDSET

Haggai 1:6 (NKJV) …You eat, but you do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, earns wages to put it into a bag with holes." 

1. THE BASKET MINDSET

Deuteronomy 28:4-6 (NIV) The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. 5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. 6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

Luke 6:38 (NIV) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

1. THE BARN MINDEST

Deuteronomy 28:8 (NIV) "The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to." 

Luke 12:16-21 (NIV) And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops, then your barns will be filled to overflowing." 

Matt 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matt 23:23-24 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 

John 13:1-9 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

1. HE GOT UP FROM THE TABLE 

2. HE HUMBLED HIMSELF 

3. HE SERVED

Phil 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Phil 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Matt 11:28-29 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matt 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

• WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE, NOT SAVE.

• WE’RE CALLED TO RELATE NOT RESCUE

• WE ARE CALLED TO REACH OUT NOT DOWN.

“AS THE FATHER HAS LOVED ME” 

Father’s Day 2023

Sunday, June 18th 2023

Romans 8:14-16 (NIV) For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 

John 15:1-11 (NIV) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. 

John 13:12-15 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 

CONNECTED FATHERS:

1. LEAD LIKE JESUS LED

2. OBEY LIKE JESUS OBEYED

3. LOVE LIKE JESUS LOVED

WERE THERE NOT 10?

Sunday, June 11th 2023

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV) because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Psalm 95:1-3 (ESV) Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

NOW AND LATER (WK 2)

Sunday, June 4th 2023

1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

• UNBELIEF PUTS OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BETWEEN US AND GOD, FAITH PUTS GOD BETWEEN US AND OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

• THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WALKING ON WATER AND SINKING IN DESPAIR IS WHAT YOU ARE FOCUSED ON.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

NOW AND LATER

(Week 1)

Sunday, May 28th 2023

1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then (LATER) we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Matthew 11:2-6 (NIV) When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

• HOW DO WE LIVE IN THE NOW AND TRUST GOD FOR THE LATER?

Matthew 11:11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist. 

• IN THE DOUBTS OF TODAY WE TRUST IN HIS TOMORROWS.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Ephesians 5:17 (NLT) Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. 

4 PRINCIPALS TO FOLLOW NOW THAT WILL GET YOU TO THE LATER:

1. KNOW GOD’S WORD

2. COMMIT TO DOING GOD’S WILL 

3. TRUST GOD’S WAYS

4. ASK FOR GOD’S WISDOM

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  

Genesis 24:1-14 (NKJV) Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. 2 So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, "Please, put your hand under my thigh, 3 and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; 4 but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac." 5 And the servant said to him, "Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?" 6 But Abraham said to him, "Beware that you do not take my son back there. 7 For the LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my offspring. He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a young woman there to be my son's wife. 8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there." 9 So the servant took a solemn oath that he would follow Abraham's instructions. 10 He loaded ten of Abraham's camels with gifts and set out, taking with him the best of everything his master owned. He traveled to Aram-naharaim and went to the village where Abraham's brother Nahor had settled. 11 There the servant made the camels kneel down beside a well just outside the village. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water. "O LORD, God of my master," he prayed. "Give me success and show kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey. 13 See, here I am, standing beside this spring, and the young women of the village are coming out to draw water. 14 This is my request. I will ask one of them for a drink. If she says, 'Yes, certainly, and I will water your camels, too!' — let her be the one you have appointed as Isaac's wife. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." 

May 21, 2023 Sunday Morning Service

The Bridge – Maryville

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  

Questions

1. Who Are You? 

2. What Are You? 

3. Where Are You? 

4. What Do You Really Want?

Own It!

Scriptures

John 10:10

John 16:33

Phil 1:6

Phil 4:11-13

Phil 3:8

Matt. 16:26

Luke 15:17

I Cor. 13:11

Psalm 139:14-16

THE UNSEEN

MOTHER’S DAY

May 14th 2023

Deuteronomy 6:7-9 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

• GOD IS NOT PART OF YOUR LIFE, HE IS YOUR LIFE.

1 Samuel 17:34-37 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

• THE REWARD YOU GET FOR OVERCOMING YOUR LAST CHALLENGE IS… YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE. 

