“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are THE KEY TO LIFE.” Prov. 4:13 NLT Wisdom keys for training up godly kids: Parents, you are the primary influence; create a godly atmosphere in your home: Deut. 6:6-9Gut check #1: Is your commitment and love for God obvious in your home? Eph. 5:1, Prov. 20:7Gut check #2: Is your love for your spouse evident in your home? Eph....  Read More

“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are THE KEY TO LIFE.” Prov. 4:13 NLTBroad Principles for Wise Speech:WORDS ARE POWERFUL: Proverbs 18:21, James 3:3-6TIMING MATTERS: Prov. 15:23, 25:11, 27:14TONE MATTERS: Prov. 15:1, 17:28, 25:15Specific Areas of Words to Watch:GOSSIP: Prov. 11:13, 16:28, 17:9, 16:20COURSE JOKING: Prov. 4:24, 10:32, Eph. 5:4SARCASM: Prov. 12:18...  Read More

“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are THE KEY TO LIFE.” Prov. 4:13 NLTHow to get wisdom:KNOW: Value & SourceThe Word: Solomon valued it and then wrote it; Proverbs and the entire Scriptures.1 Kings 3:4-13, 2 Timothy 3:15-17The WORD: Jesus personally. All the secrets of wisdom and knowledge are contained in Him. Col. 2:3, Phil. 3:10ASK: James 1:5Recognize your n...  Read More

“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