Gospel Light Church

Matthew series #24

September 6th, 2026

COURAGE FROM THE FATHER

Matthew 10:27–31

Jesus turns the disciples’ attention toward three great realities:

• We have a message worth proclaiming.
• We serve a God worthy of reverence.
• We belong to a Father who knows us completely.

The passage repeatedly addresses fear, while continually directing the disciples toward bold proclamation, holy reverence, divine providence, and personal value.

Jesus is preparing His disciples to live with confidence because their lives rest securely in the hands of their Father.

I. SPEAK WHAT JESUS HAS GIVEN YOU

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.” – vs. 27

Jesus begins with communication.

The disciples are receivers before they become proclaimers.

• Their message originates with Christ.

“Whatever I tell you in the dark…”

• The darkness here carries the idea of a private setting.

There are moments when God develops His servants privately.

There are truths God teaches us:

• in prayer
• in Scripture
• in quiet seasons
• in preparation
• in personal encounters with Him

Then comes the moment when private revelation becomes public proclamation.

“Speak in the light.”

• Jesus takes His disciples from hearing to speaking.

What Christ places within us eventually needs expression through us.

• The Christian faith carries a message designed for proclamation.

“Preach on the housetops.”

The flat rooftops common in that culture provided elevated places where a voice could carry through the surrounding area.

Jesus is saying:

1. Make the message known.
2. Speak clearly.
3. Speak openly.
4. Speak courageously.

We are MOUTHS OF CHRIST…..what an incredible description of the church!!!

We are voices carrying the message of Jesus into our generation.

• Every believer has a sphere of influence.

Your housetop may be:

• your home
• your workplace
• your classroom
• your team
• your neighborhood
• your friendships
• your community

The gospel deserves a voice.

What has Jesus placed in your heart that someone around you needs to hear?

II. LIVE WITH HOLY REVERENCE

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – vs. 28

Now Jesus moves from proclamation to perspective.

• The word translated “fear” can carry the idea of awe, reverence, respect, and recognition of authority.

Jesus teaches His disciples to place God in the highest position of honor within their hearts.

1. The fear of God gives life proper perspective.

When God becomes greater in our vision, courage grows within our hearts.

“It is to be terrified to be away from God.” — John Bevere

This is the powerful picture of Matthew 10.

• Jesus calls His disciples into such deep reverence for God that His presence, His approval, His Word, and His purposes become supreme.

1. Holy fear produces holy courage.

“There is no cure for the fear of man like the fear of God.” — C. H. Spurgeon

When God occupies the highest place in our hearts, His voice carries the greatest weight.

• His Word becomes our authority.
• His pleasure becomes our pursuit.
• His glory becomes our purpose.
• His mission becomes our assignment.

Whose voice carries the greatest weight in my life?

The fear of the Lord establishes the answer:

God’s voice carries the greatest weight.

Bevere teaches that holy fear expresses itself through wholehearted obedience to God’s Word.

Reverence produces obedience, and obedience produces courage

III. TRUST THE PROVIDENCE OF YOUR FATHER

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.” – vs. 29

Here we see one of the smallest creatures imaginable.

A sparrow.

Two sparrows could be purchased for a copper coin.

Jesus chooses something seemingly insignificant and says:

Your Father sees it.

That tells us something powerful about God.

God’s providence reaches into the smallest details of creation.

The word Father becomes incredibly important here.

• Jesus could have emphasized God’s power.
• Jesus could have emphasized God’s authority.
• Jesus could have emphasized God’s sovereignty.

Instead, Jesus says: “Your Father.”

The God who governs creation relates personally to His children.

Think about what Jesus is teaching.

• Every sparrow lives under the watchful eye of God.
• Every disciple lives under the watchful eye of God.
• Every missionary.
• Every pastor.
• Every parent.
• Every student.
• Every believer.

Your life is lived under the attentive care of your Father.

IV. REST IN HOW COMPLETELY GOD KNOWS YOU

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” vs. 30

Now Jesus moves to something even more personal.

Your Father knows you completely.

Jesus chooses something we rarely think about:, the hairs on our heads.

We know ourselves well but God knows us completely.