Genesis 6:22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Esther 4: 14 “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

• WE LIKE TO BE SEEN FOR WHAT WE DO, BUT DON’T WANT TO DO WHAT IS NECESSARY IN THE UNSEEN.

Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Philippians 3:13-14 “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

DON’T BE A CONSTIPATED CHRISTIAN

Sunday, May 7th 2023

Matthew 18:23-35

• We judge ourselves based on our intentions; we judge others based on their actions.

Luke 6:36-37 Be merciful as your father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 

2 Samuel 24:14 Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”

Ephesians 2:1-4 (NKJV) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, …

Psalm 136 (NKJV)

Lamentations 3:19-25 (ESV) Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! 20 My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

• WHAT HE GIVES TO US, HE EXPECTS TO GO THROUGH US.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

Sunday, April 30th 2023

Psalm 78:5-7 (TLB) For he gave his laws to Israel and commanded our fathers to teach them to their children, 6 so that they in turn could teach their children too. Thus his laws pass down from generation to generation. 7 In this way each generation has been able to obey his laws and to set its hope anew on God and not forget his glorious miracles.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Mark 1:9-11 (NIV)  Then one day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John there in the Jordan River.10 The moment Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens open and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending on him, 11 and a voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; you are my Delight.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

THREE GREAT TEMPTATIONS

1. YOU WILL BE TEMPTED TO DEFINE TRUTH AS YOU SEE IT.

2. YOU WILL BE TEMPTED TO FEEL ENTITLED.

3. YOU WILL BE TEMPTED TO POSTPONE ADULTHOOD.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

BC/AC

Sunday, April 23rd 2023

Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Psalms 51:5 Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NKJV) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

OUR CONDITION BEFORE CHRIST:

1. DEAD

• Ephesians 2:1 – “…who were dead in trespasses and sins…”

• Genesis 2:17 In the day that you eat you shall surely die. 

  2. DISOBEDIENT

• Ephesians 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

3. DEPRAVED

• Ephesians 2:3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

OUR CONDITION AFTER CHRIST:

1. MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST

• Ephesians 2:5 made us alive together with Christ

  2. RAISED US UP WITH HIM

• Ephesians 2:6 and raised us up together,

  3. SEATED US IN HEAVENLY PLACES!

• Ephesians 2:6b and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

• WORKS ARE NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR OUR SALVATION BUT ARE A RESULT OF OUR SALVATION.

HIS GLORY, YOUR STORY

(Week 3)

SUNDAY, APRIL 9th 2023

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 

1 Corinthians 15:17-18 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.

Isaiah 53:6-10 (NLT) All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 Unjustly condemned he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. 9 He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. 10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.

WHO PUT JESUS ON THE CROSS?

• GOD DID

• WE DID

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV) You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 4:25 (NLT) He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

ROMAN 4:25 (NIV) He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

• JUSTIFICATION: THE LEGAL CHANGE FROM GUILTY TO NOT GUILTY

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

HIS GLORY YOUR STORY 

WEEK 2

Sunday, April 2nd 2023

John 12:12-19 (NKJV) The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

“Hosanna!‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’The King of Israel!”

14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;Behold, your King is coming,Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

Psalm 118:25-26 (NKJV) Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!  See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matthew 15:2-3 (NIV) “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 

Matthew 15:7-8 (NIV) You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JESUS THE PERSON AND THE PRACTICE OF RELIGION? 

1. RELIGION FOCUSES OUTWARD, JESUS FOCUSES INWARD 

2. RELIGION IS ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN’T DO, JESUS IS ABOUTR WHAT YOU CAN DO. 

3. RELIGION BUILDS BARRIERS, JESUS REMOVES BARRIERS

4. RELIGION SAYS YOU HAVE TO WORK YOUR WAY TO GOD, JESUS SAYS, I AM THE WAY TO GOD

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

HIS GLORY, YOUR STORY

(BETRAYED)

Sunday, March 26th 2023

Zechariah 11:12-13 I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Luke 10:16 “he who rejects me rejects him who sent me”.

1. JUDAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT WHAT WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM 

John 6:60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

John 6:68 from this many of the disciples turned and no longer followed him.

