Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." (NIV)

5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES AND LOVING FATHER CHURCHES

1A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES ARE CONSUMED WITH THEMSELVES

Luke 15:29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I'VE been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave ME even a young goat so I could celebrate with MY friends. (NIV)

1B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES ARE CONSUMED WITH WHO’S MISSING

2A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES ARE COUNTING RIGHTS AND WRONGS

Luke 15:29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. (NIV)

Luke 15:30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)

2B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES ARE COUNTING SOULS

Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)

3A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES FOCUS ON RULES

Luke 15:30 But when THIS SON OF YOURS who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)

3B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES FOCUS ON RELATONSHIP

Luke 15:27 ‘Your BROTHER has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ (NIV)

Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother OF YOURS was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)

Luke 15:24 For this son OF MINE was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (NIV)

4A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES RESENT GRACE

Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (NIV)

4B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES REJOICE IN GRACE

Luke 15:32 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)

Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

5A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES STAND OUTSIDE THE PARTY

Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (NIV)

5B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES PLEAD WITH OLDER BROTHERS TO JOIN THE PARTY

Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and PLEADED with him. (NIV)                                                                                                                       

Luke 15:4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses ONE of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? (NIV)

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over ONE sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (NIV)

Luke 15:8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses ONE. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? (NIV)

Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over ONE sinner who repents.” (NIV)

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

Luke 15:8–10 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NIV)

1. A “ONE MORE” CHURCH CARES ABOUT THE ONE

2. A “ONE MORE” CHURCH LIGHTS LAMPS

Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to LIGHT, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (NIV)

2A. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

2B. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

2C. THE CHURCH IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven LAMPSTANDS are the seven churches. (NIV)

3. A “ONE MORE” CHURCH SWEEPS FLOORS

3A. WE SWEEP WHEN WE PRAY

Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (NIV)

3B. WE SWEEP WHEN WE START CHURCHES

My Identity Is IN CHRIST

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people IN CHRIST JESUS at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (NIV)

1. YOUR IDENTITY IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints IN CHRIST Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: (ESV)

Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brothers IN CHRIST at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. (ESV)

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful IN CHRIST JESUS (ESV)

Colossians 1:26–27 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory. (NIV)

Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living IN YOU, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives IN YOU. (NIV)

Galatians 3:26 For IN CHRIST Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (ESV)

2. YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 3:9 and be found IN HIM, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that IN HIM we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV)

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are IN CHRIST JESUS. (ESV)

Ephesians 1:7 IN HIM we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (ESV)

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God IN CHRIST forgave you. (ESV)

Ephesians 2:13 But now IN CHRIST JESUS you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified IN CHRIST JESUS, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (ESV)

2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us IN CHRIST Jesus before the ages began, (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV)

3. YOUR GODLY MIND IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours IN CHRIST JESUS, (ESV)

4. YOUR HUMILITY IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 2:5- 8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours IN CHRIST Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (ESV)

5. YOUR CONFIDENCE IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory IN CHRIST JESUS and put no confidence in the flesh (ESV)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives IN ME. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (ESV)

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have BOLDNESS and access with confidence through our faith IN HIM. (ESV)

6. YOUR PEACE IS IN CHRIST

7. YOUR NEEDS ARE MET IN CHRIST

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory IN CHRIST JESUS. (ESV)

1. Am I truly In Christ Jesus?

2. Am I confusing my wants with my needs?

3. Am I obeying God’s word?

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN CHRIST with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (ESV)

Philippians 1:12 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. (NIV)

1. Paul’s problems didn’t stop his mission; they propelled his mission.

Philippians 1:12 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me… (NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:25 – Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea (NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:26 - I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.  (NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. (NLT)

Philippians 1:12-14 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

2. Paul used his earthly trials to give people heavenly hope

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.  20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.  22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (ESV)

Philippians 1:12-13 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. (NIV)

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Philippians 4:21-22 - Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (NIV)

1. CARES 

Mark 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. (NIV)

2. COMPARISON

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (NKJV) Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV)

1. CONTENTMENT IS LEARNED   Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (NIV)

Philippians 3:14 I PRESS on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (NIV)

2. CONTENTMENT COMES FROM GRATEFULNESS

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Colossians 1:3 We ALWAYS THANK GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:4 I ALWAYS THANK MY GOD for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 give THANKS IN ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3. CONTENTMENT COMES AS WE RELY ON GOD

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

Matthew 6:25 - “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (NKJV)

1. Bring your worries to God in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ( NLT)

2. Trade your worry for worship.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

3. Focus your mind on the pure and positive things.

Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)

Romans 12:2 – Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (NLT)

Colossians 3:1-3 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  (NIV)

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)

1. FOCUS ON WHO YOU ARE

Philippians 3:4–10 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider EVERYTHING A LOSS because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be FOUND IN HIM, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (NIV)

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (NIV)

John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (NIV)

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

2. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU NEED TO FORGET

Philippians 3:12–13 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: FORGETTING what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (NIV)

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (NIV)

3. FOCUS ON THE GOAL

Philippians 3:14 I PRESS on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Hebrews 10:35–36 So do not throw away your CONFIDENCE; it will be richly REWARDED. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (NIV)

People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.