He knows:

• every thought
• every prayer
• every burden
• every dream
• every decision
• every act of obedience
• every moment of faithfulness
• every detail of our lives

God’s knowledge of His children is incredibly personal.

The hairs of your head are numbered.

This speaks of detailed knowledge. You are fully known by God.

• God knows exactly where you are.
• God knows exactly what you need.
• God knows exactly what He has called you to do.
• God knows exactly how He intends to use your life.

The same Father who watches the sparrow watches over you.

V. LIVE FROM YOUR GOD-GIVEN VALUE

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – vs. 31

Jesus brings the entire teaching together with one word:

“Therefore.”

• Because the Father sees the sparrow…
• Because the Father knows every hair…
• Because the Father knows every detail…
• Because the Father holds your life…

You can walk courageously.

Then Jesus makes this deeply personal:

“You are of more value than many sparrows.”

• Jesus wanted His disciples to understand their worth as they entered difficult places carrying the gospel.

Spurgeon beautifully described verses 29–31 as a sermon where “sparrows are the text.”

Think about that.

Every bird in the sky becomes a reminder:

• My Father sees me. Every sparrow becomes a sermon:
• My Father knows me. Every detail becomes a declaration:
• My Father values me.

SO WHAT??

1. God has given me something to say.

• “Speak in the light.”
• The gospel has been entrusted to us.
• Our generation needs believers willing to proclaim Jesus clearly.

2. God deserves the highest place in my heart.

• “Rather fear Him…”
• Holy reverence produces courageous obedience.
• When God becomes supreme in our hearts, we become increasingly ready to follow His direction.

3. God knows me and values me.

• “You are of more value than many sparrows.”
• Your Father knows your life in extraordinary detail.

You are:

Seen.

Known.

Valued.

Called.

Held by the Father.

 

The Holy Spirit
A Breath of Fresh Air
9/6/26
Pastor Mark England

 

Acts 19:1-2 (CSB)
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  “No,” they told him, “We haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

A Breath of Fresh Air

– a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath.

Genesis 1:2 (CSB)
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

– a current of air, blast of breath, a strong breeze.

John 6:63 (CSB)
The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

Wind is .

John 14:16-17 (NIV)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Wind is .

John 3:8 (CSB)
Jesus answered… “The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Wind is .

Acts 1:8 (CSB)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Wind is .

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (CSB)
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.  ¹⁰ Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

Perspectives of The Holy Spirit

1. : The belief that miraculous spiritual gifts stopped after the time of the first apostles.

1 Corinthians 13:8 (CSB)
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.

1 Corinthians 13:9-10 (CSB)
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.

2. : The use of shocking, theatrical, and feeling-led methods to provoke strong emotional reaction around faith.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (CSB)
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. ⁴ They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

3. : The belief that God is a Triune-Being, and exists in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19 (CSB)
Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (CSB)
Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware…  ⁴ Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. ⁷ A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: ⁸ to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, ⁹ to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

Acts 2:38 (CSB)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

God wants to of you.
We should desire to of Him.

Christianity is not a where you only move forward under your own strength.

Christianity is a that moves forward by the fresh wind (Pneuma) empowering it.

Do you need a behind your sails?

Take a Deep

Ephesians 4:30 (CSB)
And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption.

1. Let go of and .

Proverbs 3:5 (CSB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.

2. Go .

Jeremiah 29:13 (CSB)
You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.

3. Develop an with the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

God the Father .

God the Son .

God the Holy Spirit .

The Joy of Sacrifice (oxymoron)

OT: Different types of sacrifices / offerings

They were to express thanks, worship, devotion, commitment to God, gratitude, thanksgiving, and atonement.

Ex. 20:24  “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.

He’s not waiting for you to get something else to sacrifice he wants you to use what you have (until I get a million dollars I will give, vs 10 for 100)

…

Romans 12:1 – Therefore, 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

*The altar isn’t a place we visit, it’s a place we live!

When do we build an altar?

> When I am reminded of the goodness of God (Praise)

PRAISE = The vocal and visual expression of the value of God for Who He is, what He as done, and what He will do.

