The Holy Spirit gives us direction, power, and purpose.
JOHN 14:12-14,16 NLT [12] "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
ACTS 3:1-9 NLT [1] Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. [2] As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. [4] Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" [5] The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. [6] But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" [7] Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. [8] He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. [9] All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God.
I CAN BEST IMITATE JESUS WHEN I…
ONE | WATCH HIM CLOSELY
JOHN 5:1-9 NLT [1] Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. [2] Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. [3-4] Crowds of sick people-blind, lame, or paralyzed-lay on the porches. [5] One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. [6] When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?"
2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"
TWO | LISTEN TO HIM CAREFULLY
JOHN 5:7-9 NLT [7] "I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." [8] Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" [9] Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath,
THREE | ACT BOLDLY LIKE HIM
JAMES 1:22 NLT But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need for daily living and the things that God has called us to do!
GALATIANS 5:22-23 NLT [22] But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
If we want to receive all God has for us, we must move beyond the natural realm into the spiritual realm.
1 Corinthians 2:10,12-15 NLT [10] But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. [12] And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. [13] When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. [14] But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. [15] Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
HOW DO I RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
ONE | Remove the barriers that keep me from all God has for me.
TWO | Ask God to give me all that He has for me.
THREE | Develop an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit.
LUKE 7:20-23, 29-30 NLT [20] John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, "John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'" [21] At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. [22] Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard-the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor." [23] And he added, "God blesses those who do not fall away because of me."
We are blessed if we can maintain our faith in God regardless of how He answers our prayers. If we focus only on what is in front of us, we will probably not see God working around us. When we trust Jesus, regardless of the circumstances, we are blessed.
2 TIMOTHY 2:13 NLT If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.
PSALM 139:1-6 NLT [1] O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
Let’s start living by God’s promises instead of waiting for his explanations. His promises are enough. We must not let the voices of so-called Christians be louder than the voice of Jesus.
THREE TRUTHS ABOUT GOD’S GRACE
ONE | THERE IS NO SIN TOO BIG FOR GOD’S GRACE.
ROMANS 8:38-39 NLT [38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
No matter what you have done or what has been done to you, come to Jesus. If your life is jacked up, broken, addicted, afraid, hiding, ashamed, or guilty, come to Jesus.
TWO | YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. YOU ARE WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE.
EPHESIANS 2:4-9 NLT
JOHN 1:12 NLT But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
1 PETER 2:9 NLT But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
THREE | YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR PAST, BUT JESUS CAN GIVE YOU A FRESH START AND A FULFILLING FUTURE
If you’re always looking backward, it is hard to move ahead. Your past has no power over you. It’s only your belief that is keeping you down. Choose to move forward in the power of Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14 NLT [12] I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. [13] No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
The devil brings up your past because he is running out of new material. Every time he brings up your past, you must remind him of his future.
Jesus is greater than our sins, mistakes, guilt, and shortcomings.
EPHESIANS 5:8-21 NLT
Our relationship with Jesus grows and matures based on honesty, trust, and love.
THREE REASONS TO WAKE UP TO GOD’S CALLING FOR YOUR LIFE
ONE | WAKE UP AND FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS
PROVERBS 4:25-27 NLT
Jesus is greater than our sins, mistakes, guilt, and shortcomings.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 NLT
TWO | WAKE UP AND LIVE FREE
JOHN 8:31-32 NLT
GALATIANS 5:7-10 NLT
GALATIANS 5:16-21 NLT
Sin always takes us further than we want to go, keeping us there longer than we want to stay. Sin always leads to more sin.
GALATIANS 5:22-26 NLT
I believe that God has a new name for you and that your ability to receive it is limited only by your willingness to go to Him.
THREE | WAKE UP AND FAN THE FLAME
REVELATION 3:15,19-20 NLT
2 TIMOTHY 1:6-7,9 NLT
LUKE 13:22-30 NLT
The Bible describes salvation as a gate or a door. The Greek word for salvation is Sozo. It is found over 100 times in the New Testament and is used to describe God’s healing power in an individual's life: body, mind, and spirit.
John 3:16-17 NLT [16] "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
THE DOOR OF SALVATION
ONE | THE DOOR IS OPEN BUT IT IS NARROW (V.24)
Jesus just crushed the false narrative that says many paths lead to God and that the door is wide.
TWO | THE DOOR WILL NOT STAY OPEN FOREVER (V.25-27)
JOB 14:5 NLT You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.
