The Way Community Church Podcast

Where Do We Stand? On Jesus's Identity - TWCC 3-22-26 Guest Preacher Greg Kirkland

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:15:04 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

Guest Preacher Greg Kirkland

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https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

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https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

Listen and Subscribe to our Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-community-church-podcast/id1693144687

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZLsDRA9WNABE2bHoaXHyS

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49583016

Where Do We Stand?: On Politics - TWCC 3-15-26 9:30 am

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:45:11 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49579597

Where Do We Stand?: On leadHERship - TWCC 3-8-26 9:30 am

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:45:56 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

Listen and Subscribe to our Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-community-church-podcast/id1693144687

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZLsDRA9WNABE2bHoaXHyS

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49576200

Where Do We Stand? On Spiritual Gifts - TWCC 3-1-26 9:30 am

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:27:05 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49572662

There is No History without Black History - TWCC 2-22-26 9:30 am

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:03:47 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

Listen and Subscribe to our Podcast

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-community-church-podcast/id1693144687

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZLsDRA9WNABE2bHoaXHyS

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49569175

I'm Still Counting Bread - TWCC 2-8-26 9:30 am 3 Year Anniversary Service w/ Dr. Eric Vickers Sr.

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:38:37 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual 3 Year Anniversary service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49562335

Help Is On The Way - TWCC 2-8-26 7:30 am 3 Year Anniversary Service w/ Dr. Eric Vickers Sr.

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:04:33 +0000

This is the 7:30 am virtual 3 Year Anniversary service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49562331

Going Nowhere Fast - TWCC 2-1-26 9:30 am Service

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:35:16 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:00:35 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

with Guest Pastor Alexis Brookins

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49541426

The Way In A Manger - TWCC 12-21-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:25:59 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49539994

Obstacles INN the Way - TWCC 12-14-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:07:32 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49535722

I'm On The Way - TWCC 12-7-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:13:30 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49533090

Living in the Overflow- TWCC 11-30-25 9:30am Service

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:26:59 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

Guest Preacher - Pastor Jeffrey Johnson

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49529633

What the Bible Did Say About Investing - TWCC 11-23-25 9:30am Service

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:30:42 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49526409

Discipline Over Dollars - TWCC 11-16-25 9:30am Service

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:23:31 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49522959

What the Bible Did Say About Money:Tithing/Giving - TWCC 11-9-25 9:30am Service

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:58:07 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49519442

What the Bible Did $ay about Money - TWCC 10-26-25 9:30am Service

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:53:52 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49512769

What the Bible Didn’t $ay about Money - TWCC 10-19-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:23:40 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCo...

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-...

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-...

Trust Issues Reading Material and Worksheets

https://www.thewaycc.online/trust-issues

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49509417

Confidence In God as a Shrewd Steward - TWCC 10-12-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:44:23 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49506209

Trust Issues: It$ Deeper than Number$

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:28:56 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49502817

Standing in the Need - TWCC 9-28-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:49 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCo...

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-...

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-...

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49499278

Wayfinders: The Hero Making Hero - TWCC 9-21-25 9:30am Service

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:11:56 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49495929

We Are a Movement w/ Rev Adrian Robinson - TWCC 9-14-25 9:30am Service

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:00:30 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49492542

Wayfinders: The Hero Making Hero - TWCC 9-7-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:00:13 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49489140

Wayfinders: Lift Him Up - Week 2 - TWCC 8-31-25 9:30am Service

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:45:17 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49485777

Wayfinders: Lift Him Up - TWCC 8-24-25

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:42:18 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49481910

Wayfinders: Preparing the Way (Week 3) - TWCC 8-17-25 9:30am Service

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 21:41:02 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49479124

Wayfinders: Preparing the Way

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 02:42:27 +0000

This is the 9:30 am service for The Way Community Church from August 10, 2025

John 1:19, 23 NASB

19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 23 He said, “I am THE VOICE OF ONE CALLING OUT IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE THE WAY OF THE LORD STRAIGHT,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

The Way to Follow Along Sermon Notes

http://bible.com/events/49475929

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

I Can Relate – Relationships in the Kingdom - The Way Community Church 4-14-24 9:30 am Service

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 05:58:53 +0000

This is the 9:30 am virtual service for The Way Community Church

The Way to Connect with us

https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheWayCommunityChurch1/GetConnectedAtTheWay

The Way to Give

https://onrealm.org/TheWayCommunity/-/form/give/now

The Way To Receive Prayer

https://thewaycc.online/connect-with-us/prayer-request

Follow along in the bible app notes

http://bible.com/events/49244425

HIStory changed HERstory

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:02:28 +0000

John 20:1 NIV

1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.

Palm Sunday at The Way

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Luke 19:35-40 NIV

35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Luke 19:41-44 NLT

41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”

Luke 19:28-34 NLT

28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.”

Psalm 118:25-26 KJV

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD:O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD:We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Ladies First: Speak Up

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:58:40 +0000

Judges 19:22-30 NIV

22 While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city

surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who

owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex with him.”

23 The owner of the house went outside and said to them, “No, my friends, don’t be

so vile. Since this man is my guest, don’t do this outrageous thing. 24 Look, here is

my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you

can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But as for this man, don’t do such an outrageous thing.”

25 But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent

her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and

at dawn they let her go. 26 At daybreak the woman went back to the house where

her master was staying, fell down at the door and lay there until daylight.

27 When her master got up in the morning and opened the door of the house and

stepped out to continue on his way, there lay his concubine, fallen in the doorway

of the house, with her hands on the threshold. 28 He said to her, “Get up; let’s go.”

But there was no answer. Then the man put her on his donkey and set out for home.

29 When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb,

into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. 30 Everyone who saw it

was saying to one another, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since

the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Just imagine! We must do something!

So speak up!”

BIG QUESTION: How are women treated in a godless society?

It's in the Record - Let It Speak ft. Rev Allison M Henderson Brooks

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 01:56:00 +0000

Romans 16:3-4 NIV

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Ladies First

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 21:54:32 +0000

Genesis 2:22-23 NASB

“ 22 And the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,

“At last this is bone of my bones,

And flesh of my flesh;

She shall be called ‘woman,’...”

Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked

contributions of women to U.S. history. 1

BIG IDEA: Women must be free to BE

Be Connected Week 2

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:52:07 +0000

Hebrews 10:19-23 NASB

“ 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy

place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us

through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over

the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a [h] sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our

bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;”

Be Connected

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 21:50:23 +0000

Luke 6:13-16 NASB

“He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named

as apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and his brother Andrew;

and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; 15 and Matthew and Thomas;

James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; 16 Judas the

son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

The Audacity of Faith ft. Guest Preacher Dr. Robert Smith Jr.

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 08:45:48 +0000

For The Way Community Churches One Year Anniversary Dr. Robert Smith Jr. joined us to speak on the Audacity of Faith

You Act Just Like Yo’ Daddy

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:24:53 +0000

Luke 6:36 NIV

“ 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

1 Peter 1:16 NIV

“ 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””

Hebrews 2:11 NIV

“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the

same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”

BIG IDEA: Being like God matters more than Believing in God

Nothing is Everything

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:07:04 +0000

Philippians 4:6 NKJV

6 Be anxious for nothing…

 Big Idea: If we will be, God will do.

