“The Power of God”
Ezra 5:1-6:22
I. THE POWER OF THE GOD’S WORD
II. A PROHIBITING PROVIDENCE
III. A PROSPEROUS PROVIDENCE
IV. THE RESTORED WORSHIP OF A REDEEMED PEOPLE
“Obedience and Opposition”
Ezra 4:1-24
I. SYNCRETISM OR SEPARATISM
II. GROWING AND UNRELENTING OPPOSITION
“Small Beginnings”
Ezra 3:1-13
I. FAITHFULNESS IN THE MIDST OF FEAR
II. WORSHIP IN THE MIDST OF REJOICING AND WEEPING
“Records and Reasons to Hope”
Ezra 2:1-70
I. GOD KNOWS HIS PEOPLE BY NAME
II. THE SUPREMACY OF WORSHIP
III. THE SUPREMACY OF GOD’S WORD OVER HIS PEOPLE
“Promises, Providence, & Provision”
Ezra 1:1-11
I. GOD KEEPS EVERY PROMISE HE MAKES
II. GOD CAN USE WHOEVER HE WANTS TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL
III. GOD WILL PROVIDE EVERYTHING WE NEED TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL
“Grace-Enabled, Joy-filled, Generosity”
2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:5-8
GTG Principles:
1. We are stewards of all that we have, but we are not owners.
2. Spiritual growth and generosity are inseparable in the life of the believer and the church.
3. Giving reveals our hearts and our priorities.
I. THE GRACE OF GOD AT WORK
1. Giving in light of God’s grace requires giving of oneself, not just giving money
2. Someone can give out of extreme poverty, and others can give out of abundant riches.
3. Jesus can have our money and not have our hearts. But, Jesus cannot have our hearts without also having everything else we have.
II. THE GRACE OF GOD IN JESUS
III. GRACE-ENABLED, JOY-FILLED GENEROSITY
1. Christians are to give voluntarily and willingly.
2. Christians are to give proportionately and fairly according to what you have.
3. Christians are to give reciprocally, cooperatively, and mutually with one another.
4. Christians are to give graciously, generously, and joyfully like Jesus.
“Not Equal Gifts . . . But Equal Sacrifice”
John 6:1-14
1) We are stewards of all that we have, but we are not owners.
2) Spiritual growth and generosity are inseparable in the life of the believer and the church.
3) Giving reveals our hearts and our priorities.
I. A TEST FOR DISCIPLES
II. THE LESSON OF FAITH
III. SEEING AND EXPERIENCING THE PROVISION OF JESUS
“Rich Toward God”
Luke 12:13-21
GTG Principles:
· We are stewards of all that we have, but we are not owners.
· Spiritual growth and generosity are inseparable in the life of the believer and the church.
· Giving reveals our hearts and our priorities.
I. LIFE IS NOT FOUND IN YOUR POSSESSIONS
II. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU ALL THAT YOU HAVE
III. SELF-DECEPTION IS DANGEROUS
IV. LIFE IS SHORT AND UNCERTAIN
“At Calvary”
Luke 23:26-34
I. THE SEIZING OF SIMON
II. SORROWFUL SISTERS
III. UNSUSPECTED SALVATION
“The Road to Calvary”
Luke 10:1-12 - Luke 19:47
Pray for more laborers
This road, this ministry, is dangerous
I will provide everything that you need
I am already at work before you even get there
Expect rejection
Gauge your success rightly
Live fearlessly in light of knowing Me
“Lessons for Disciples: Part 2”
Luke 9:49-62
I. THE NEED FOR OPENNESS AND PARTNERSHIP
II. THE NEED FOR MERCY, GRACE, AND PATIENCE
III. THE NEED TO COUNT THE COST
“Lessons for Disciples Pt. 1”
Luke 9:43b-62
I. THE NEED TO COUNT THE COST
II. THE NEED TO RECKON WITH ONGOING UNBELIEF
III. THE NEED FOR HUMILITYIV. THE NEED FOR OPENNESS AND PARTNERSHIP
V. THE NEED FOR MERCY, GRACE, AND PATIENCE
“Going with Christ: Part III”
Acts 1:1-8
I. THE NATURE OF GOD’S KINGDOM AND OUR MISSION
II. GOD’S KINGDOM AND MISSION ARE SPIRITUAL
III. GOD’S KINGDOM AND MISSION ARE INTERNATIONAL, MULTI-ETHNIC, AND GLOBAL
IV. GOD’S KINGDOM AND MISSION SHOULD MATTER MOST IN OUR LIVES AND DECISIONS
V. GOD’S KINGDOM WILL ENDURE FOREVER, BUT OUR MISSION IS TEMPORARY
“Going with Christ: Part II”
Matthew 28:18-20
I. COMMON OBJECTIONS OR EXCUSES FOR NOT SHARING JESUS
II. HOW TO START SHARING JESUS
A. Pray.
B. Rely on the Holy Spirit.
C. Be prepared.
D. Be intentional.
E. Be kind and sincere.
F. Be patient.
G. Share Jesus.
“Going with Christ: Part I”
Matthew 28:18-20
I. THE GREAT COMMISSION
II. UNDERSTANDING EVANGELISM
III. HOW TO START
“Growing in Christ: Part III”
Ephesians 4:1-16
I. OUR CALLING AS A CHURCH
II. GROWING IN AND THROUGH OUR CHURCH FAMILY
“Growing in Christ: Part II
Colossians 3:1-17
I. DON’T BE DECEIVED BY THINGS THAT CANNOT HELP YOU GROW SPIRITUALLY
II. SET YOUR MIND ON CHRIST
III. PUT OFF THE OLD NATURE
IV. PUT ON CHRIST
“Growing in Christ: Part I”
Matthew 11:28-30 & John 15:1-5
I. LEARNING FROM CHRIST
II. ABIDING IN CHRIST
III. ABIDING IN HIS WORD
“Knowing Christ: Part II”
Romans 1-10
I. KNOW YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION APART FROM CHRIST
II. UNDERSTAND THE GRACIOUS PROVISION OF CHRIST
III. RESPOND TO GOD’S GRACIOUS CALL IN REPENTANCE AND FAITH