JAMES 4:14 NLT How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog-it's here a little while, then it's gone.
THREE | THE DOOR IS OPEN TO ALL (V.29-30)
Jesus does not discriminate. Jesus died for all and loves all.
ROMANS 2:11 NLT For God does not show favoritism.
You cannot clean yourself up before you come through the door; Jesus died for us because we are all imperfect people.
ROMANS 3:10 NLT As the Scriptures say, "No one is righteous- not even one.
ROMANS 3:23-26 NLT [23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. [24] Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. [25] For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, [26] for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
FOUR | THE DOOR IS JESUS (JOHN 10:9)
John 10:9 NLT Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.
JOHN 14:6 NLT Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
This is what Jesus does. He takes broken people and makes them whole. He takes lost people and makes them found. He takes sinful people and makes them saved and forgiven.
ROMANS 10:9-11 NLT [9] If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. [11] As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."
HAVE YOU ACCEPTED JESUS?
LUKE 7:11-15 NLT [11] Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. [12] A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. [13] When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. [14] Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up." [15] Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. NAIN - BEAUTIFUL & AFFLICTED JESUS’ TIMING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN OUR TIMING. ROMANS 5:6 NLT When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ROMANS 8:28 NLT And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Not in some things. In all things. All circumstances. All events. All celebrations. All frustrations. All trials. All victories. All defeats. LUKE 7:13 NLT When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. The difference between sympathy and compassion is action. I don’t know what problems you have or what you desire from God in 2024. But know this: God is never late. His timing is always perfect. LUKE 7:14 NLT Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up." [15] Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Jesus never quits pursuing, even to the end. Jesus was showing that no power – not sickness, not grief, not people's expectations, not even death – can separate us from His love. Jesus is in the business of resurrecting, redeeming, and restoring. NEW BEGINNINGS ONE | REMIND MYSELF HOW MUCH GOD LOVES ME EPHESIANS 3:18-19 NLT [18] And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. [19] May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. TWO | MAKE KNOWING HIM MY #1 GOAL MATTHEW 6:33 NLT Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. THREE | DON’T DO LIFE ALONE (JOIN A SMALL GROUP FOR SUPPORT) 1 PETER 4:8-10 NLT [8] Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. [10] God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. WAYS WE CAN LIVE BY FAITH THIS YEAR: Believe God when I don’t see it. Obey God when I don’t understand it. Give to God when I don’t have it. Stay with God when I don’t feel like it. Thank God before I receive it. Trust God even if I don’t get it. A PRAYER FOR 2024 Lord, give me the wisdom to choose what to focus on during this next year. With Your help, I know I can make the changes You're calling me to make. Help me to have eyes to see others the way You see them, to love and forgive others the way You've forgiven me, and to use my influence all for Your glory. This year, I pray You would help my family to be closer, my leadership to be sharper, my faith to be deeper, and my heart to be larger. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus. This year, I choose to put my hope and trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ARE YOU COMMITTED TO JESUS TO THE VERY END, NO MATTER WHAT MAY COME?
If we want a fulfilling relationship with Jesus, we need to know with confidence that He is with us and that we are with Him until the very end.
MATTHEW 28:19-20 NLT [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Jesus’s final words in this passage are a solid promise: “I will be with you to the end of the age.” Jesus will always be with us!
DEUTERONOMY 31:6 NLT So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
This word came at a time of uncertainty when God had called the Israelites to cross over the Jordan and into the promised land of Canaan. However, the spies that surveyed the land found giants and terrifying enemies in wait for them.
This promise is just as valid today as it was to the Israelites. No matter what you may face in the future, God will be with you!
He has called you, sent you, and will deliver you from whatever evil may stand against you.
In this Christmas season, look to the future with confidence as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. His name, Immanuel, is a promise for us.
GOD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.
ISAIAH 41:10 NLT Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
The enemy of faith is fear. We fear the worst when we don’t see what’s in front of us.
God’s Word encourages us with the same promise we see throughout Scripture: DON’T BE AFRAID!
God will strengthen, help, and uphold you with His mighty hand. If God is for us, nothing can stand against us!
1 PETER 5:7 NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Resist the temptation to live in worry or try to solve your problems in your own way. Trust in God, and He will take care of your tomorrow!
TRUST GOD FOR TOMORROW.
Put your faith in God for whatever the future may bring. No matter what may come against you, good or bad, large or small - God will strengthen and support you!
The best is yet to come!
THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL TIME
LUKE 2:8-20 NLT [8] That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, [10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! [12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." [13] Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, [14] "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." [15] When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." [16] They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. [17] After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. [18] All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, [19] but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. [20] The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
THE GIFT OF HEAVEN THAT HAD BEEN SO LONG AWAITED ON HAD FINALLY ARRIVED.
REVELATION 3:20 NLT "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
THREE POWERFUL TRUTHS THAT HAPPEN ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS
ONE | ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS, THERE’S NO STRUGGLE WE CAN’T FIGHT AGAINST. HE IS OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST, AND LORD.
LUKE 2:10-11 [10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
I know you might be going through pain. I know there’s some struggle. I know that it’s not been a perfect year. I know that there’s been some ups and some downs. But no matter what has happened in your life, your gift has arrived. It’s at the door of our hearts, waiting to be received.
In moments of difficulty, find strength and comfort through the power of prayer and worship.
TWO | ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS, WE CAN’T GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE. IT CHANGES US FOREVER.
When we let Jesus in, we experience His transforming love and live a life worthy of His praise, presence, and purpose.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-18 NLT [17] This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [18] And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.
THREE | ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS, OUR LIVES BECOME ABOUT GIVING WHAT WE’VE RECEIVED TO OTHERS
LUKE 2:17-20 NLT [17] After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. [18]All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, [19] but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. [20] The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A GIFT FOR OTHERS!
When you say yes to Jesus, your life, giving, finances, time, and talents should become a gift for everyone else.
There is no fun when we live in me-ville. All the joy is being had in we-ville.
This Christmas season, let’s receive the gift of Jesus and live a life that gives the gift and hope of Jesus to others.
Have you ever been really embarrassed by a close personal friend? In those moments, while we may love our friend, we feel a good sense of shame, thinking, "I can't believe that's my friend."
It's hard not to feel ashamed when we feel embarrassed.
ARE YOU ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS?
Many of us fear rejection from people when sharing our faith. "What will they think of me? Will they look down on me?" We can act as though we are ashamed of Jesus because of our fear!
LUKE 4:18 NLT "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,
You carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ! You carry words that bring freedom for the prisoners and sight for the blind!
ROMANS 1:16 NLT For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile.
Paul speaks specifically to the power of the Gospel. In this day and age, Rome was the undeniable superpower of the world. They had conquered the world through their undefeatable army and powerful kingdom. Rome was a proud city and was quick to boast in their own strength.
The message of the Gospel was ludicrous to the people of Rome, that a humble Jewish carpenter who was murdered on a cross, was a king and even God Himself.
Paul boldly proclaims that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, no matter what the public opinion may have been. He challenged the power of Rome with the power of God. Just like Paul wrote, we must share the Gospel with confidence, too!
Don't be ashamed. Be bold in confidence. You are carrying the true power of God Almighty in your soul - the power to set people free for eternal life through Christ.
GO WITH CONFIDENCE.
Hebrews 10:35-39 NLT [35] So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! [36] Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. [37] "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. [38] And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." [39] But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Some translations use the phrase: "shrink back." The literal word used here is "hesitancy or timidity." We do not belong to those who shrink back! That is not our calling! Instead of leaning away from confidence, lean in with perseverance.
We need perseverance in confidence, fully alert in faith that the power of God is at work through the sharing of the Gospel.
A simple definition of perseverance is endurance and/or patience. It's holding out in faith, knowing that we have to share the Gospel - no matter how others respond.
Make a decision now to stand firm in endurance. Be patient! Even when people don't respond or are uninterested. Don't stop sharing. Don't stop telling people about Jesus. Don't quit. Don't give up!
DON'T STOP SHARING THE GOSPEL!
Don't stop sharing the Gospel. Make a decision today to walk in confidence and boldness no matter the response of others!
LUKE 14:1-6 NLT [1] One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely.
PARABLE OF THE GREAT FEAST
LUKE 14:15-24 NLT [15] Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in 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.'"
There is a sense of humor in the excuses given in this parable. Who buys a field without first seeing it or oxen without examining them? The third was probably the only one that made sense. I just got married and don’t have permission to go anywhere.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE GREAT FEAST.
V. 21 represented Jews whom the Pharisees considered unworthy of the kingdom of God. Some were physically maimed, and others were tax collectors and sinners who did not keep the religious tradition of the Pharisees.
V. 23 represented those outside the city, the Gentiles to whom the message eventually would go.
LUKE 14:23 NIV “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
In this context, “compel” refers to the urgency of persuading others.