DISCUSSION:

1. To be and not to be (v.4-7)

Philippians 4:4-9 NKJV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to

all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and

supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the

peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

Romans 7:15-19 NASB

“ 15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do

the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law,

that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I

know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but

the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil

that I do not want.”

2. To think and not to think (v.8)

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever

things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever

things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything

praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB

“We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we

are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”

 The inner life of the maturing believer is progressive clarity between what to think and

what not to think.

Philippians 4:8 MSG

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things

true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful,

not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”

3. To do and not to do (v.9)

Philippians 4:9 NKJV

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do,

and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 2:13 NASB

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

 Being prayerful brings us the Peace of God (vs 7)… Being Obedient brings us the God of

peace (vs9)

 Ask: What are the top 3 things that cause you anxiety to think about?

 Action Item: Talk to God about the first thing every morning, the second thing every afternoon,

and the third thing every night this week… for 1min each.

Stillness in the Struggle

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 01:47:31 +0000

Psalm 46 KJV

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not

we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into

the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though

the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the

streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles

of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall

help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he

uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he

hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he

breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the

fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I

will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Big Idea: If We will Be, God will Do.

Lessons in a Liminal Space

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 17:15:00 +0000

Ecclesiastes 7:8-18 NIV

8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than

pride. 9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of

fools. 10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise

to ask such questions. 11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and

benefits those who see the sun. 12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but

the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.

13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?

14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God

has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything

about their future. 15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these:

the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their

wickedness. 16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy

yourself? 17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your

time? 18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears

God will avoid all extremes.

Big Idea: In Times of Transition, I Choose to be Appreciative

DISCUSSION:

1. Appreciate the Known more than I Anticipate the Unknown (v.8-9)

Verses 8 & 9 force us to be honest about where we are emotionally in this transition from 2023 to 2024:

i. Patient…slow down for perspective

ii. Prideful…rush ahead with presumption

iii. Provoked…frustrated because over our current position

2. Appreciate the Present more than I Romanticize the Past (v.10)

There is a difference between nostalgia and romanticizing the past

“For the believer, the future is always better than the past. Your best

days are always ahead.” – Pastor Jerry Black

3. Appreciate the Benefits of Wisdom more than I seek the Benefits of Wealth

(v.11-12)

There is no promise that having wealth will bring you wisdom.

But there is the likelihood that having wisdom will attract wealth.

Proverbs 3:13-16 NIV

“ 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,

those who gain understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver

and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.”

LIFE HACK: Always trade some money for some wisdom

4. Appreciate the Good Times as I Learn in the Bad Times (v.13-14)

We weaken our relationship with God when we assume that only good

times come from God.

We deepen our relationship with God when we appreciate the lessons

in the bad times.

God authors the good

God allows the bad

Life Hack: We may enjoy the good more but we learn more from the

bad.

5. Appreciate the Tension where I find a Sweet Balance (v.15-18)

Stay away from these two extremes: Religious and Reckless

Live in the tension between these two extremes: Responsible with Reality

Ecclesiastes 7:18 MSG

“ 18 It’s best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.”

Are you responsible with reality?

Big Idea: In Times of Transition, I Choose to be Appreciative

Hope for the Holidays

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Isaiah‬ 9:1-7

1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the

past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future

he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

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.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

 Poll the room. By show hands how many heard it as:

o A: Hope for a change

o B: Hope, for a change

o C: Both

BIG IDEA: Jesus’ birth gives me hope that life will change for the good.

1. Hope for a Change (v.1-5) [What]

a. That The Future will be Better than the Past (v.1)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

Proverbs 18:12b NASB

“But humility goes before honor.”

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 NASB

“ 2 And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, in order to humble you, putting you to the test, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 And He humbled you and let you go hungry, and fed you with the manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, in order to make you understand that man shall not live on bread alone, but man shall live on everything that comes out of the mouth of the LORD.”

Our issue is that we want honor without humility…

b. That Light will Shine in Darkness (v.2)

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

This promise was fulfilled in John 1

John 1:5 NIV

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

c. That Joy will be your Reality (v.3)

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;

they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

d. That We will be Set Free from Oppression (v.4)

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered

the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Midian’s Defeat (Judges 7:8-22)

e. That We will See an End to Strife (v.5)

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

Sofia in the Color Purple said, “All my life I had to fight!”

There is a difference between a bully and a fighter.

2. Hope, for a Change (v.6-7) [Why]

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. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

a. Because the Birth of Jesus is Promising

b. Because the Complexity of Jesus is Sufficient

How can Jesus be all these things at once?

1. Wonderful Counselor

a. marvel; hard to understand

b. to advise, give counsel

2. The Mighty God (KJV)

a. Strong; brave

3. The Everlasting Father (KJV)

a. Perpetuity; continuing future

4. The Prince of Peace (KJV)

a. Ruler; leader

b. Shalom; completeness; soundness; welfare

c. Because the Reign of Jesus is Eternal

The Second Advent will be better than the First

His rule, reign, throne will be eternal [2 Sam 7:11-13; Jude 24-25; Matt. 1:7-17; Rev. 22:16]

BIG IDEA: Jesus’ birth gives me hope that life will change for the good.

Ask: What area of your life do you want to see a change?

Action Item: Place hope in Jesus for that area

From Leaves to Leather

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:59:44 +0000

Genesis 3:7 NLT

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their
nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Genesis 3:15 NASB
And I will make enemies
Of you and the woman,

And of your offspring and her Descendant;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise Him on the heel.”

Genesis 3:21 MSG

GOD made leather clothing for Adam and his wife and dressed them.
BIG IDEA: God gives hope to the hopeless by covering our shame.
1. God Confronts & Chastises Us
a. Because Sin causes Shame (Gen 3:7)
Genesis 3:7 NLT

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their
nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Leaves as covering…
Leaf dies when its plucked
Leaf withers
Put on themselves
Temporary
Points to salvation by self

Leaves of life:
1. Success
2. Money
3. Possessions
4. Looks/Appearance
5. Connections
6. Self-Righteousness
7. Drugs

Proverbs 28:13 NIV

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

b. Because Hopelessness causes Hiding (Gen 3:8)

Genesis 3:8 NASB

Now they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of
the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of
the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

Our Declarations:
1. God Sees Me
2. God Pursues Me
3. God Loves Me
4. God Confronts Me

2. God Comforts & Covers Us

a. By Promising Triumph (Gen. 3:15)

Genesis 3:15 NASB

And I will make enemies Of you and the woman,
And of your offspring and her Descendant;
He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel.

Revelation 12:9 NASB

And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the
devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the
earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

John 8:44 NASB

You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your
father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth
because there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he speaks from his
own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

b. By Pointing to the Truth (Gen. 3:21)

Genesis 3:21 MSG

GOD made leather clothing for Adam and his wife and dressed them.
Leaves as covering…
Leaf dies when its plucked Leaf withers
Put on themselves
Temporary
Points to salvation by self

Leather as covering…
Animals dies to use its skin
Leather is weathered (distress)
Dressed by God
Permanent
Points to salvation from self, sin, and
shame

MAJOR KEY: Revelation/Insight is better than knowledge.

BIG IDEA: God gives hope to the hopeless by covering our shame.

