WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU THOUGHT ABOUT HEAVEN? The Bible speaks about Heaven a great deal. There are 653 occurrences of the word “Heaven” in the Bible! The Bible speaks about four different “heavens.” We are actually supposed to think about Heaven a lot! (See Philippians 3:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 21:4; John 12:2; […]
QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUP OR WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Passages to consider: Colossians 3:1-14 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 1. Share what was significant to you from the interview with Randy Alcorn. 2. What has God shown you about Himself, eternity, and mankind through this series? 3. What passages have helped you grasp […]
Parables are common, culturally relevant stories that reveal a moral, spiritual or kingdom truth. Why parables? Jesus had a clear and powerful message to deliver in an interesting, compelling way that challenged His listeners. CONTEXT: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE Luke 13:6-9 (NIV) 6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig […]
MATURITY IS THE GOAL, AND A MATURE PERSON HAS THE… One Lord One Faith (right beliefs and behaviors) One Family (relationship) One body, one function Ephesians 4:7–16 (NLT) 7However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8That is why the Scriptures say, “When he […]
WHAT ARE OUR OBJECTIVES? To alert God’s people to deception. Too many have accepted ways of getting information that challenges their faith. To exhort God’s people to start reading Scripture daily in order to prepare themselves for the battle. To prepare the children and grandchildren of God’s people for the ways the […]
THERE ARE VARIOUS OPINIONS ON WHAT WE NEED TO DO OR NOT DO IN ORDER TO PROPERLY TAKE CARE OF THE PLANET. o Plastic straws/Plastic bags o Vegetarians/Vegans o PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals): We are all animals and no animal is better than another. o Logging o Climate change/global warming debate […]
EVER WONDER WHY… WE DO WHAT WE DO IN A WEEKEND WORSHIP SERVICE? Jesus said, “…I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18), making it clear that the Church is God’s. The first church is what we must measure ourselves by; we’re to be devoted to all the first church was devoted to. TOGETHER, WE ARE […]
1. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT A GOD WHO LOVES US. Isaiah 9:1-2 1Nevertheless, 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, […]
THE HEART OF THE FATHER: GOD IS OUR PROVIDER. The story of Adam and Eve: Genesis 3:1-21 The story of Isaac and Abraham: Genesis 22:1-19 The Story of Jesus: Luke 2:8–14 (NIV) 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared […]
DON’T BE DECEIVED! Colossians 2:4 “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Don’t be deceived by: o Fine sounding arguments (v.4) o Hollow and deceptive philosophy (v.8) o Human Traditions (v.8) o Ceremonialism (v.11-17) o Angel worship (v.18) o Asceticism* (v.20-23) *Ascetic (noun): a person who dedicates his […]
CHAPTER 2: ROOTED Colossians 2:6–7 6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Jeremiah 17:7–8 7But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is […]
Abide with Christ Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. […]
Abide with Christ Today we are talking about ABIDANCE. Misunderstandings about what abidance means: Just have more Faith Read my Bible more (start a Bible reading plan) Pray more (start a prayer journal) Abiding in Christ means doing more for Jesus Abidance means that I don’t need to do anything… that I just simply sit on […]
Abide with Christ REVIEW • The purpose of the series • Real Life’s vision, mission, methods, and making disciples (with the help promised by the Holy Spirit). • The definition of a disciple (Matthew 4:19): someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and committed to the mission of Jesus. • The relational vehicle, […]
The Home THE HOME SPHERE: WITHIN EPHESIANS WE SEE… • Everyone has a home, but it doesn’t always look the same. • If you are married, or planned to be married, Ephesians 5 is your architectural plans (amongst other Scripture). • If you are not married, when you give advice to those who are married […]
Trustworthy This series is all about Relationships and the things that can be cause damage to those relationships” Today we are going to focus on what it means to be trustworthy. It’s important that we look at ourselves first before we try to fix everyone else around us… Matthew 7:3-5 3 Why do you see the […]