*Whatever we give our time & attention to, that’s where our praise is going

*Praise creates a shift in the atmosphere of my soul

*Praise takes the focus off of me and my circumstances and puts the emphasis on God

*My definition of PRAISE = Praise is any action or heart intention that is given or done for the purpose of honoring God. — DC

I Build an Altar:

> When Obedience Costs Me My Preference. (Self-Denial)

Galatians 5:16; 19-25  16 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ……19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Colossians 3:2-3; 5; 17; 23  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God;  …..5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature… 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ….23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

HEBREWS 13:14-16 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Sacrifice Def: Willingly giving up something of value for the sake of something—or Someone—of greater value.

2 Samuel 24:21-24  21Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” “To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped.” Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. Your Majesty, Araunah gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the Lord your God accept you.” But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

*Pain gives you an understanding that knowledge never will

**Every altar in Scripture required a sacrifice. The only question was what would be placed on it.

Matthew 26:10  But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.

Another way I build an altar:

> When I give myself for the good of someone or something else  (Service)

Isaiah 55:1-3  Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live…

Isaiah 47: 8  Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures, who sit securely who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me…

*What are you filling your life with that doesn’t allow room for God to bring more….

Luke 14:27 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Ephesians 4:11-15  11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers,[d] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love

Many hands make light work 

*A healthy church isn’t a few people doing everything. It’s every part doing something.

I build an altar:

> In the midst of offense  (Forgiveness)

Luke 17:1-4 He said to His disciples, “Offenses will certainly come, but woe to the one they come through! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him

The Greek word for offense is skandalon ((sigma kappa alpha ́ nu delta alpha lambda o nu)), which originally referred to the “trigger stick of an animal trap” where bait was placed. It is used throughout the New Testament, most notably in Matthew 18:7 and Luke 17:1, to describe temptations that lead to sin or spiritual entrapment.

The word skandalon is primarily defined in Greek lexicons (like Strong’s Concordance, G4625) as a stumbling block or trap, with the figurative imagery often described as:

• The trigger: The movable stick or mechanism of a trap.
• The lure: The place where the hunter attaches the bait to entice prey.
• The result: Taking the “bait” springs the trap, leading to captivity, bitterness, or spiritual stumbling

Aphiemi (Greek): Translates literally as “to cast away” or “let go.” It signifies releasing someone from a debt, obligation, or offense so they are free to go.

Matthew 6:12 (Lord’s Prayer) “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

*Altars weren’t merely places where people gave something to God. Altars became places where people discovered something about God.

You won’t sacrifice anything to God that He won’t restore something better to you.

Do everything as unto the Lord

Jesus does not ask for partial surrender.

He asks for:

• All your heart
• All your trust
• All your life

He wants all of us.

“They brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed Him.” — Luke 5:11

*All is what He requires. And all is what He deserves.

There is Gain on the Other side of what you are giving

Genesis 22:1-13   Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

John 8:56  Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”

Hebrews 12:2  Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

**Every altar in Scripture required a sacrifice. The only question was what would be placed on it.

TAnd under the New Covenant…

the sacrifice is me.

So the question isn’t,
“Lord, what are You going to give me?”

The question is:

“Lord, what part of me have I not yet given You?”

24 hours in this day: 14 hours of daylight today (if you only functioned from sunup to sunset)

10% of this time 1 hour and 14 minutes or 84 minutes…out of 840 minutes of daylight are spent on average in a church service per Sunday…or 84 minutes out of 10,080 minutes per week…or if you attend church services every week for 52 weeks a year 4,368 minutes out of roughly 524,160 minutes per year~ or 72.8 hours per year of 8,736 hours my friends that is less than 1% of your year spent in church!

 

You have all the time in the world!

the Idyll Idol

idyll

 

1. A short poem or prose piece depicting a picturesque scene or incident of idealized life.
2. A simple, happy, and peaceful scene or period of life.

 

We focus so much on recreation and leisure, we’ve forgotten how to rest!

SABBATH!

 

Sabbath = to cease from ordinary activity in order to enter God’s rest.