Revelation 22:1-2 NASB

And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the
throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the
river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every
month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Your Invitation to the Feast ft. Pastor Adrian Robinson

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:50:29 +0000

Scripture Passage –Luke 14:15-24 (NLT)
“Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a
banquetin the Kingdom of God!” 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent
out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the
banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must
inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try
them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant
returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the
streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the
servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the
country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be
full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’” – Luke 14:15-24
(NLT)

In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, our text today - is known as The Parable of the Great
Banquet is all about a precious invitation to come to the table of salvation which God has laid out to
us in Christ.

I. The Invitation Is Extended
II. The Invitation Is Evaded; and
III. The Invitation Is Expanded

I. THE INVITATION IS EXTENDED (v. 17)

A. The Invitation Is Simple
Jesus tells us to “Come”…..which is a command found in many key passages in both the Old and
New Testament, used in various contexts.

Isaiah 1:18:
o “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” - Isaiah
1:18

Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew:
o “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matt. 11:28

Revelation 22:17:
o “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let
the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the
water of life.” - Rev. 22:17

OUR job is simply to accept that invitation and answer that call, because anyone who will come to
Jesus will be saved!:

o “…for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” - Romans 10:13

o “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me.” - John 14:6

o “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no
other.” - Isa. 45:22

B. The Invitation Is Secured
“All things are now ready” - God has already done everything necessary to make salvation available,
when He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins.

o “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head
and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30

C. The Invitation Is Serious

“Now ready” – also has an imperative aspect to it. In other words, the time to come to Christ is
NOW!

o “For he says, in a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped
you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Cor. 6:2.

o “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” - Pro. 27:1

o “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” -
Pro. 29:1

o “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” - Isaiah 55:6

II. THE INVITATION IS EVADED (v. 18-20)

The text tells us that all the original invitees to the banquet made excuses as to why they couldn’t
come….but sinners HAVE no excuses before God:

o “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly
perceived, ever since the creation of the world, [a] in the things that have been made. So they
are without excuse.” - Rom. 1:20

o “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing
judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same
things.” - Rom. 2:1.

People concoct all types of excuses to avoid coming to Jesus:

o “Too many hypocrites in the church”

o “There’s too much to give up”
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what
can a man give in return for his soul?” – Mark 8:36-37

o “I am too great a sinner”

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never
cast out.” – John 6:37

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost [a] those who draw near to
God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” - Heb. 7:25

o “I’ll come later, but not today.”

III. THE INVITATION IS EXPANDED (v. 21-23)
When the people who were ORIGINALLY invited decided not to come, then the invitation was
EXTENDED to those BEYOND who had been invited.

Jesus wants those WHO WANT HIM!:

o “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive
him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” - John 1:11-12

This parable is about all the people (Gentiles) who were invited when the original invitees (Jews)
didn’t show up.

CONCLUSION
Lastly, consider the LAST verse of our text today.
o “For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.” (Luke 14:24)

In other words, the people who gave excuses and refused to come, were eventually LEFT OUT
altogether.

Don’t let yourself be excluded……accept “YOUR Invitation to the Feast” TODAY!

ASK: re-read and study the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24) and truthfully ask
yourself if you’ve accepted God’s inivitation to salvation in Christ.

ACTION: Accept YOUR invitation to the Feast today!

Eating with (The Enemy) Friends

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:54:53 +0000

Mark‬ 14:12, 17-20 NIV

12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to
sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us
to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were
reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray
me—one who is eating with me.” 19 They were saddened, and one by one they
said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” 20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he
replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me.

Friendsgiving is a blend of friend and Thanksgiving, and it refers to a
large meal eaten with friends either on or near Thanksgiving.

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24 NIV

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24 NASB

“A person of too many friends comes to ruin,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24 recap

o Be friendly to have more friends
o An unreliable friend can ruin you
o Too many friends can ruin you
o … but a good friend is better than family

BIG IDEA: God can help you eat with friends who will hurt you.

1. Don’t Allow the Possibility of Future Hurt to stop Current Fellowship
(v.12, 17)
2. Sit at tables as one who gives more than they take
3. When hurt is looming speak truthfully but sparingly (v.18-20)
4. Be spiritually mature enough to know how to restore relationships

Difference between Judas and Peter:

Judas – Relationship Destroyed

Disciple picked by Jesus
Satan tempted him with money
Betrayed Jesus w/ a kiss
Regret after he got the silver
Eliminated himself
Relationship ruptured

Peter – Relationship Restored

Disciple picked by Jesus
Satan sifted him like wheat
Denied Jesus
Remorse after he heard the rooster
Punished himself
Relationship restored

BIG IDEA: God can help you eat with friends who will hurt you.

Eating with (The Enemy) Family

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 22:24:00 +0000

Genesis 43:30-34 NASB

“ 30 Joseph then hurried out, for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he
looked for a place to weep; so he entered his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he
washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the
meal.” 32 Then they served him by himself, and Joseph’s brothers by themselves,
and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could
not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the
Egyptians. 33 Now they were seated before him, from the firstborn according to his
birthright to the youngest according to his youth, and the men looked at one
another in astonishment. 34 Then he took portions to them from his own table, but
Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank freely with him.”

Genesis 45:1-8 NASB

“Then Joseph could not control himself in front of everyone standing before him,
and he shouted, “Have everyone leave me!” So there was no one with him when
Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 Then he wept so loudly that the
Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard about it. 3 And Joseph said
to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not
answer him, for they were terrified in his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his
brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am
your brother Joseph, whom you sold to Egypt. 5 Now do not be grieved or
angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to
save lives. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still
five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 So God sent me
ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on the earth, and to keep you alive by a
great deliverance. 8 Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God;
and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler
over all the land of Egypt.”

Big Idea: God can help us eat with family that has hurt us.

1. Only eat with family that have hurt you if:
a. You can compose yourself… because it will be emotional (Gen.
43:30-31)

Genesis 43:30-31 NASB

30 Joseph then hurried out, for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he
looked for a place to weep; so he entered his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he
washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the
meal.”

Genesis 45:1 NASB

“Then Joseph could not control himself in front of everyone…”

b. You can expose yourself… because it may be scary (Gen. 45:1-4)

Genesis 45:1-4 NASB

2. Don’t eat with family that has hurt you until:
a. You can give… without expecting anything in return (Gen 43:34)

Genesis 43:34 NASB

34 Then he took portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was
five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank freely with him.

Romans 12:20 NASB

BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU
WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.

Genesis 45:7 NASB

“So God sent me ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on the earth, and
to keep you alive by a great deliverance.”

b. You can forgive… without experiencing anger to retaliate (Gen.
45:5)

Genesis 45:5 NASB

5 “ Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here,
for God sent me ahead of you to save lives.”

3. You can eat with family that hurt you when:
a. God has made right what they did wrong (Gen. 41:51-52)

Genesis 41:51-52 NASB

51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh; “For,” he said, “God has made me forget
all my trouble and all of my father’s household.” 52 And he named the
second Ephraim; “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my
affliction.”

i. God will make you forget…
ii. God will make you fruitful…

b. God has brought purpose out of pain they caused (Gen. 45:5-8)

Genesis 45:5-8 NASB

“ 5 Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here,
for God sent me ahead of you to save lives. 6 For the famine has been in the
land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither
plowing nor harvesting. 7 So God sent me ahead of you to ensure for you a
remnant on the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Now,
therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me
a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of
Egypt.”