John 6:70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”

2. JUDAS LET HIS HEART DO THE TALKING

John 12:5-6 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

3. JUDAS WAS INFORMED BUT NEVER TRANSFORMED

Matthew 26:20-25 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Matthew 27:3-5 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

John 6: 25-35 (NIV)

1. STUFF LEAVES US EMPTY

Philippians 3:18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

You can’t be hungry for Jesus if you’re full on the world.

Are you hungry?

John 6:36-51 (NIV)

2. JESUS CAME HERE IN THE FLESH

John 3:16

John 6:52-59

3. WE HAVE ACCESS, WE ONLY NEED APPETITE

 Be Strong and Courageous

2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NLT) "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths"

2 Timothy 3:2-5 (NLT) "For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. they will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!"

Numbers 13:27-28(NLT) "This was their report to Moses: "We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country - a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!"

Numbers 13:30-32 (NLT) "But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. "Let's go at once to take the land," he said. "We can certainly conquer it!" But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. "We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!" So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites:"

Joshua 1:1-5 (ESV) "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you."

Joshua 1:6 (ESV) "Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them." 

1. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS BECAUSE OF THE PROMISES OF GOD

2. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS BECAUSE OF THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD

Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV) "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Romans 8:11 "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." 

3. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS BECAUSE GOD IS WITH YOU

Joshua 1:9 (ESV) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Dating/Engaged

Sunday, MARCH 5th 2023

Genesis 2:18-23 (NLT) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Genesis 2:19 God made the animals and the birds of the sky.

Genesis 2:20 But still there was no helper just right for Adam.

Genesis 2:23 “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone,
    and flesh from my flesh!

soul: invisible, intangible, psychological, and emotional part of our existence

Mark 8:37 (NLT) “Is anything worth more than your soul?”

3 John 1:2 (NIV) Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

soulmate: someone you’re attracted to physically, who shapes you emotionally and is suited for you purposefully

DATE WITH:

1. INTENTIONALITY

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking …

1. CLARITY

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) Speak the truth in love ...

Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is a kiss on the lips.

1. STRATEGY

1 Corinthians 13:7 LOVE: always protects. Always trusts. Always hopes, and always perseveres.

1. PURITY (SEXUAL INTEGRITY)

Romans 1:18-32

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: It’s Complicated

Sunday, February 26th 2023

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matt 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…

• TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR ENEMY YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU ACT TOWARD YOUR ENEMY.

Mark 2:1-12

HOW IS TECHNOLOGY CHANGING RELATIONSHIPS?

1. THE TERM FRIEND DOESN’T MEAN WHAT IT USE TO.
2. WE’RE LIVING FOR LIKES, WHILE LONGING FOR LOVE.
3. WE HAVE THE POWER TO DO FRIENDSHIP ON OUR OWN TERMS.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF BEING PRESENT.

Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

February 19th, 2023

Guest speaker, Dr. Grant Jones, speaks on "Regret" at The Bridge Maryville. 

Find Dr. Jones' PowerPoint here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iH8bmVH5cw6HoQOptLSwSgReJrR1hkbm?usp=sharing

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: MARRIED

Sunday, February 12th 2023

James 1:19-20… Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

GOD’S RULES FOR FIGHTING FAIR

• HEAR WHAT IS BEING SAID, NOT WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR.

James 1:19…Everyone should be quick to listen…

Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

• USE YOUR WORDS WISELY

James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…

Proverbs 21:23 (NLT) Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

• HANDLE YOUR ANGER RIGHTEOUSLY.

James 1:19… Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…

Ephesians 4:26-27"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

2 WAY TO PRAY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

1. GOD CHANG ME

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me God, and know my heart. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

2. GOD CHANGE THEM

5 NEVERS IN FIGHTING FAIR:

• Never call names.
• Never raise your voice.
• Never get historical.
• Never say never or always.
• Never threaten divorce.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: SINGLE

Sunday, February 5th 2023

Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

4 THINGS GOD GAVE ADAM WHILE HE WAS SINGLE.

1. PLACE

Genesis 2:8 (NLT) Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.

Hebrews 12:1 (TLB) “…Let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.”

1. PURPOSE

Genesis 2:15 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.