 

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11 (NLT)

 

Historical Biblical Observance:

1. No labor
2. No business
3. Less Food Preparation
4. No Firewood gathering nor kindling
5. No carrying heavy loads
6. Rest during harvest season, including the animals
7. A day set apart to God and He alone

 

What is Sabbath? A time set aside to allow God to restore your soul by doing nothing!

Busyness migrates to a life of hurry when we let it squeeze God out of our lives!

 

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all!” -Anonymous

 

A busy schedule does not produce a hurried soul and soul fatigue; a soul without Sabbath does!

 

“If you don’t come apart for a while, you will come apart in a while.” -Vance Havner

 

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

“Come away with Me!” -Jesus

Carve out space and time where we find rest and healing for our souls in solitude.

 

Delight yourself in the Lord:

Delight yourself in what He has done!

Delight yourself in what He has made!

Delight yourself in what He has given! 

Delight yourself in who you are in Him! 

Delight yourself in celebration! 

 

S L O W  D O W N Sundays!

Gospel Light Church

Matthew Series #22

August 30th, 2026

The Commission, Courage, and Cost of Following Christ

Matthew 10:1–26

This chapter is a major transition in Jesus’ ministry. In chapter 9, Jesus saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion because they were weary and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. He told His disciples to pray for laborers because the harvest was plentiful and the workers were few.

Now Jesus answers that prayer by sending the very men who had been praying.

Prayer prepares God’s people for participation.

Jesus continues to call ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary work through His power.

This passage reveals three truths:

• Christ commissions His servants.
• Christ prepares His servants.
• Christ strengthens His servants.

I. Christ Calls and Commissions His Servants

Matthew 10:1–15

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.”
(Matthew 10:1)

Jesus called the disciples before sending them into ministry.

Every effective ministry begins by spending time with Christ.

The word “power” comes from the Greek word ἐξουσία (exousia), meaning delegated authority.

• Jesus entrusted His authority to these twelve men so they could minister in His name.

They were fishermen, a tax collector, and men from various walks of life. Their qualifications came from Christ’s calling and His authority.

“The church’s mission is the continuation of Christ’s mission.” – John Stott

Jesus continues His work through believers who willingly follow Him.

Their Mission

Jesus sent the disciples to the lost sheep of Israel to proclaim,

“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Their message was confirmed through God’s power as they healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons.

• Every miracle pointed people to the King and His kingdom.

Jesus also instructed them,

“Freely you have received, freely give.”

• Grace is God’s gift, and His people joyfully share what they have received.

“The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.” – Carl F.H Henry

The church carries the message of salvation to a world in need of Christ.

II. Christ Teaches Dependence on God

Matthew 10:9–15

Jesus instructed the disciples to travel with simple provisions.

• This mission taught them to trust the Father’s care every step of the journey.

God faithfully provides for those who faithfully serve Him.

Jesus reminded them,

“The laborer is worthy of his food.”

God uses His people to support His work and His servants.

“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” – C.S Lewis

The greatest treasure in life is the presence of God.

III. Christ Prepares His Servants for Opposition

Matthew 10:16–26

Jesus said,

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.”

His disciples would minister in a world that often rejected His message.

He instructed them,

“Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

• God desires His people to exercise discernment, integrity, wisdom, and purity in every circumstance.

Jesus explained that His followers would experience persecution, betrayal, and hardship as they proclaimed the Gospel.

Faithfulness to Christ has always required courage.

“The authentic Jesus never promised His followers an easy life.” – John Stott

Following Jesus includes steadfast commitment through every season.

Courage for Every Disciple

Three times in this passage Jesus encouraged His disciples,

“Do not fear.”

• Christ gives courage to those He calls.

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” C.S Lewis

• God strengthens believers to remain faithful in every circumstance.

Confidence in God’s Truth

Jesus gave assurance to the disciples:

“There is nothing covered that will not be revealed.”

• God’s truth will ultimately be made known.
• His purposes stand forever.

“Truth is not determined by majority opinion but by divine revelation.” F.H Henry

God’s Word remains the foundation for every believer.

The Character of Christ’s Servants

This passage describes the qualities of faithful disciples:

Christ’s servants are:

• Called by Christ.
• Empowered by Christ.
• Dependent upon God.
• Wise in their conduct.
• Pure in their character.
• Courageous in their witness.
• Faithful in their calling.