Big Idea: God can help us eat with family that has hurt us.

Ask: Are you healed enough to eat this holiday season with family that has
hurt you?

Action Item: Choose to forgive whether you eat with them or not.

Week 2 - Healing for the Holidays

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

{Please excuse the noise from the 4 minute mark to 8 minutes}

Tips on how to cope with Holiday Depression & Stress by Indiana University
of Pennsylvania

o Do something for someone else.

o Spend time with people who are supportive and care about you.

BIG IDEA: God can heal the hurting through our community.

DISCUSSION:
1. We Can Experience Life’s Extremes within Community (v.13-14)

James 5:13-14 gives us 3 of life’s extremes:
1. Suffering is an Extreme…endure afflictions
2. Happiness is an Extreme…to be in good spirits
3. Sickness is an Extreme… weak, feeble, diseased

Scripture does not artificially sanitize the extremes of human
life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NASB

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter
under heaven—

2 A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
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.

The Adverse Childhood Experience test is a measure of
traumatic experiences that examines the relationship between
things that occurred when we were children and how that
impacts our health and social outcomes as adults.

James 5:13-14 NIV

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing
songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church
to pray over them…

To the Troubled… Pray
To the Happy… Praise
To the Sick… Call for Prayer
John 9:2-3 NASB

“ 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that
he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned,
nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Communal blessing: We go through individually but we are in this
together

2. We Can Receive the Lord’s Remedies within Community (James 5:14-16)

Authority & Accountability;
Relationships & Reciprocity.

QUESTION: How many people by show of hands have ever lost faith
in leadership in any sphere of your life?

James 5:16a NASB

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that
you may be healed.”

QUESTION: How many people by show of hands have ever lost faith
in people?

James 5:16 MSG

“The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be
reckoned with.”

Galatians 6:1-2 NASB

“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who
are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each
one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. 2 Bear one another’s
burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

Ask: Do you trust God’s ability and willingness to make you whole? Do you
trust the powerful force of a healthy community to mediate your healing?

Action Item:
o If you’re in trouble – pray
o If you’re happy – praise
o If you’re sick – ask for prayer

Healing for the Holidays

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 20:37:09 +0000

Jeremiah 8:18-22 NASB

18 My sorrow is beyond healing, My heart is faint within me!

19 Behold, listen! The cry of the daughter of my people from a distant land: “Is the LORD not in Zion? Is her King not within her?” “Why have they provoked Me with their carved images, with foreign idols?”
20 “Harvest is past, summer is over, And we are not saved.”

21 I am broken over the brokenness of the daughter of my people. I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.

22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?

Tips on how to cope with Holiday Depression & Stress by Indiana University of Pennsylvania

o Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable by not trying to
make the holiday “the best ever.”
o Remember that the holiday season does not automatically banish
reasons for feeling sad or lonely…
o Let go of the past! Don't be disappointed if your holidays are not like
they used to be. Life brings changes. Each holiday season is different
and can be enjoyed in its own way. You set yourself up for sadness if
everything has to be just like the “good old days.” Look toward the
future.
o Do something for someone else.
o Enjoy holiday activities that are free such as driving around to look at
Christmas decorations.
o Don't drink too much.
o Don't be afraid to try something new.
o Spend time with people who are supportive and care about you.
o Find time for yourself!

BIG IDEA: God will heal the hurting through our compassion.
1. May We Feel Sorrow for people who are Hurting (v.18)

Jeremiah 8:18 NASB

18 My sorrow is beyond healing, My heart is faint within me!

You know you’re an intercessor for the hurting when:

You are saddened by what you see…

You are heartbroken by what you hear…

You are angered by what you ask…

A - People are Hurting from what they did to themselves…

Jeremiah 8:2 NASB

“They will spread them out to the sun, the moon, and to all the heavenly lights, which they have loved, which they have served, which they have followed, which they have sought, and which they have worshiped.”

Idolatry is a self-inflicted wound to the soul…

QUESTION: How much of my hurt did I cause by putting
confidence in or giving credit to something/someone that is NOT
God?

B - People are Hurting from what was done to them…

God’s people were hurting because they were misled into error by
wicked leadership.

EXAMPLE: DMX (Earl Simmons)

Matthew 7:9-10 NASB

“ 9 Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of
bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake,
will he?”

Jeremiah 8:10-11 NASB

“…Because from the least even to the greatest Everyone is greedy for gain; From
the prophet even to the priest, Everyone practices deceit. 11 They have healed the
brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially, Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ But
there is no peace.”

20 “Harvest is past, summer is over, And we are not saved.”

During these holidays remember that just because the season has
changed some people’s situation is still the same.

2. May We Be Broken over people who need Healing (v.21)

Jeremiah 8:21-22 NASB

21 I am broken over the brokenness of the daughter of my people. I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.
22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?

A - What can heal?
Balm (v.22) – kind of balsam; salve; as merchandise and medicine.
B - Where can healing be found?
Gilead

Genesis 37:25 NASB

“ 25 Then they sat down to eat a meal. But as they raised their eyes and looked,
behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels
carrying labdanum resin, balsam, and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.”

Jeremiah 46:11 NASB

“Go up to Gilead and obtain balm, Virgin daughter of Egypt! You have used many remedies in vain; There is no healing for you.”

C - Who can heal?
Physicians

D - Why no healing for the people?
Whether medicine and doctors succeed or fail, they are healing
agents, but God is the Healer.

Jesus… is the balm that brings real healing to our souls.

Mark 2:17 NASB

“And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need
a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.””

Mark 5:25-29 NASB

“ 25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 26 and had endured
much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not
helped at all, but instead had become worse— 27 after hearing about Jesus, she
came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28 For she had been
saying to herself, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29 And immediately
the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.”

Ask: Be honest about the hurts you feel and the healing you need.

Action Item: Connect with the person (physician)/place (Gilead)/thing
(balm) you need for healing AND Jesus.

Keep Your Head Up with Guest Pastor Eric Vickers

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:04:22 +0000

Today we have Guest Pastor Eric Vickers joining us as he comes from Psalms 3:3.

The Survivor's Song

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:47:39 +0000

Psalm 124 NKJV [A Song of Ascents. Of David.]
1 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say—
2 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
When men rose up against us,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;
4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul;
5 Then the swollen waters
Would have gone over our soul.”
6 Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

“For nearly 4 decades now, the country has recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this month of
awareness is to emphasize the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.” – Susan G. Komen Foundation 1

“Second only to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. CDC’s National Breast and Cervical
Cancer Early Detection Programs offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured.”

The Way Community Church will make a $2,000 donation to:
o BLKHLTH (https://www.blkhlth.com/)

BIG IDEA: We are (I am) still alive, because God was on our (my) side.

Ask: Think about a close encounter that you know you only survivedbecause of the Lord.

o 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 “ 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”

1.) Survivor’s Sing about the Presence of God (vv.2-5)
a. …Against Threatening Enemies (vv.2-3)

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.”

b. …Amid Treacherous Environments vv.4-5

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NKJV “ 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”

2.) Survivor’s Sing about the Power of God (vv.6-8)

a. God is our Protector v.6

Psalm 121:7 NKJV “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.”

b. God is our Savior v.7

Isaiah 54:17 NKJV “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.”