This parable shows God’s intent from the beginning: to include all people in His invitation. No one is excluded except those who refuse to accept the invitation.
FOUR ACTION STEPS IN HELPING PEOPLE COME TO THE GREAT FEAST
ONE | SEE PEOPLE HOW THEY COULD BE
Don’t give up on people. We all need to be the people who compel others closer to Jesus.
2 CORINTHIANS 6:18 NLT And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty. "
TWO | SEE GROWTH AS A PROCESS
Stages are still supernatural. It might take time to see the entire miracle, but we can be encouraged by progress along the way.
The safest place for us to be at any point in our lives is passionately pursuing God and the purposes to which He has called us.
Our church must be known for championing people into a relationship with the Father and doing life together.
THREE | SEE THE POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE
Keep the door open; God is at work, even when our timeline looks different from others.
Don’t talk to them about their failure and the dark places they’ve been; talk to them about who they’re becoming and the bright hope of their future in Jesus.
FOUR | TRUST GOD AND IN HIS POWER
God’s faithfulness is full of surprises. Learning about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness means that none of us need to fully understand it to fully receive it.
Loving people the way Jesus did means being constantly misunderstood. People who are becoming love don’t care. They will do whatever it takes to compel others to Jesus.
We often allow insecurity to keep us from doing something that we really need to do. We think we are too weak or disqualified - someone better should be doing it, not us. Often, this thinking can pollute our minds when it comes to evangelism. We think we’re not qualified to go, or are “too messed up” to share the Gospel with others.
ARE YOU LETTING WEAKNESS OR INSECURITY KEEP YOU FROM SHARING THE GOSPEL?
God calls us as we are! He doesn’t wait until we’re perfect. He can use you now.
2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-9 NLT [7] even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. [8] Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. [9] Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
God can (and will) use you despite feeling weak or unqualified.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NLT [1] When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. [2] For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. [3] I came to you in weakness-timid and trembling. [4] And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. [5] I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
Paul’s decision to bring the Gospel to Corinth was intentionally simple, weak, and unimpressive on the surface. Paul had the qualification and pedigree to come boasting in his own human wisdom. As a former Jew, he was highly educated and trained in the ways of the Scriptures. However, while he was a skilled speaker, he intentionally came to them in weakness and in trembling. Paul was not caught up in his delivery or his performance. He was there to illustrate a powerful point: God uses weak people to show His power.
Don’t allow the enemy to poison your mind and distract you. He wants to convince you that you’re not good enough. God’s call on your life is firm, and His power is made perfect in your weakness. Don’t wait - go as you are!
GO AS YOU ARE.
Luke 21:14-15 NLT [14] So don't worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, [15] for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!
The promise that Jesus gave to His disciples is still true for us today. He will provide the words and the wisdom that no adversary will be able to resist or contradict.
Don’t put the weight on your shoulders. Evangelism is not about your ability to convince someone. It is the Holy Spirit who draws the hearts of people to Himself.
While there’s nothing wrong with growing in our understanding of Jesus and our communication (in fact, it’s encouraged), don’t let any lack keep you from going. There are people in your life who need you. God will provide the words and wisdom.
GO IN WEAKNESS AND RELY ON GOD.
Don’t wait to go. You’ll never feel perfectly equipped and ready. What’s important is the faithful obedience that Jesus is asking for. Go and share the Gospel. Rely on God. He will provide what is necessary for you.
HOW TO COME BACK TO THE FATHER?
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO COME BACK TO THE FATHER.
No matter what’s going on in your life or where you might find yourself today, I want to encourage you that you can come back to the Father.
LUKE 15:1-2 NLT [1] Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. [2] This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people-even eating with them!
I genuinely believe the parable of The Lost Son isn’t really about The Lost Son but about a loving Father. I believe it's all about the heart of the Father.
THE LOST SON - LUKE 15:11-22,24-32 NLT
I don’t know why the son left, but I am also not sure why we do some of the things we do. I don’t understand why we drift, slip, fail, walk away, or give up. There’s never a good answer to the why questions.
When we begin to live a reckless life away from the Father, it will always end in ruin.
We will all encounter difficulties. It's what we do next that defines us.
There is not only one lost son in this story, but two. The eldest brother is lost, too; he's just lost in the house. Some people are lost from the house, and some people are lost in the house.