God blesses lives that remain surrendered to His will.

SO WHAT?

1. Respond to Christ’s Call.

Every believer has been commissioned to represent Jesus wherever God has placed them.

2. Trust God’s Provision.

The Lord faithfully supplies every need as we walk in obedience.

3. Walk in Wisdom.

Seek God’s direction and demonstrate Christlike character in every relationship.

4. Live with Courage.

Jesus gives strength for every challenge and every opportunity to share His name.

5. Remain Faithful.

The authority of Christ, the presence of Christ, and the promises of Christ sustain every believer until He returns.

 

 

Spiritual Habit of Community.

We’re connected to everybody……….and somehow deeply known by almost nobody.

This has been termed “the anti-social century.”

And researchers are beginning to tell us this isn’t simply unfortunate. It’s unhealthy.

Psychologists call this problem the

• Friendship depth gap.

Harvard Study of Adult Development,

Several studies found that people’s level of satisfaction with their relationships at age 50 was a better predictor of physical health than their cholesterol levels were.

RELATIONSHIPS AREN’T JUST GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL……….THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOUR BODY.

 

Genesis 2:18 — “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

• You need God. But God also designed you to need people.
  + Click to add your own note
• “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

 

• GOD CHANGES US IN COMMUNITY IN WAYS WE WILL NEVER CHANGE IN ISOLATION
  + Click to add your own note

But there are other things God chooses to do in my life through people.

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact..

Galatians 5:13 “Serve one another humbly in love.”

Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,….

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other….

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

YOU CANNOT PRACTICE THE “ONE ANOTHERS” OF SCRIPTURE BY YOURSELF.

JESUS DID LIFE IN COMMUNITY He didn’t do ministry alone.

He called twelve.

discipleship wasn’t simply: “Come hear Me preach.” It was: “COME FOLLOW ME.”  This is His pattern…

THE EARLY CHURCH DID THE SAME THING

Acts 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

DEVOTED.

Acts 2:46  “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes…”

I want you to see the pattern. TEMPLE COURTS……….AND HOMES.

ROWS……….AND CIRCLES.

The early church understood: WE NEED BOTH.

Church is not a place it is the people of God doing life together on mission.

The New Testament word translated church is the Greek word ekklesia

It refers to an assembly……….a gathering……….a congregation of people called together.

Matthew 16:18: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

• Sunday morning alone can’t provide the relational context you need to grow spiritually.
  + Click to add your own note

GOD USES COMMUNITY TO HELP US GROW HEALTHY……….FIND FREEDOM……….AND EXPERIENCE HEALING.

And one of the ways God brings that transformation is through healthy relationships.

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

SOME THINGS GOD DOES IN ME WHEN I’M ALONE WITH HIM……….OTHER THINGS GOD DOES IN ME THROUGH HIS PEOPLE.

WHAT STAYS HIDDEN OFTEN STALLS GROWTH.

FREEDOM GROWS IN THE LIGHT.

1 John 1:7  “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

A SAFE PLACE TO BE KNOWN……….A SAFE PLACE TO GROW……….A SAFE PLACE TO HEAL.

WE CARRY EACH OTHER TOWARD FREEDOM

Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

We have moments when our faith gets weak……….when grief overwhelms us……….when temptation gets strong……….when life knocks us down.   “One can help the other up.”

That’s community. That’s the church I want us to be.

Not a church where everybody pretends they’ve got it together.

A church where people who are far from God can find him.

A church where broken people can encounter Jesus.

A church where hurting people can heal.

A church where people trapped in destructive patterns can find freedom.

A church where somebody can finally say, “I need help,” and discover that they’re surrounded by people who will walk with them.

Because our goal isn’t simply to fill a room on Sunday.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO GROW HEALTHY.

COMMUNITY DOESN’T JUST COMFORT ME. IT CHANGES ME

Why? Because when I get around other people as see Gods word at work in them….

IT CHALLENGES ME.

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Kingdom FRIENDS DON’T JUST TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. THEY LOVE YOU ENOUGH TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO HEAR.