Colossians 2:15 NKJV “ 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

c. God is our Maker v.8

3.) Survivor’s Sing out Praises to God (vv.1)

Ask: Think about a close encounter that you know you only survived because of the Lord.

Action Item: Put an annual reminder in your calendar/phone to praise God for being with you.

BIG IDEA: We are (I am) still alive, because God was on our (my) side.

All We Do is Win

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Scripture Passage –1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)
o “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

=================================
“Victorious living” = living your life in a way that pleases and honors God
=================================
FOUR specific keys to victorious living:
I. Be On Guard (1 Cor 16:13)
II. Stand Firm in Faith (1 Cor 16:13)
III. Rely On God (1 Cor 16:13)
IV. Let Love Regulate (1 Cor 16:14)
=================================

I. BE ON GUARD (1 Cor 16:13)
THREE ENEMIES we fight with DAILY in this life:
(1) the world (1 John 2:15-17)
(2) the flesh (Romans 7:18)
(3) the devil (Ephesians 2:2; 1 Peter 5:8)
=================================
II. STAND FIRM IN FAITH (1 Cor 16:13)
Compare 1 Cor. 16:13 with 1 Corinthians 15:58:
o “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 All that you do must be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NASB)
o “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, alwaysnexcelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
=================================

III. RELY ON GOD (1 Cor 16:13)
We are incapable of being victorious over the world, the flesh and the Devil in our own strength. Don’t rely on yourself!
o “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.” - 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NLT)
=================================

IV. LET LOVE REGULATE (1 Cor 16:14)
Love is the distinguishing feature of the Christian that differentiates us from the rest of the
world:
o “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35 (NLT)
=================================

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 outlines WHAT LOVE IS:

o “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
=================================

ASK: examine if you are truly engaging in the four key aspects to victorious living [(1) stay alert, (2) stand firm in the faith (3) rely on God (4) let love regulate]. And, if not, pray and seek to change how you live so that you CAN live victoriously and WIN!

ACTION: Actively and constantly work to live out these four key aspects in your life.

Keep it Moving with Guest Pastor Addison Canidy

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:10:50 +0000

Exodus 14:15 NRSV Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.

Outline of Sermon: The big idea of Keep it Moving is that we should understand the value of both being still and moving forward. There will be times when we will have to have the spiritual dexterity to exercise both.

Point 1: The Dexterity of Duality

Point 2: Faith to Appear Dormant

Point 3: Faith to Depart when Necessary

Wayfinder: We Are A Movement pt 2

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:19:52 +0000

Acts 13:1-5 NASB

Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church that was there: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God…

Big Idea for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

1. Spiritual Gifts are Nurtured inside the church but Shared Outside (v.1)

Acts 13:1 NASB

“Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church…”

Acts 13:4-5 NASB

“ 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God…”

Colossians 4:5-6 NASB

“ 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

1 Timothy 3:7 NASB

And he [the pastor] must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

2. Anointed People are Commissioned inside the church but Sent Outside

Acts 13:2-3 NASB

“the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Acts 9:36

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.”

We each have a Platform
“When something functions within its sweet spot, the effort applied appears natural, smooth, and frictionless…. There is joy and harmony… Sweet spots are multipliers of an input to produce an even greater output. Fruitfulness results from a properly functioning sweet spot.” 1

– Todd Wilson

We each have a Purpose
o 3 Questions of Purpose: 2
1. Who am I created to Be?
a. Acts 13:1 NASB “prophets and teachers”
b. Acts 9:36 NASB “excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually”

2. What am I created to Do?
a. Acts 13:5 NASB “to proclaim the word of God…”
b. Acts 9:39 NASB “…showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.”

3. Where am I created to Go?
a. Acts 13:4-5 NASB “ 4 they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they reached Salamis…”
b. Acts 9:39 NASB “Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha”

We each have a People
o Acts 9:39 NASB “…and all the widows stood beside…”

3. God’s Love is Experienced inside the church but Spreads Outside

Acts 11:26 NASB

“And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers of people; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Big Idea of the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me. “The problem isn’t that we want too much – its that we want too little. Instead of experiencing an adventurous journey with God and gaining an ever-increasing clarity on who he made us to be, we become stuck in today. We fail to embrace and step into the story God has uniquely designed for us.”

– Todd Wilson in More

Wayfinder: We Are A Movement

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Acts 13:1-5 NASB

Big Idea for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

1. Spiritual Gifts are Nurtured inside the church but Shared Outside (v.1)

Acts 13:1 NASB

“Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church…”

Acts 13:4-5 NASB

“ 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God…”

Colossians 4:5-6 NASB

1 Timothy 3:7 NASB

And he [the pastor] must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

2. Anointed People are Commissioned inside the church but Sent Outside

Acts 13:2-3 NASB

“the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Acts 9:36

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.”

– Todd Wilson

2. What am I created to Do?
a. Acts 13:5 NASB “to proclaim the word of God…”
b. Acts 9:39 NASB “…showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.”

We each have a People
o Acts 9:39 NASB “…and all the widows stood beside…”

3. God’s Love is Experienced inside the church but Spreads Outside

Acts 11:26 NASB

– Todd Wilson in More

Wayfinder: The Hero Making Hero

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 23:32:49 +0000

Luke 8:1-3 NASB

“Soon afterward, Jesus began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna…”

Donald Miller’s book Building A Storybrand says every good story starts like this: “A character has a problem and meets a guide…”

1 According to Donald Miller, each story has 4 primary characters :
o Victim
o Villain
o Hero
o Guide (Hero Maker)

Every hero needs a hero maker:

Hero Maker: I think the best way to define a “hero maker” is a leader who faithfully makes heroes who make heroes who make heroes. True hero makers live in the shadows, often nameless but faithfully embracing the role of supporting character.

Jesus’s Reproducible Hero Making Process:
o He Picks
o He Relates
o He Prepares
o He Releases

CIT: Jesus made His followers more with Him than they would have been
without Him.

Big Idea: There is more to church and there is more to me.
1. As Our Hero, Jesus Picks & Relates to Us (Luke 8:1-3)

1 Peter 2:9 NASB

“…Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…”

Matthew 1:21 NASB

“She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

John 1:29 NASB

“The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Luke 8:1-3 NASB

Here is the key relational phrase: “The twelve were with Him, and also some women”

Disciple making is relational.”
– Stan Coleman

Acts 4:13 NASB

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

Wayfinding: Witnessing + Walking With

2. As Our Hero Maker, Jesus Prepares & Releases Us (Luke 9:1; 10:1; 11:1)

Our issue with control is that we must let it go.

Luke 9:1-2 NASB

“Now He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and the power to heal diseases. 2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.”

- Jesus made heroes of His followers by intentionally spending time with
them and teaching them spiritual disciplines to sustain their inner life.
Because it’s inner strength that helps us overcome external challenges.

- Jesus never lived by the mentorship model: “Its caught and not taught.”
- Jesus lived by the hero making model: “Its caught AND taught.”

Luke 11:1 NASB

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, when He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”

- Confidence is borrowed from a hero maker until it is owned by me.