Remember, whenever you begin your comeback to God, there will always be an elder brother or someone on the porch trying to convince you that you can come home, but you cannot come back in the house until you meet their man-made expectations.
Jesus is the only one who can tell you the truth about ourselves and who He is. God wants to use people like you and me to show the world what we know about Jesus by having them see how we love the people around us.
Jesus leads people to Jesus.
This church building must be a beacon of hope to our city. We must be a lighthouse for those wanting to return to a loving Father like we have. He’s not just our father. He’s everyone’s Father.
Our church will return to the loving and accepting place the bible talks about by keeping our eyes on the Father instead of one another.
THREE BRAVE, SIMPLE STEPS ON HOW TO COME BACK TO GOD
ONE | REALIZE
LUKE 15:17 NLT "When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
TWO | REPEANT
LUKE 15:18-19 NLT [18] I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, [19] and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."'
THREE | RETURN
Luke 15:20-21 NLT [20] "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. [21] His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.'
This parable shows how far one can return from the mud and muck to recovery and restoration towards the loving Father.
Extravagant love is never wasted. Continue to run home to your loving father. He’ll meet you halfway.
LUKE 14:23 NLT 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.
Jesus never asked anyone to play it safe. We were born to be brave. If our life and identity are found in Jesus, we can redefine safe as staying close to Him.
It is easily one of the most challenging things for us as Christians because it can be way out of our comfort zone. The danger is that Jesus’s commandment to seek out the lost is treated as “optional” to many of us! This is not optional! It’s our calling as Christians! ARE YOU LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOST AND IN NEED OF JESUS? Most of us are so focused on the troubles of life that we forget: Jesus left us on this earth for a mission - to share the Gospel with everyone we encounter. LUKE 19:10 NLT For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. The reason that Jesus came to this earth was to seek and save the lost. He is out looking for those who need Him! LUKE 15:1-7 NLT [1] Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. [2] This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people-even eating with them! [3] So Jesus told them this story: [4] "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. [6] When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' [7] In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away! Are you willing to drop everything to chase after the one person in your life who is broken and in need of Jesus? Sheep are very unintelligent animals. They wander, get lost, and fall into troublesome situations - all because they are unaware and don’t know any better. This perfectly describes people who do not know Jesus! They fall into sin, feel lost in life, and wander from place to place, looking for satisfaction because they don’t know any better! Thankfully, the Good Shepherd shows sympathy and pursues those lost little sheep. He doesn’t punish, shame, or insult them - He rescues them! God’s heart is for the one. The one who is hurting, lost, and broken. He has allowed us to represent Jesus, our Shepherd, and help rescue the lost. GO AFTER THE ONE. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23 NLT [19] Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. [20] When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. [21] When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. [22] When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. [23] I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Are you willing to change your approach to life and your comfort level if it means someone coming to know Jesus? Paul was willing to use his freedom for one purpose: sharing the Gospel and winning souls for Jesus. If we were honest with ourselves, many of us would take freedom for ourselves and our own comfort and pleasure. Sadly, many of us don’t try that hard regarding evangelism. We may sheepishly ask if someone knows Jesus, yet we can problem-solve an issue for hours regarding something we’re deeply interested in. DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO REACH THE ONE. Make evangelism a priority! Don’t consider this optional or a type of extra credit for Christians. This is our calling while we are here on this earth. Share the Gospel with the one who needs Jesus - whatever it takes!
Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in or were just average? Those feelings can quickly evolve from mere emotions into a full-fledged identity.
You are far from average. God made you the way that He did because He wanted to make you one of a kind. He loves you. He custom-designed you. He chases after you.
LUKE 15:1-7 NLT [1] Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. [2] This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people-even eating with them! [3] So Jesus told them this story: [4] "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? [5] And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. [6] When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' [7] In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!
God is fixated on finding the lost. All are equally loved, but the lost are the priority.
Everyone listening knew that when the sheep went missing, any good shepherd would take the opportunity to focus on protecting the ones already in his care. It would make him step into defense, focusing on his flock. However, Jesus went after the lost sheep.
WHY ON EARTH WOULD A SHEPHERD LEAVE 99 PERFECTLY GOOD SHEEP TO FIND ONE WANDERING SHEEP?
ONE | WE ARE THE SHEEP.
Unfortunately, sheep are not known to be the brightest of animals. Sheep often wander into the wilderness until they get scared. Sheep are reliant on their shepherds and their flocks. Sheep are prone to dangerous situations. Sheep are good at getting lost.
