“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are THE KEY TO LIFE.” Prov. 4:13 NLT Clues to the source of wisdom:I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. Prov. 8:27, 30 (NLT)Those who find me find life . . .all who hate me love death. P...  Read More

“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are THE KEY TO LIFE.” Prov. 4:13The purpose of Proverbs is to gain wisdom. Prov. 1:1The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.     Prov. 1:7The value of wisdom:Wisdom is more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies. Prov. 3:15Nothing else you can desire is worth more than wisdom. Prov. 3:16Wisdom is a tree of life to those ...  Read More

Embracing Belief as a Way of Life. Mark 9:14-29We live what we believe.Embracing Generosity as a Way of LIfe. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15Generosity as WorshipGenerosity as a Reflection of God’s CharacterGenerosity as a Means to Community BuildingGenerosity as a Path to Personal TransformationEmbracing Service as a Way of Life. Mark 10:42-45Service as an Act of HumilityService as a Reflection of God’s Lov...  Read More

Fasting as a Way of Life. Matthew 6:16-18Fasting is NOTAbstinenceA restricted Diet.Fasting as aRhythmResponseWhy do we fast?To offer ourselves to Jesus.To grow in holiness.To pray.To stand with the poor.Embracing Scripture as a Way of Life. Matthew 4:4Key aspects of engaging Scripture:KnowingMeditatingLivingLiving in Community as a Way of Life. John 13:34-35Community brings:BelongingAccountability...  Read More

Embracing the Gift of Sabbath. Mark 2:27-28Rest: Ceasing from work to replenish our souls.Worship: Delighting in God’s presence.Renewal: Experiencing healing and restoration.Solitude: Finding Peace in God’s Presence. Luke 15:16Solitude is not:Loneliness.IsolationAlonenessSolitude is intentional time in quiet with ourselves and God.The Transformative Power of Prayer. Luke 11Helpful ways to prayThe ...  Read More

Ephesians 5:1, 15-20A Rule of Life Guards and Guides. (Vv. 15-20)A Rule of Life will:.It will help you turn vision into reality.It will help you experience peace as you live in alignment with your deepest desires.It will help you live at the right pace.It will help you balance freedom and discipline. The Practices Defined (Vs. 1):They are not:a barometer of spiritual maturity.a gloomy bore.a form ...  Read More

John 14:9-14Making Space for the Gospel. (Vs. 12)Hospitality - PhiloxeniaIt is something you are already doing.Anyone can do this.Preaching the Gospel.Offer hospitality.Find where God is already working and join him.Bear witness.Do “the stuff.”Live a beautiful life.Demonstrating the GospelThrough the gifts of the SpiritStart simple:WorkLove NEXT SUNDAY: Next Sunday, join us for the fifth part of o...  Read More

John 14:15-21Formation Define. (Vv. 4-8)Who am I becoming?Losing StrategiesWillpowerMore Bible StudyThe heavenly ZapProblemsSinSin done by usSin done to usSin done around usYou have already been formedThe stories we believeOur habitsOur relationshipsTheory of Change.Truth - teachingThe practicesCommunityThe Holy SpiritOver timeThrough suffering NEXT SUNDAY: Next Sunday, join us for the fourth part...  Read More

John 15:1-17Remain (Abide) in me. (Vv. 4-8)Greek word is menō meaning: abide, remain, stay, or dwell.The practice of the presence of God - Brother LawrenceLooking at God, looking at us, in love. (Vv. 9-12)       The most important thing that happens between God and the human soul is to love and be loved. - Kallistos2 Corinthians 3:18Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry/Distraction.          Hurry is the gre...  Read More

Matthew 11:28-30Jesus, the Rabbi. (Vv. 28-30)Rabbi - Master or teacher.Yoke - Hebrew idiom for a Rabbi’s set of teaching.The Three Goals of an Apprentice. (Vv. 29)To be with your Rabbi.To become like your Rabbi.To do as your Rabbi did.We exist to “Build people like Jesus.”A Way of LIfe. (Vv. 28-29)Are you an apprentice to Jesus?If you are not intentionally apprenticing, being formed by Jesus, then...  Read More

The Devil’s Deception process:The Devil’s slimy tactics: CHALLENGES God’s Word. Gen. 3:1DENIES God’s Word: You won’t die! Gen. 3:4SUBSTITUTES his own slippery lies. Gen. 3:5CAST DOUBT on God’s goodness. Gen. 3:5The Woman, representing humanity, engaged:She REDUCED God’s ‘freely eat’ (2:16) to may eat.She DOWNPLAYED God’s emphasis on the availability of fruit from every tree but one (2:17)She ADDED...  Read More

We were created for community. Genesis 2:18, John 17:20-21, Romans 12:5 It’s the only way we can practice “one another.”Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)Stir up [provoke, stimulate] one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)Show hos...  Read More