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

Seek Christ AskKeep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Matthew 7:7a NLTSeekKeep on seeking, and you will find. Matthew 7:7b NLTKnockKeep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7c NLTJesus is seeking youFor the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 NEXT SUNDAY: Community, Let It Change You, Pt. 4 Come back next Sunday for the final week in our s...  Read More

The Resurrection, what difference does it make? But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:151. What is the Bible and is it really reliable? 2 Tim. 3:16 A. Manuscripts and early sources B. Eyewitness accountsGospel Accounts of the Resurrec...  Read More

The Resurrection, what difference does it make? He is not here, HE IS RISEN!The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6The Resurrection allows us to move beyond the FAILURES of the PAST.  God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,...  Read More