April 9 2017 How Can We Partner To Share The Good News With Others

How Can We Partner To Share The Good News With Others

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT: Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.... A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Memory Verse: Ph. 1:27b (LB)“... you are standing together side by side with one strong purpose – to tell the Good News.”

Ph. 1:5 (NLT)“You’ve been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.”

HOW CAN WE “PARTNER” TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS?

Pray Together

Col. 4:3 (NCV)“Pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people His message.”

-Make a prayer list.

Appeal to a common interests

1 Cor. 9:22-23 (LB) “Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.”

-Discover the common interests in your group.

Reach out in love

1 Th. 2:8 (NCV) “Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God's Good News with you, but even our own lives.”

1 Cor. 5:12 (NCV) “It is not my business to judge those who are not part of the church.”

2 Cor. 5:14 (LB) “Whatever we do, it is certainly not for our own profit but because Christ's love controls us now.”

-Ask God to give you a deeper love for others.

Tell your stories

1 Peter 2:9 (Mes) “You are... God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you.”

Ps. 66:16 (NCV) “Listen, and I’ll tell you what God has done for me.”

-Write out your story & share it with your group

Nurture friendships

Rom. 12:16 (CEV)“Be friendly with everyone. Don't be proud and feel that you are smarter than others.

-Make friends with ordinary people.”

Luke 5:29 (CEV) “In his home Levi (Matthew) gave a big dinner party for Jesus. Many fellow tax collectors and other guests were also there.”

2 Tim. 1:7 (LB) “The Holy Spirit does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.”

-Bring a friend to church. Plan a party

Expect God to Act

Heb. 11:1 (NIV) “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Luke 5:20 (NIV) “When Jesus saw their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”

-Never give up on anyone.

Represent Christ with your life.

Col. 3:17 (NLT) “Whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus.”

1 Thes. 4:11-12a (NCV) “Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Take care of your own business, and do your own work. If you do, people who are not believers will respect you.”

March 26 & April 2 2017 The Kind Of Work God Blesses

THE KIND OF WORK GOD BLESSES

Prov. 22:29 "When you see people skilled in their work, you know that they will end up standing before kings, not working for ordinary people."

SEVEN KEYS TO SUCCEEDING AT WORK

1. Start working enthusiastically wherever I am.

Memory Verse: Eccl. 9:10 (NIV)"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Three Things To Remember

1. This is a test from God.

Luke 16:10-12(NIV)"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much... But if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?"

2. God is watching.

3. My attitude determines my joy.

Proverbs 12:24 (MSG) "The diligent find freedom in their work, while the lazy are oppressed by work"

Rom. 12:11 (NLT)"Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."

2. Understand who I'm really working for.

Col. 3:23-24 (NLT)"Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."

I Cor. 10:31 (NIV)"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it allfor the glory of God."

3. Concentrate on building my character.

Rom. 5:3-4 (NLT)"We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, because we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."

Prov. 12:24 (CEV) Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave.

4. Care about those I work with.

1 Cor. 16:14 (NLT)"Everything you do must be done with love."

Eph. 4:2 (TLB)"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's ftiults because of your love. "

5. Exceed what is expected of me.

Col. 3:22 (MSG)"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best."

Matt. 5:41 (NIV)"If someone demands you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

6. Expand my skills with continual learning.

Eccl. 10:10 (NIV)"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success."

Prov.19:8 (TEV)"Do yourself a favor and learn all you can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper."

7. Dedicate my work to be used for God's purposes.

Eph. 1:3 (TEV)"We are Christ's ambassadors; and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, 'Be reconciled to God! "

2 Cor. 5:20 (NLT)"Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world."

February 19 & 26 2017 God's Plan For Financial Blessing

GOD'S PLAN FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING

TWO IMPORTANT TRUTHS ABOUT MONEY

Luke 12:15 (NIV)"Jesus said, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds ofgreed; a man's lift does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. "

Luke 16:9-13 (NIV)"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain eternal Mends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So ifyou have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And ifyou have not been trustworthy with someone else property, who will give you properly ofyour own? No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and Money."'

1. MONEY IS A TOOL AND A TEST.
2. MANAGING MONEY IS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE.

EIGHT HABITS FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING

1. I must trust God as my source and supply.

Rom. 11:36 (NLT)"Everything comes from God; everything exists by his power; and everything is intended for his glory."

Deut. 8:18 (NIV)"Always remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability TO PRODUCE WEALTH."

Pr. 16:3 (NLT)"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

2. I must do my work as an act of worship.

Col. 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Pr. 21:5 (NLT)"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

Pr. 10:4 (NIV)"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

Pr. 16:11 (NLT)"The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard."

Pr. 12:11 (NIV) "Hard work brings prosperity; only fools waste time chasing fantasies."

Pr. 13:11 (NLT)"Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; but wealth from hard work grows."

3. Keep good records.

Pr. 27:23-24 (LB)"Riches can disappear fast... so watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and herds."

1 Cor. 16:2 (LB)"On the first day of every week put aside some of what you have earned during the week, and use it for the offering The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn."

http://saddleback.com/watch/webcast/financial-seminar-2010

4. GIVE THE FIRST TEN PERCENT BACK TO GOD

Pr. 3:9-10 (LB)"Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns to overflow!"

Deut. 14:23 (LB)"The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives."