- Jesus:
o Picked them in Luke 5
o Walked with them in Luke 8
o Gave them His authority in Luke 9
o Sent them to represent Him in Luke 10
o Taught them how to pray in Luke 11

- Jesus made His followers into heroes of the faith by trusting them to represent Him BEFORE He taught them everything they would need to
know.

Luke 10:1 NASB

“Now after this the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.”

- Jesus: picks, relates, prepares, and releases

CONCLUSION:
BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

Action Item for the Series: When you learn where you are in the TWCC process, take the next step.

Ask for the Series: Don’t miss a message! (In Person; Podcast; YouTube)

Wayfinder: Come and See for Yourself pt. 2

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:00:00 +0000

John 4:28-30, 39-42 NASB

28 So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” 30 They left the city and were coming to Him. 39 Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this

One truly is the Savior of the world.”

INTRODUCTION:

Mission Statement: Showing people the way to life with Jesus.
Values:
o Worshipping Jesus
o Youth Centered Agenda
o Free-Flowing Generosity
o Intergenerational Community
o Gospel Teaching
o Journey of Discovery
o Our city and its culture

BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.
1. What is a Wayfinder? (John 4:28-29 NASB)
A person willing to say come and see.

John 4:28-29 NASB

28 So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

One who testifies.

John 4:39 NASB

“…because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.”

That’s one of the values of our church: The Journey of Discovery

"Many decisions are not true spiritual conversions; they are only the beginning of a journey of seeking God... many people come to full faith through a process of mini-decisions... evangelism programs, grafted onto a church that is unable to embrace and support inquirers and doubters, cannot do the job."
- Tim Keller in Center Church

The journey of discovery:
o Interruption – something unexpected happens outside my control.
o Ignorance – the unexpected exposes what I don’t know.
o Information – new facts are brought to my attention that I could not have understood before the interruption.
o Insight – I gain wisdom from newfound facts.
o Inspiration – I find a sense of deep meaning that propels me forward.

This Woman becomes a Wayfinder because of:
o Interruption – (John 4:7)
o Ignorance – (John 4:10-15)
o Information – (John 4:16-24)
o Insight – (John 4:25-26)
o Inspiration – (John 4:28-29)

2. Who can be a Wayfinder? (John 4:17-18, 29)
John 4:17-18, 29 NASB

17 The woman answered and said to Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus *said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this which you have said is true.” 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

Who can be a Wayfinder?

People followed Jesus because of her testimony

3. When do I act as a Wayfinder? (John 4:28-29 NASB)
John 4:28-29 NASB

28 So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

We act as a Wayfinder WHEN we discover deeper satisfaction in Jesus than we ever found in the stuff we held on to.

As soon as we learn something that the people we know need to know too.

4. Where do I act as a Wayfinder? (John 4:28)
John 4:28-29 NASB

28 So the woman left her water pot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

NKJV: “Went her way into the city…”
NIV: “Went back to the town…”
The place we left in shame
As a church we value our city and its culture…

5. Why should I become a Wayfinder? (John 4:39-42 NASB)

John 4:39 NASB

39 Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word
of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.”

because people need something real to believe in.
because people need something worthy to worship.

John 4:20 NASB

“Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain…”

because people need healthy relationships.

John 4:40-42 NASB

40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world.”

“Disciple making is relational. The woman shared and then Jesus spent time with them.” – Stan Coleman

6. How do I become a Wayfinder?

BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

Action Item for the Series: When you learn where you are in the TWCC process, take the next step.

Ask for the Series: Don’t miss a message! (In Person; Podcast; YouTube)

Wayfinder: Come and See for Yourself

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:40:54 +0000

John 4:28-30, 39-42 NASB

One truly is the Savior of the world.”

INTRODUCTION:

BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.
1. What is a Wayfinder? (John 4:28-29 NASB)
A person willing to say come and see.

John 4:28-29 NASB

28 So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

One who testifies.

John 4:39 NASB

“…because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.”

That’s one of the values of our church: The Journey of Discovery

This Woman becomes a Wayfinder because of:
o Interruption – (John 4:7)
o Ignorance – (John 4:10-15)
o Information – (John 4:16-24)
o Insight – (John 4:25-26)
o Inspiration – (John 4:28-29)

2. Who can be a Wayfinder? (John 4:17-18, 29)
John 4:17-18, 29 NASB

Who can be a Wayfinder?

People followed Jesus because of her testimony

3. When do I act as a Wayfinder? (John 4:28-29 NASB)
John 4:28-29 NASB

28 So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

We act as a Wayfinder WHEN we discover deeper satisfaction in Jesus than we ever found in the stuff we held on to.

As soon as we learn something that the people we know need to know too.

4. Where do I act as a Wayfinder? (John 4:28)
John 4:28-29 NASB

28 So the woman left her water pot and went into the city, and *said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?”

NKJV: “Went her way into the city…”
NIV: “Went back to the town…”
The place we left in shame
As a church we value our city and its culture…

5. Why should I become a Wayfinder? (John 4:39-42 NASB)

John 4:39 NASB

39 Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word
of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.”

because people need something real to believe in.
because people need something worthy to worship.

John 4:20 NASB

“Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain…”

because people need healthy relationships.

John 4:40-42 NASB

“Disciple making is relational. The woman shared and then Jesus spent time with them.” – Stan Coleman

6. How do I become a Wayfinder?

BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

Action Item for the Series: When you learn where you are in the TWCC process, take the next step.

Ask for the Series: Don’t miss a message! (In Person; Podcast; YouTube)

Wayfinder: Preparing the Way pt. 2

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:03:49 +0000

This is a continuation of last weeks sermon.

John 1:19, 23 NASB

19 This is the testimony of John (the Baptizer), when the Jews sent priests andmLevites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
23 He said, “I am THE VOICE OF ONE CALLING OUT IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE THE WAY OF THE LORD STRAIGHT,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

Mission Statement: Showing people the way to life with Jesus.

Values:
o Worshipping Jesus
o Youth Centered Agenda
o Free-Flowing Generosity
o Intergenerational Community
o Gospel Teaching
o Journey of Discovery
o Our city and its culture

BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

1. What is a Wayfinder? (John 1:6-8;29-34 NASB)

In the literal sense, it’s a tool or person that helps someone navigate.

In the spiritual sense that we are using the term it is a witness to Jesus.

John 1:6-8 NASB

6 A man came, one sent from God, and his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

John 1:29-34 NASB

29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He in behalf of whom I said, ‘After me is coming a Man who has proved to be my superior, because He existed before me.’ 31 And I did not recognize Him, but so that He would be revealed to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” 32 And John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. 33 And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

John Maxwell defines a leader as one "who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way"

A Wayfinder is someone who:
i. Knows the way of Jesus
ii. Goes the way of Jesus
iii. Shows the way of Jesus

A church member can be:
i. Religious
ii. Lost
iii. Prideful

A Christian can be:
i. Disobedient
ii. Immature
iii. Vulnerable

A disciple maker… is a Wayfinder

2. Who can be a Wayfinder? (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6 NASB)
Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6 NASB

“Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NASB

“ 26 For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no human may boast before God.”

The weirder you are, the more marginalized you are, the more looked over you are, the more mistreated you are… the more likely God would choose you.

Wayfinder: Preparing the Way

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:20:10 +0000

John 1:19, 23 NASB

Mission Statement: Showing people the way to life with Jesus.