1. Identity

Genesis 1:26 (NIV) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…

1 Samuel 18:5-9 (MSG)

1. PARAMETERS

Genesis 2:15-17 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 EXCEPT the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)

2 Peter 1:3  (NLT)

Genesis 2:18 (NLT) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

JUST SAY IT

(DIY PRAYER)

Sunday, January 29th 2023

Habakkuk 1:1-4 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. 2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.

HABAKKUK’S PROBLEMS WITH GOD

1. YOU DON’T SEEM TO CARE.
2. YOU AREN’T DOING MUCH WHEN YOU COULD.
3. WHAT YOU ARE DOING DOESN’T SEEM FAIR.

James 1:2-4

Habakkuk 1:5-11 (God’s Response)

Habakkuk 1:12-13  (Habakkuk’s 2nd Prayer)

Habakukk 2:1-3

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (TLB) (God’s Response)

1. LISTEN

Habakkuk 2:1b I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me…

2. WRITE

Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

3. WAIT

Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

James 1:2-4

Habakkuk 3:2

4. REMEMBER

Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.

Habakkuk 3:4-6

5. TRUST

Habakkuk 3:16-18 Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.  Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,  yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

PRAYING FOR OTHERS

(DIY PRAYER)

Sunday, January 22nd 2023

Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV)

Colossians 1:9-14 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:3-6

5 THINGS WE PRAY FOR OTHERS:

1. PRAY THAT THEY MAY KNOW GOD’S WILL
Vs. 9 We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will.

3 THINGS WE KNOW ARE GOD’S WILL FOR US:

• Salvation: “God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
• Growth: “desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow daily” 1 Peter 2:2
• Bringing Glory to God: “…whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

2. PRAY THAT THEY MAY LIVE A LIFE PLEASING TO GOD.
Vs. 10a, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.

3. PRAY THAT THEY WILL BEAR GOOD FRUIT
Vs. 10b, bearing fruit in every good work

John 15:1 “I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

4. PRAY THAT THEY WILL GROW IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. (vs. 10c)
Vs. 10c, growing in the knowledge of God,

5. PRAY THAT THEY WILL BE FILLED WITH THE POWER OF GOD. (vs. 11)
vs. 11 “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…”

Matthew 6:9-13 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

The Lord’s Prayer can be divided into two parts, each with 3 elements.

1. God’s Glory
   • Our Father
   • Hallowed by your name
   • Your kingdom come
2. Our Needs
   • Give us our daily bread
   • Forgive us our sins
   • Lead us not into temptation

   The Lord’s Prayer broken down into 7 parts:

1. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

“Our Father in Heaven”

Romans 8:15 We receive the Holy Spirit who makes us children of God, “and by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

2. WORSHIP TO GOD

“Hallowed by your name.”

To make something “hallow” carries two basic ideas in the Greek.

• 1. To make an ordinary thing extraordinary by bringing it into contact with something extraordinary.
  • 1 Peter 1:16 God says, “Be holy because I am holy.”
• 2. “hallow” means to treat something or someone as set apart or separated.

3. WE SUBMIT TO GOD’S AGENDA

“Your kingdom come, your will be done”

• Prayer is not asking God to do my will.
  • It is bringing myself into conformity with His will.
• “God, because you are King, do what you want in my life and in the lives of others.”

4. PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS

“Give us today our daily bread”

5. DEAL WITH THE SIN IN YOUR LIFE

“Forgive us our debts,”

Romans 5:8 there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

6. PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP YOU FORGIVE OTHERS

“as we also have forgiven our debtors”

• Forgiven people should be forgiving people.

Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”

7. PRAY FOR PROTECTION

“lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

NEW YEAR, FRESH START

(PRAY FIRST)

Sunday, January 8th 2022

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Genesis 1:27,31 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. ... 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Matthew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

• GOD’S TO-DONE LIST IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR TO-DO LIST.

INCLUDE REST IN YOUR

1. DAILY RHYTHM
2. WEEKLY RHYTHM
3. SEASONAL RHYTHM

First Mention

The Law of First Mention

Genesis 3:1-9 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

God Calls

Genesis 3:10-11 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

God Redirects

God Comes

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders and he will be called, wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, and he will be called the prince of peace.