Hebrews 10:24-25  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together……….but encouraging one another.”

WE ALL NEED PEOPLE WHO LOVE US WHERE WE ARE……….BUT LOVE US TOO MUCH TO LEAVE US THERE.

That’s community.

COMMUNITY MAKES US STRONGER

Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, ……….12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BORROW SOMEBODY ELSE’S FAITH UNTIL YOURS GETS STRONG AGAIN.

 Mark 2  There was a paralyzed man who needed Jesus…..But he couldn’t get himself there.

SO HIS FRIENDS CARRIED HIM.

THAT’S THE CHURCH.

SO WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS?

I don’t want you just attending Oasis…..I WANT YOU CONNECTED.

I don’t want you simply sitting in a crowd……..I WANT YOU KNOWN.

Develop a SPIRITUAL HABIT OF COMMUNITY.

1 Distribution of Gifts

Matthew 25:14-15

Ephesians 4:7-8

John 14:16-18

1 Corinthians 12:11

2 Managing the Talents

Matthew 25:16-18

3 A Time of Reckoning

Matthew 25:19-30

 

the

Be

• Know the story
• Know the truth
• Be a student
• Pour over Scripture
• Preach the Gospel to yourself

Show without

God’s

Prayer was never supposed to be something we simply do for God. Prayer is something that connects us to God.

• Prayer is connection, not obligation. 

Prayer flows from identity.  Who you believe God is determines your prayer life.  

• Jesus made connection a habit.

Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’”

Luke 5:16 says: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

What Jesus did publicly was connected to what Jesus did privately.

Jesus Prayed at His Baptism Luke 3:21–22

THE LIST:

• Jesus Withdrew to Pray Mark 1:35 Luke 5:16 Jesus didn’t find time to pray. He made time to pray.
• Jesus Prayed Before Major Decisions Luke 6:12–13 Before choosing the twelve disciples:
• Jesus Prayed Before Miracles John 6:11 Before feeding the 5,000, Jesus gave thanks.
• John 11:41–42 Before raising Lazarus: Mark 7:34 Before healing the deaf man
• Jesus Prayed After Ministry Matthew 14:22–23 After feeding the 5,000: He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray.” 
• Jesus Prayed Before Important Revelations Luke 9:18 Luke 9:28–29 At the Transfiguration. 
• Jesus Prayed With Thanksgiving Matthew 11:25–26 “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”
• Jesus Prayed for His Disciples Luke 22:31–32 “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.”
• Jesus Prayed for Unity John 17:20–23
• Jesus Prayed for Protection John 17:11–15 “Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name…
• Jesus Prayed for Our Sanctification John 17:17
• Jesus Prayed in His Deepest Pain Matthew 26:36–44 Mark 14:32–39 Luke 22:39–46 Gethsemane. 
• Jesus Prayed for His Enemies Luke 23:34 While being crucified: “Father, forgive them…”
• Jesus Prayed From the Cross Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34 “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Luke 23:46 “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”

The pattern is hard to miss: Jesus prayed.

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

• Pray everyday about everything.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer may not immediately change what is happening around you, but it changes what is happening in you. God’s peace can arrive before God’s answer does.

1 Thess 5:17  is so important  It says “pray continually”  Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer is about staying connected to the right Person.

 

Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:1-6 (NLT)

 

How much of what we are pursuing daily has eternal significance?

 

IDEAL (Mirriam Webster)

As an adjective:

1. “Exactly right for a particular purpose, person, or situation.”
2. “Of, relating to, or embodying an ideal.”
3. “Conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard: perfect.”
4. “Existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only.”

As a noun:

1. “A standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence.”
2. “One regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation.”
3. “An ultimate object or aim of endeavor: goal.”

1. Stuff over substance 
2. Pleasure over purpose 
3. Status over character

 

The first answer to our struggle is JOY!

 

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

 

The second answer to our struggle is PRAYER!

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

 

The third answer to our struggle is FOCUS!

 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

 

The fourth answer to our struggle is CONTENTMENT!

 

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Philippians 4:4-14 (NLT)

 

Christ, gives me the strength to live abundantly as I walk in the wisdom of His word!