Values:
o Worshipping Jesus
o Youth Centered Agenda
o Free-Flowing Generosity
o Intergenerational Community
o Gospel Teaching
o Journey of Discovery
o Our city and its culture

BIG IDEA for the Series: There is more to church and there is more to me.

1. What is a Wayfinder? (John 1:6-8;29-34 NASB)

In the literal sense, it’s a tool or person that helps someone navigate.

In the spiritual sense that we are using the term it is a witness to Jesus.

John 1:6-8 NASB

John 1:29-34 NASB

John Maxwell defines a leader as one "who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way"

A Wayfinder is someone who:
i. Knows the way of Jesus
ii. Goes the way of Jesus
iii. Shows the way of Jesus

A church member can be:
i. Religious
ii. Lost
iii. Prideful

A Christian can be:
i. Disobedient
ii. Immature
iii. Vulnerable

A disciple maker… is a Wayfinder

2. Who can be a Wayfinder? (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6 NASB)
Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6 NASB

“Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NASB

The weirder you are, the more marginalized you are, the more looked over you are, the more mistreated you are… the more likely God would choose you.

Trusting God When Surrounded by Savages

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:09:38 +0000

Daniel 6 NASB

16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and thrown into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “Your God whom you continually serve will Himself rescue you.” 19 Then the king got up at dawn, at the break of day, and went in a hurry to the lions’ den. 20 And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king began speaking and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, since I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very glad and gave orders for Daniel to be lifted up out of the den. So Daniel was lifted up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

BIG IDEA: Trusting God will deliver me injury free.

1. I’m Trusting God’s Consistency

a. Despite People’s Inconsistency (Daniel 6:1-5)

Daniel 6:4-5 NASB

“ 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel regarding government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him regarding the law of his God.””

If doing the right thing gets you into trouble, remember that the late Congressman John Lewis would call that “Good Trouble”.
We misjudge the consistency of God based upon the inconsistency ofpeople… instead of trusting in the consistency of God in the face of the inconsistency of people!

b. Deepen My Consistency (Daniel 6:10)

Daniel 6:6-7 NASB
6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who offers a prayer to any god or person besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel 6:10 NASB

“ 10 Now when Daniel learned that the document was signed, he entered his house (and in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and offering praise before his God, just as he had been doing previously.”

Consistency Costs

1 Kings 8:46-50 NASB

46 “When they sin against You (for there is no person who does not sin) and You are angry with them and turn them over to an enemy, so that they take them away captive to the land of the enemy, distant or near; 47 if they take it to heart in the land where they have been taken captive, and repent and implore Your favor in the land of those who have taken them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; 48 if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who have taken them captive, and pray to You toward their land which You have given to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name; 49 then hear their prayer and their pleading in heaven, Your dwelling place, and maintain their cause, 50 and forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all their wrongdoings which they have committed against You, and make them objects
of compassion before those who have taken them captive, so that they will have compassion on them.

Deuteronomy 8:3 NASB

3 “…in order to make you understand that man shall not live on bread alone, but man shall live on everything that comes out of the mouth of the LORD.”

2. I’m Trusting God’s Sovereignty

“To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Ps. 115:3). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Ps. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best.”

– Arthur W. Pink
The Sovereignty of God

a. Over my Experience (Daniel 6:16-17; 22-23)

Daniel 6:16-17; 22-23 NASB

16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and thrown into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “Your God whom you continually serve will Himself rescue you.” 17 And a stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed regarding Daniel.

22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, since I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very glad and gave orders for Daniel to be lifted up out of the den. So Daniel was lifted up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

“Here is a fundamental difference between the man of faith and the man of unbelief. The unbeliever is 'of the world' judges everything by worldly standards, views life from the standpoint of time and sense, and weighs everything in the balances of his own carnal making. But the man of faith brings in God, looks ateverything from His standpoint, estimates values by spiritual standards, and views life in the light of ternity. Doing this, he receives whatever comes as from the hand of God. Doing this, his heart is calm in the midst of the storm. Doing this, he rejoices in hope of the glory of God.”

– Arthur W. Pink
The Sovereignty of God

God responds to the prayers of the righteous by showing up.
Regardless of the dungeons you may have been thrown into, God has sovereignty over that experience.

b. Over my Enemies (Daniel 6:24)

When faithfulness gets us in trouble, we should keep being faithful until God gets us out of trouble.
Proverbs 29:27 NASB

“An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.”

Daniel 6:24 NASB

“The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they threw them, their children, and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.”

Isaiah 54:17 NASB

“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment.

This is the heritage ...

Trusting God Through the Fire

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 16:16:49 +0000

Daniel 3:13-18 NASB

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar began speaking and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods, nor worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe, and all kinds of musical instruments, to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, very well. But
if you do not worship, you will immediately be thrown into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can rescue you from my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.”

Big Idea: When our future is unclear… Our trust must be unshakable…
1. The Godly Move Different
a. When they are unrighteous in their wants… We must be unshakable in our worship… (v.2, v.5-6)
i. Counterfeit Worship vs Authentic Worship
1. Counterfeit worship is fear mongering and manipulative
2. Authentic worship has nothing to do with music and everything to do with life choices

Daniel 3:28 NASB

“…His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and surrendered their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

b. When they are unsure about their gods… We must be unshakable about our God… (v.1, v.5, v.15, v.17)

Daniel 3:15 NASB

“what god is there who can rescue you from my hands?””

Daniel 3:17 NASB

“our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand”

c. When they utter threats… We must be unshakable in our trust

Daniel 3:18 NASB

“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.””
i. Defying human threats honors God when my fear of God supersedes my fear of people.

2. God Moves to Deliver
a. When things get hot… God keeps us cool (Dan. 3:19 NASB)

Daniel 3:19 NASB

“Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.”

i. Side Note to Leaders: when a leader makes demands in a rage the fire of our arrogance harms those under our authority.

Daniel 3:27 NASB

“the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men, nor was the hair of their heads singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had even the smell of fire touched them.”

ii. Jesus could take the hot out of the fire… Because He was the One who put the hot in the fire to begin with!

John 1:3 NASB

“All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.”

b. When things get tight… God sets us free (v.21, 24-25)

Daniel 3:21 NASB

“ 21 Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps, and their other clothes, and were thrown into the middle of the furnace of blazing fire.”

i. Jesus knows how to free the bound!

Luke 13:16 NASB

“And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this restraint on the Sabbath day?”

John 11:44 NASB

“Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus *said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.””

Daniel 3:24-25 NASB

“ 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up quickly; he said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the middle of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Absolutely, O king.” 25 He responded, “Look! I see four men untied and walking about in the middle of the fire unharmed, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!””

John 8:36 NASB

“So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.”

c. When things get right… God blesses us up (v.28-30)
I. We never knowing hod God may use their mistreatment of us to become the occasion for their introduction to God.