You are never lost in the audience of humanity. God can see each individual. Even though we may feel insignificant, as if we do not matter, we do matter to God.
TWO | JESUS IS OUR CAREGIVER - THE PROTECTIVE SHEPHERD.
The shepherd staff was used to correct sheep when they went on the wrong path. It was a weapon used to protect them from wild animals. It was able to smash the heads of snakes and whack away wild coyotes.
This means that our shepherd does the same for us - He protects us and provides for us. However, Jesus takes it one step further. He’s a pursuing shepherd.
It doesn’t say he hired a sheep sitter or left the flock in a fenced-in field. Nope. He leaves it. The twist in this parable is that the Shepherd left the rest to look for the one.
This shows that Jesus is willing to take a risk to seek out a
rebel. The shepherd was sacrificing a lot in this story. He left his current flock to go into the wilderness - risking everything for the one.
It seems absurd to go to such great lengths for one little sheep - until you realize that the one is you.
Notice the shepherd rejoices when he finds his lost sheep.
Never underestimate God’s passionate pursuit for His people.
He will look for you. He will fight for you. He will celebrate when you come home. God has reserved Heaven’s loudest noise for one who is served and receives the Gospel.
Whenever you are feeling outcast, alone, average, not good enough, or inadequate, remind yourself that you are the one lost sheep.
Jesus will pursue you. Jesus chased after you even when it didn’t make sense.
You might feel like no one notices you, but Jesus does. He does more than merely notice you. He radically loves you. He does this because:
Your loved one is the one. You are the one. God focuses on the one, and so should we.
We love superheroes. Whether you like DC, Marvel, or some other superhero group, we love that they have abilities and powers that can impact many. To call Jesus a superhero would be minimizing who He is and what He can do. Unlike superheroes and other gods, Jesus is 100% human and 100% divine, and he isn’t 50/50 or a combination of both.
There is a temptation to filter God into what we want Him to be because it can be challenging to understand who He is. One of the best ways to get to know God is through Christ.
When we believe that Jesus is both divine and human, we experience a close and authentic relationship with our Creator.
When we see Jesus for who He says He is, we get someone who will guide, heal, and help us through life.
John 11:3-7,17,20-27,33-45 NLT THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
We see that Jesus is fully human when he arrives at Lazarus' house and is told that he has died. The Bible says:
JOHN 11:35 NLT Then Jesus wept.
Even though Jesus knew what would happen next, He was still sad. What Scripture is showing us is that Jesus cries with us. God knows how you feel because He's experienced it Himself.
There are several areas where Jesus shows His humanity:
Jesus does not sin but experiences the same emotions and feelings that any human would face. At the same time, we see in this Gospel that Jesus is divine.
John 11:43 NLT Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!"
Lazarus comes out of the tomb dressed in full burial bands. Jesus, who shows He cries like the rest of us, also shows He has power that no other being possesses.
To embrace this Truth takes faith. Notice what Jesus tells Martha:
JOHN 11:40 NLT Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?"
In other words, believing that Jesus is 100% human and 100% divine will take faith. What is faith? As the letter to Hebrews teaches:
Hebrews 11:1 NLT Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
To increase our faith, we need to increase our spiritual habits and participate in opportunities that teach us about the mercy and grace of God.
IF WE WANT TO INCREASE OUR FAITH, WE NEED TO REMOVE THE FILTERS THAT MAKE JESUS SOMEONE HE IS NOT.
Reading scripture, prayer, and being in worship are a few of the ways we remove those filters.
There is never a good lie.
We only delay pain even if we lie to prevent someone from getting hurt by the truth. And while we can successfully hide the truth from others, we can’t do that when it comes to God. He can look deep into our hearts' depths and identify the junk we hold onto.
WHAT SINS OR SECRETS IS GOD TRYING TO ADDRESS IN MY LIFE TODAY?
JOHN 4:5-26,39-42 NLT “JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN”
Immediately, we know that this woman is hiding something.
JOHN 4:9 NLT The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?"
She’s hiding something, and Jesus knows what it is, but He doesn’t call her out immediately.
He starts by telling her about the living water. What is living water?
We don’t know exactly; however, we do know that it is from Jesus and will satisfy any of our longings and desires in life.
Living water is better than any filter in our lives.
When we hide or bury our secrets and sins, all that does is delay the pain or make it worse. When we receive the living water from Jesus Christ, it heals and restores the pain and hurt caused by that sin.
