Growing Together
How do we grow up?
Step into opportunities where we will be stretched. We are, by nature, dedicated to the preservation of our comfort. Our growth will remain stunted if we follow this instinct. Let’s commit ourselves to tasks that are bigger than us. God can show us His power when we step out in faith. When was the last time we stepped out of our comfort zone?
What We Need to Succeed
What direction is your life headed? Does the overall purpose you are pursuing have eternity’s values in view? If it does not, I urge you to change your direction. If it does, rely on God’s power and give yourself diligently to it.
The King’s Table
God is not out to “get” something from us. He does not need anyone or anything. He is whole and complete as He is. He receives great satisfaction in giving. His kindness is so abundant and overflowing that He looks for an outlet to bless. He has sent His Son to seek us out.
Both/And Healthy Emotions and Faith
Sometimes when we are working through emotional challenges it feels like there is a cloud hanging over our heads. We can feel stuck and frustrated. What do we do with this?
Order of Service
So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute? There are no prostitutes in heaven, or in the Kingdom of God for that matter, but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both places. Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no substitute for unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.
Faith That Changes Everything
When we share the Good News, there will be miracles. We can trust the Lord for the miraculous.
People don’t want just facts and information they want the reality of a changed life.
Theme: God wants to use us to perform miracles.
Text: John 14:12-14
Here’s a thought: God wants us to be witnesses, not to try and witness.
A Better Approach to Life
What did you do this last week to build your faith and renew your focus? Are you reading your Bible? Are you memorizing Scripture verses? Are you asking the Holy Spirit to counsel you and help you apply His Word? Receive the Heavenly Father’s promises for provision and refuse to let the birds of worry nest in your hair.
You are Wrong!
Power is necessary so that we can be witnesses. Acts 1:8 (ESV) 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.' Holy Spirit empowers us to bear witness, to be a witness in this world.
New Wine and Wineskins
As we prepare to be filled with the Holy Spirit, like new wine in fresh wineskins, we encounter a transformative journey. This message unveils the steps: making ourselves available, embracing change, taking bold faith steps, and putting others first. Just as Jesus turned water into wine, our lives can be infused with the Spirit's joy, empowerment, and the ability to bless others.
Put People in Their Place
Ananias's remarkable story teaches us the power of perceiving others through God's eyes. He shifted from skepticism to obedience, from people-pleasing to divine alignment. Like a cloud briefly passing, Ananias's role demonstrates that changing viewpoints can lead to life-altering results. Just as he believed Saul could change, we too must believe in the transformative power of God, impacting lives through faith, obedience, and seeing people as God sees them.
Make Jesus Famous
"The measure of a great church is not how many people are there on Sunday morning but what is happening in the church when the buildings are empty." - Richard Halverson
Our Food
We become like Jesus as we walk and work with Him. Jesus wants to give us His desires. Are you getting to know God by reading His Word, talking to Him, listening to Him and watching Him? Jesus might be quoting a proverb about four more months and then the harvest. Jesus calls His disciples to see the opportunity to harvest souls with Him. What is life about? Is it about food, drink and clothes? Who and what do you see when you look around you every day?
A New Identity
In life, we often wear labels like 'I'm not good with the Bible,' 'I'm not good with money,' or 'I'm not good with people.' These labels become excuses, hindering our growth and the work of the Holy Spirit. It's time to adopt new identities: 'I Am Biblically Literate,' 'I Am Financially Literate,' and 'I Am Relationally Literate.' These skills can make or break our effectiveness in serving God and others.
Make Up Your Mind
A.W. Tozer explained, 'Repentance isn’t only sorrow for past sins, it’s also a determination to now do the will of God as He reveals it to us.' In Colossians 3:2, we are urged to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.