Through the fire by Chaka Khan

Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For a chance to be with you
I'd gladly risk it all
Through the fire

Through whatever, come what may
For a chance at loving you
I'd take it all the way
Right down to the wire
Even through the fire

Big Idea: When our future is unclear… Our trust must be unshakable…

A Mountainous Challenge with Associate Pastor Adrian Robinson

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Scripture Passage – 1 Kings 18:17-40 (NLT)

“Fire of the Lord” = God’s demonstrated presence and power (in the form of fire)

God appeared in a burning bush (Exod. 3:2–3; Acts 7:30)
God appeared in a pillar of fire by night (Exod. 13:21; Neh. 9:12; Neh. 9:19)
The Lord descended on Mount Sinai in fire (Exod. 19:18)
The glory of the Lord filled the temple during Solomon’s dedication (2 Chronicles 7:1-22)
The third figure in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys (Daniel 3:24-25)

In our text, when did the “fire of the Lord” fall?
I. IT WAS WHEN THE ALTAR WAS REPAIRED (1 Kgs 18:30)
II. IT WAS WHEN THE SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED (1 Kgs. 18:33)
III. IT WAS WHEN THE WATER WAS POURED (1 Kgs 18:33-35)
IV. IT WAS WHEN THE PRAYER WAS MADE (1 Kgs 18:36-37)

I. IT WAS WHEN THE ALTAR WAS REPAIRED (1 Kgs 18:30)

“Then Elijah said to all the people, ‘Come near to me.’ And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down.” – 1 Kings 18:30

Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord = he fixed his PHYSICAL place of worship.
God wants us to fix our SPIRITUAL place (our hearts) before we can receive His fire.
The fire of the Lord only falls when the Lord is given His rightful place in our lives

II. IT WAS WHEN THE SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED (1 Kgs. 18:33)

“And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” – 1 Kings 18:33

Elijah placed EACH PIECE on the altar….he didn’t pick and choose ONLY the best pieces
We must learn to sacrifice all of our best efforts for Christ, not just part of our efforts.

III. IT WAS WHEN THE WATER WAS POURED (1 Kgs 18:33-35)

“And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.” – 1 Kings 18:33-35

Without the power of GOD, our religious actions and ceremonies are meaningless
We cannot invoke God’s supernatural power by our own hands

IV. IT WAS WHEN THE PRAYER WAS MADE (1 Kgs 18:36-37)

“And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O LORD,
answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” – 1 Kings 18:36-37

Elijah made prayer a HABIT of his life – he didn’t pray only when it was convenient, or only when he wanted something, or only when he was in trouble
If we want God’s fire is to fall in our lives, we will need prayer, prayer and MORE prayer!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” – James 5:16-18
(NLT)

“Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” – Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)

CONCLUSION:

Because of God’s power, authority and sovereignty, challenging Him will never end well for the challenger.
Our faith in God – and prayers to Him - will always help us overcome seemingly impossible circumstances, because it is done in HIS power and not our own.

Ask: Read 1 Kings 18
Action Items: (a) prayerfully ask for God’s “fire” (His presence and power) to fall in YOUR life, and (b) take active steps to change your approach (e.g., giving the Lord His rightful place in your life, offering God only your best, and praying more) so that you are able to experience God’s fire falling in your life.

I Will Trust In The Lord with Guest Speaker Elder Shonda Holmes

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 20:17:00 +0000

This Sermon was given by guest speaker Elder Shonda Holmes

Joshua 2: 8-15 (NLT)
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

12 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”

14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”

15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.

I Will Trust In The Lord

A Way of Escape
A Word of Expectation
A Wonderful Exchange

Exposure for Expansion with Guest Pastor Paul Little

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 20:01:11 +0000

This weeks message was given by Pastor Paul Little from Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Scriptures: Luke 5:1-11(NLT)

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions
It is also the ability to recognize and influence the emotions of people around you
Scarcity Thinking focuses on limitations and immediate needs
Abundance Thinking focuses on possibilities
People who possess an abundance mentality are grounded because of their confidence in God’d graciousness and generosity

Lord, Deliver Me from Fools

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 20:57:40 +0000

1 Samuel 25

BIG IDEA: God will get me out and lift me up

DISCUSSION:
1. God humiliates the Foolish (Nabal)
a. You can be wealthy and still worthless (v.2; v.17)
b. The people around you speak truthfully about you when you’re notaround (v.17, v.25)
c. Who you are is not determined by what you have (v.36)

2. God keeps the Righteous (David)
a. God’s hand can do more for you than your name… but keep a good name (v.5, v.9-10)

Proverbs 22:1 NASB

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; Favor is better than silver and gold.”

b. God will send others to remind you of who you are and what God is doing (v.28-31)
c. God’s hand will help you keep your hands clean (v.38-39)

Romans 12:19 NASB

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.”

3. God promotes the Humble (Abigail)
a. What’s in you sets you apart more than your appearance (v.3)

Genesis 12:11 NASB

“See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman;”

Genesis 29:17 NASB

“Rachel was beautiful in figure and appearance.”

1 Samuel 16:12 NASB

“Now he was reddish, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance.”

2 Samuel 14:25 NASB

“Now in all Israel there was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no impairment in him.”

2 Samuel 14:27 NASB

“Tamar; she was a woman of beautiful appearance.”

1 Peter 3:3-4 NASB

“ 3 Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; 4 but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”

Proverbs 11:22 NASB

“As a ring of gold in a pig’s snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.”

b. Just because you’re under the authority of a fool… doesn’t mean you have to be under the influence of that fool (v.3, v.14-19, v.25)

“Leadership is influence.” – John Maxwell

c. God will use your wisdom to deliver you out and up (v.40-42)

CONCLUSION:
Ask: Where do you need wisdom to keep you from foolishness?
Action Item: Read 1 Samuel 25

One Father & Two Sons

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:02:27 +0000

Luke‬ 15:1-3, 11

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 And so He told them this parable, saying, 11 And He said, “A man had two sons.

Providence is easy to experience, impossible to predict, and hard to explain.

Big Question: Which one of the 2 sons am I more like?

Big Idea: Loving fathers seek their children.

1. God’s Goodness for the Prodigal (v.14-17)

Luke 15:14-17 NASB

14 Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began doing without. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he longed to have his fill of the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger!

A. Bad Decisions lead to Desperate Situations (v.14)

Hebrews‬ 12:6-11

“For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

B. Failing to Save Yourself helps you to Come to Your Senses (v.15-17)

It is God’s good providence towards us that allows us to fail when we are trying to do without His help that which can only be accomplished by His hand.

2. God’s Goodness for the Prideful (v.25-31)

Luke 15:25-31 NASB

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have
never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.

A. Your Response doesn’t change someone else’s Reality (v.28, v.32)

Romans‬ 12:15-16 NAB

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”‬‬‬‬‬‬

B. Your work can never out earn relational favor (v.29-31)

3. God’s Goodness through the Parent

A. Good fathers love their children more than they love their stuff (v.12,
22-24, 31)

Luke 15:12 NASB

“ 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them.”

Luke 15:22-24 NASB

“ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it onmhim, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Luke 15:31 NASB

“ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.”

B. Good fathers are moved by compassion when their children fail (v.20)

Luke 15:20 NASB

“ 20 So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

Theological Term: iniquity (this internal bentness towards sin)

C. Good fathers keep open hearts with high standards (v.31-32)

Luke 15:31-32 NASB

“ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

“You told hell he’s Mine now, He’s back where he belongs… You threw me a party… Heaven rejoices… they said welcome back home. You gave me a robe and a ring. You saved a seat just for me.”
–Jealous w/ Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin

Ask for Everyone: Which child are you most like with God?
Ask for Fathers: Are you a present and good father?
Action Item: Read Luke 15