Next, we see that Jesus addresses the sin in the woman’s life. She goes to the well at noon and doesn’t associate with others because she’s never addressed her sin. She’s in denial until Jesus holds her accountable.
The other thing to notice is that Jesus does not condemn the woman for her sin; he names it and says it is not right, but He still offers her the living water.
Once she repents, she can recognize the glory and healing power of Christ. She then heads into her town and spreads the Good News.
If we want to live an unfiltered life, we must remember that:
ONE / FILTERS DELAY THE PAIN WHILE LIVING WATER MAKES IT GO AWAY.
TWO / THE LIVING WATER THAT JESUS SPEAKS OF CAN’T BE FILTERED; WE NEED TO BE OPEN TO RECEIVING IT, EVEN IF WE’RE SCARED.
We must remind each other that God’s love heals, and while Jesus will address our sins, we’re all welcome to drink from the well.
After all, God does not want us to hide; He only wants us to share in His glory.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
There is a fear that we don’t talk about enough, and it’s the fear of people seeing the real me.
Fear is what protects us from danger, and it also humbles us and reminds us that we’re not always in control.
MATTHEW 17:1-9 NLT [1] Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. [2] As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. [3] Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. [4] Peter exclaimed, "Lord, it's wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I'll make three shelters as memorials-one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." [5] But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him." [6] The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. [7] Then Jesus came over and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." [8] And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. [9] As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
We have some pretty extraordinary things happening here in the Gospel. Jesus takes James, John, and Peter up a mountain to show His glory to them. First, Jesus' face shines like the sun, and His clothes become white. All of this signifies the divinity of Jesus Christ. Next, Moses and Elijah show up. Their presence (Moses, who represents the Law, and Elijah, who represents the Prophets) solidifies that Jesus is the Messiah and fulfills God's promise.
"WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH FEAR?"
When Peter tells Jesus that he will set up camp, a voice from heaven proclaims that Jesus is His Son. It's God's voice that makes this proclamation. Something similar occurs when Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3.17). But, notice how the disciples react.
MATTHEW 17:6 NLT The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
God's power is so overwhelming that it fills us with fear. We are reminded that we are not in control when we are in His presence. With the fear of God comes respect. The problem is that many of us don't fear God or at least act that way.
Instead, we fear other things more, such as:
As a result, we orient our lives and goals to focus on those things. We aim for perfection and the approval of others. And while it's essential to do our best and get along with others, when we prioritize those above God, we miss out on a full life. Instead, we need to:
WHEN WE RECOGNIZE THE POWER OF GOD'S GLORY, THE POWER OF FEAR HAS NO HOLD ON OUR LIFE.
We must recognize that Jesus' glory is that big, and nothing is more powerful than God, not even death. When we realize that God is more significant than our fears, we can remove the filters that hold us back from doing what we've been called to do.
God’s kingdom is not a spectator sport. Jesus wants us to participate in it.
15% of Jesus’ teachings are on money and possessions, more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined. We may try to divorce our faith and our finances, but God sees them as inseparable.
You can’t take it with you – but you can send it ahead. Every day is an opportunity to buy up more shares in His Kingdom.
Mark wants his audience to see that we are invited to participate in the miracles of Jesus.
Mark 6:30-44 NLT
THIS STORY TEACHES US THREE VALUABLE LESSONS ABOUT OUR INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MIRACLES OF JESUS.
1. SMALL GIFTS CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT
It wasn't a big gift, but it was all the little boy had. In the hands of Jesus, a small gift is more than enough.
The feeding of the five thousand was a domino effect triggered by the donation of a young boy. The miracle of multiplication started with participation.
We’re never more like God when we’re giving.
God doesn't just want you to witness His purpose; He invites you to take part in it. God doesn't just want you to see miracles; He wants you to participate in them.
Regardless of the size of your contribution, God will bless it.
2. DON'T COMPARE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
We can easily let comparison get in the way of our contribution. We often think others are more gifted, wealthier, or worthy.
When you give your gifts to Jesus, He will bless and multiply them: your time, talent, and treasure.
Regardless of the size of your contribution, other people will benefit when you take small steps in generosity.
3. GOD BLESSES YOU WHEN YOU BLESS OTHERS
WHAT MIRACLE DOES GOD WANT YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN TODAY?
Whatever it is, participation is required. The Kingdom of God is not a spectator sport. You need to get some skin in the game. God's giving you an invitation to participate.