John 14:5-11 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

Romans 8:15-16 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Luke Chapter 15:1-2 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him (MEANING JESUS) to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 15:11-32

1. YOUR EVERLASTING FATHER IS PATIENT.

2 Peter 3:9 God is patient with you, because he does not want any one to perish but he wants everyone to come to repentance.

1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

2. YOUR EVERLASTING FATHER WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Hebrews 13:5 Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us.

3. YOUR EVERLASTING FATHER FORGIVES YOU.

Ephesians 1:7-8 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

4. YOUR EVERLASTING FATHER LOVES YOU.

Psalms 103, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.”

Luke 15:20 But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders and he will be called, wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, and he will be called the prince of peace.

Gen 1:26-27 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?

Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being

Isaiah 46:9-10 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Jeremiah 32:17 Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

1. GOD IS OMNISCIENT

Psalm 139:1-4 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

1. GOD IS OMNIPRESENT

Psalm 139:7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

1. GOD IS OMNIPOTENT

Acts 17:24-25

Philippians 2:13 (NLT) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

• His power is at work in you.
• His power is at work for you.
• His power is at work through you.

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT) Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I Corinthians 2:4-5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

Wonderful Counselor

Sunday, November 27th 2022

Matthew 1:18-21 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

• In the first few sentences of the story, His destiny is revealed in His name:
• Jesus Saves

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

• Wonderful: pele' (peh'-leh); beyond understanding, too wonderful for words.
• Counselor: ya`ats (yaw-ats'); to advise; to consult, to guide.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Luke 5:31-32 Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

1. BE HONEST WITH THE COUNSELOR.

John 4:16-17 (Jesus) told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." 17 "I have no husband," she replied.

Psalms 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

1. LISTEN TO THE COUNSELOR’S VOICE.

Mark 9:7…a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

1. TAKE THE COUNSELOR’S ADVICE.

Mark 10:20-21a "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."  Jesus looked at him and loved him.

Mark 10:21b-22 "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

A BETTER THANKSGIVING

Sunday, November 20th 2022

Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil, a chasing after the wind.

Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

HOW DO WE DEVELOP AN ONGOING, UNENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:

1. CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH GOD

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually,

1. INSTANT OBEDIENCE TO GOD

Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Romans 5:17-19 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

1. A RENEWED DESPERATION FOR GOD.

Psalm 84:1 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 63:1-3 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

Patience and Suffering - James 5

November 12th, 2022 Message

James 5:7-9 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

• makrothymeō: which directly means long fuse

2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

James 5:10-11 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Job 19:25-27 I know that my redeemer lives,

and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

26 And after my skin has been destroyed,

yet in my flesh I will see God;

27 I myself will see him

with my own eyes—I, and not another.

How my heart yearns within me!

James 5:12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

James 2:17 Faith by itself, if it not accompanied by action, is dead.

ADULTERERS AND MURDERS

(BETWEEN SUNDAYS PT 7)

Sunday, November 6th 2022

James 4:1-10 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.

Matthew 5:21-22 we learned that the anger that rises in our hearts is the same as murder.

Luke 12:15 “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

• GOD IS NOT JEALOUS ABOUT YOU; HE IS JEALOUS FOR YOU.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 24:3-5 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?  Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart…He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Genesis 1:26   Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number;  "If  you want to change the life you have, you need to change the words you speak."    James 1:18, James 1:19, James 1:26   James 3:1-12 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and of death."    Proverbs 12:18 "The words of the reckless pierce like swords." but the tongue of the wise brings healing, it's life giving.  Proverbs 15:4, "The soothing tongue is a tree of life." But on the other hand, "a perverse tongue crushes the Spirit."    Matthew 16:22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”  Matthew 12:33-35  What we say about people, is revealing what we actually believe about God.

October 23rd message from The Bridge

THE WHAT: James 2:1

THE WHY: James 2:4-5

THE CONSEQUENCES: James 2:9-11

THE GOOD NEWS: James 2:13

James 2:1-13 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.

2 timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

James 1:19-27 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Matthew 7:21  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:24 “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.

James tells us that there are four things that we need to do.

1. QUICK TO LISTEN
2. SLOW TO SPEAK
3. SLOW TO ANGER
4. BE A DOER

Hebrews 12:1 - We must “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”