Mal. 3:10 (NCV)"Bring to My Storehouse a full tenth of what you earn...Test me in this, 'says the Lord. 'I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need.

5. I must save and invest for the future.

Pr. 21:20 (LB)"The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets."

Pr. 13:11 (NCV) "Money that comes easily disappears quickly, but money that is gathered little by little will grow."

Pr. 24:27 (NLT)"Develop your business first before building your house."

6. You setup a repayment plan to get yourself out of debt.

Pr. 3:27 (LB)"Don't withhold repayment of your debts."

Rom. 13:8 (NIV)"Let no debt remain outstanding."

7. Budget your spending.

Pr. 21:5 (TEV)"Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough."

Pr. 10:16 (NLT)"The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."

Memory Verse: Pr. 21:20b (TEV)"... stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it."

8. I must enjoy what I have.

Eccl. 6:9 (TEV)"It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else."

1 Tim. 6:18 (NLT)"Tell them to use their money to do good They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them."

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DO: THE ORDER GOD BLESSES:

1. Spend it - 1. Dedicate it to God

2. Worry about it - 2. Tithe it

3. Repay it  - 3. Save & Invest

4. Save it - 4. Repay it

5. Give it,  -  5. Enjoy it

Mt. 6:31-33 (LB) "Don't worry... Your heavenly Father already knows what you need, and He will give it to you IF you give him first place in your life AND live as he wants you to."

January 15 & 22 2017 Getting Where You Want To Be

GETTING WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

Decade of Destiny - Part 2

GENESIS 24:1-57

1. Determine your present position

Ask 

-Where Am I Now?

-What Would I Like to Change?

Gen. 24:1"Abraham was now old and well advanced in years., and the Lord had blessed him in every way."

2. Describe exactly what you want.

Gen. 24:3-4 "Don't get a wife for my son from the Canaanite girls who live around here. Instead, go back to my country, to the land of my relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac."

Ask

-What do I want to be?

-What do I want to do?

-What do I want t to have?

-Why do I want it?

Gen. 24:5 "The servant asked Abraham, 'What If the woman is unwilling to leave her home and come back with me to this land?"

3. Find a promise from God

Gen. 24:7 (NCV) Abraham said "The Lord brought me from the land of my relatives to this land and he

SOLEMNLY PROMISED me that he would give this land to my descendants. So, he will send his angel before you, So that you can get a wife there for my son."

4. Ask God for help. 

Gen. 24:12(NLT)"Then Eliazar prayed, '0 Lord, God of my master Abraham. Give me success and show this kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we wil/find grace to help us when we need it."

5. Identify the barriers.

Ask: Why don't I have it already

vs. 21 - Finding the right girt

vs. 58 - Getting her to say yes in faith

vs. 49 - Getting the parent consent

6. Create a step by step plan.

Ask

-How do I intend to get there by the end of this decade?

-How long will it take?

7. Be patient and persistent.

Hab. 2:3 (LB)"These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"

8. Enlist a team for support.

Eccles. 4:12 (NLT)"One person standing alone is easily attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three people are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

Mal. 18:20 Jesus: "Wherever two or three come together in my name, there iwill be with them!"

9. Pay the price

Gen 24:53 "Then Eliazar brought out gold and silver and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave expensive gifts to her brother and her mother."

Ask 

-What will it cost?

-What am I willing to give?

-Is it worth it?

September 25 2016 Learning To Be Content

LEARNING TO BE CONTENT

Memory Verse: Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet...anything that belongs to your neighbor."

"COVET": the uncontrolleddesire to acquire

I. What Happens When I Always Want More

1. Fatigue

Proverbs 23:4" Do not wear yourself out to be rich; have the wisdom to show restraint."

2. Debt

Ecclesiastes 5:11 (LB) "The more money you have, the more money you spend..."

3. Worry

Ecclesiastes 5:12 (GN)"A working man ... can get a good night's sleep. But the rich man has so much that he stays awake worrying."

4. Conflict

James 4:1"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from the desires that battle with you?"

5. Dissatisfaction

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (GN)"You will never be satisfied if you long to be rich. You will never get all you want."

Philippians 4:12(Paul) "I have learned the secret of being content... whether living in plenty or in want."

II. How To Learn To Be Content

1. RESIST COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS.

2 Corinthians 10:12 "We do not dare classify or compare ourselves ... it is not wise."

I Timothy 6:9 (JB) "When we long to be rich, we are a prey to temptation; We get trapped into all sorts of foolish and dangerous ambitions which eventually plunge us into ruin."

2. REJOICE IN WHAT I DO HAVE.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 (GN)"If God gives a man wealth and property .. he should be grateful and enjoy what he has...it is a gift from God."

Ecclesiastes 6:9 (GN)"It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else."

3. RELEASE WHAT I HAVE TO HELP OTHERS.

I Timothy 6:17-19 (LB)"Tell those who are rich, not to be proud and not to trust in their money which will soon be gone. Tell them to use their money to do good ... to give happily to those in need, always with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven -- it is the only safe investment for eternity!"

Acts 20:35 (GN)"There is more happiness in giving than in receiving."

4. REFOCUS ON WHAT'S GOING TO LAST.

2 Corinthians 4:18 "We fix our attention, not on the things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever."

Luke 12:15 "A man's true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be."