When we participate, God replicates. God will bless you and bless others in the process. Jesus blesses others in extraordinary ways through the faith-filled movement of ordinary people.
The potential for God-triggered miracles is all around you, so step out and help make miracles happen. A miracle might be on the other side of your next move. So, get out there and move!
Live for the line, not for the dot. It's much easier to live on 90% of your income inside God's will than live on 100% outside it. God is entrusting us with the money he gives us not to build our kingdom on Earth but to build His kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.
When you think about temptation, what are some things that come to mind? What are some of the objects or things that tempt you the most?
Battling our temptations can be difficult, and while they can lead us to do something wrong, we do not have to be trapped by them.
Today, we’re looking at the temptation to hide what is real. For example, we can create filters when we post on social media. We can post what we want, and control what others see.
When we are tempted to take control of what other people know about us or see, we also hold ourselves back from building trust.
EVERYONE IS SUBJECT TO TEMPTATION.
MATTHEW 4:1-11 NLT [1] Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. [2] For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. [3] During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." [4] But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, [6] and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.' " [7] Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the LORD your God.'" [8] Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will kneel down and worship me." [10] "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'" [11] Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
TWO PROBLEMS IF JESUS CHOOSES TO FALL TO THESE TEMPTATIONS:
ONE / IT SHOWS HE DOES NOT TRUST THAT GOD CARES ABOUT HIS LIFE.
The devil is telling Jesus, “You must take control of your life, because God won't come through.” But that's not true. Satan is filtering the truth. When we face temptations, it's a temptation to sin, and the devil shifts what's true and what is not.
TWO / IT CREATES A FILTER THAT PREVENTS OTHERS FROM SEEING HIS TRUE SELF.
Think about Adam and Eve. As soon as they ate the fruit and fell to temptation, they covered themselves up. They put a filter over their true selves and separated themselves from God's blessings.
DON’T DO LIFE ALONE
You are not alone when going through life and facing temptations. So, what do we do?
ONE / GO TO CHURCH AND HANG WITH OTHERS WHO FOLLOW CHRIST.
TWO / SPEND TIME IN GOD’S WORD & WORSHIP
THREE / START TO NAME THE TEMPTATION IN YOUR LIFE
Identify the lie and call it out. Don't be worried if you struggle – Jesus did – but instead of ignoring it or embracing the temptation, allow God to help you.
We must remember that God has an unfiltered love for us, saying, "It doesn't matter what you've done or who you are; you are loved."
When we fall into temptation, we buy into the lie we need to take control of life. Instead, falling into temptation will end up putting filters on our lives that prevent us from experiencing a full and fantastic life.
FILTERED TRUTH PREVENTS US FROM KNOWING GOD'S UNFILTERED LOVE FOR US.
Acts 2:17 NLT 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Proverbs 29:18 MSG If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that really doesn’t matter.” - D.L. Moody God has a vision for our lives. WHAT IS THE BULLSEYE WHEN IT COMES TO OUR FAITH IN JESUS? ONE / GIVE MY LIFE TO JESUS. Mark 8:34-38 NLT [34] Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [35] If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. [36] And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? [37] Is anything worth more than your soul? [38] If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." To truly know God, we must surrender our lives to His will and ways and make Him the Lord of our lives. We need to spend time with Him every day through His Word, worship, and prayer. TWO / BE MADE NEW BY JESUS. 1 John 1:9 NLT But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. James 5:16 NLT 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. Salvation happens in a moment, but transformation happens over time. We need to deal with our pasts once and for all. To do this, we go to God for forgiveness and to His people for healing. Proverbs 27:19 NLT As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. Get in a group with godly friends. Get honest with a few of them about areas you need healing. THREE / BECOME LIKE JESUS. Galatians 4:19 NLT Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. As disciples of Jesus, we live in His image, grow in the development of the gifts He’s given us, and do what He’s called us to do. We must develop spiritual disciplines like praying, fasting, Bible study, giving, etc. We need to discover spiritual gifts. FOUR / DO WHAT JESUS DID. Matthew 4:18-19 NLT [18] One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers-Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew-throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. [19] Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" Jesus lived His life for others, and as followers of Jesus, we need to do what He did. Followers fish. We can share the Gospel and invite people to church. Followers serve. Our real purpose in life is to make a difference in the lives of others. When we do these things, God’s joy will be in us! John 15:8,11 NLT [8] When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. [11] I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! When we learn to be followers of Jesus in this way, we won’t just go through life and end up somewhere, we’ll end up somewhere on purpose.