A Humble Life

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” NLT

1. The heart of a humble disciple.

Philippians 2:1-4 – Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. NLT

Matthew 14:14 - Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. NLT

2. The head of a humble disciple.

Philippians 2:5 - You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. NLT

3. The hands of a humble disciple.

Philippians 2:6-8 – Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. NLT

John 13:3-5 - Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. NLT

Proverbs 11:25 - Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. NLT

A Joyful Life

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (NKJV)

Philippians 1:1–7 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with JOY 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. (NIV)

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you. (NKJV)

3 TRUTHS ABOUT LIVING IN JOY

1. HAPPINESS IS CIRCUMSTANTIAL; JOY IS RELATIONAL

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (NKJV)

Galatians 5:22–23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)

2. HAPPINESS IS A DESTINATION; JOY IS A DAILY DECISION

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (NKJV)

3. JOY SPRINGS FROM FAITH

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

Philippians 1:25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and JOY OF FAITH, (NKJV)

How To Handle Difficult Relationships

Romans 12:9-10 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, [e]  and take delight in honoring each other. (NLT) Romans 12:14-16 - Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! (NLT) Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

1. Own what you can own Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV) A. I can own my attitude Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. (ESV) B. I can own my own health C. I can own my response Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins (NIV) Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel (NIV) Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly (NIV) Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end (NIV)

2. Trust God to help the other person A. Always be quick to forgive them. Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (MSG) B. Always pray for God to help them.

Romans 12:14 - 14  Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. (NLT) C. Never try to play the role of the Holy Spirit.

What about in marriage? A. God does not like divorce B. God’s Word makes provision for divorce when it’s needed C. God can do miracles Matthew 19:3-9 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 7:10-16 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.  14  For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (NIV)

1. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

1A. VANITY PARENTING

1B. PERFECTION PARENTING

1C. RESCUE PARENTING

1D. COMPETITIVE PARENTING

2. GOD’S PLAN AND THE WORD OF GOD

2A. LOVE THE WORD OF GOD

Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV)

1. EMOTIONS 2. EXPERIENCES 3. FAMILY 4. FRIENDS 5. TRADITION 6. CULTURE

3. GOD’S PLAN AND THE HOUSE OF GOD

Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)

Psalm 92:13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)

A. GODLY FRIENDS

B. GODLY MENTORS

3A. YOU NEED TO LOVE AND BE PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD’S HOUSE

3B. DON’T TALK BAD ABOUT CHURCH

3C. SERVE AT CHURCH 3D. EARLY ON HELP YOUR KIDS SERVE OTHERS

3E. GET YOUR KIDS ON THE DREAM TEAM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

4. GOD’S PLAN AND THE VOICE OF GOD

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV)

TIPS ON TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD

4A. PRAY TOGETHER AS A FAMILY

4B. ASK YOUR KIDS WHAT GOD IS SPEAKING TO THEIR HEART

4C. ASK YOUR KIDS WHAT GOD IS SPEAKING TO THEM FROM THE WORD OF GOD

4D. ASK YOUR KIDS TO PRAY AND PROCESS THEIR YEARLY GOALS

4E. TEACH YOUR KIDS TO PRAY AND TO MAKE DECISIONS

THE BROACH OF SELFISHNESS

1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (NIV) Matthew 7:3-5 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (NIV) 2. THE BROACH OF NOT SERVING

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (NIV) Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (NIV) 3. THE BROACH OF UNFORGIVENESS

Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (ESV)

4. THE BROACH OF COMMUNICATION

Proverbs 13:17 An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. (TLB)

4A. BE CONSISTENT

4B. BE A LISTENER

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)

4C. BE TRUTHFUL Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

4D. BE LOVING

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

4E. BE SELECTIVE

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV)

4F. BE A PEACEMAKER

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)

5. THE BROACH OF INVESTING

Revelation 2:4–5 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (NIV)

Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (NIV)

6. THE BROACH OF COMMITMENT

Matthew 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (NIV)

Dating And Sex As A Disciple

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone DESIRES to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)

Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (NIV)

1. LOVE GOD FIRST  

2. LOVE YOURSELF SECOND

Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (NIV)

2A. GET YOUR IDENTITY RIGHT

Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (NIV)

Mark 10:6–7 “ But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, (NIV)

2B. GET YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS RIGHT

Philippians 4:6–7   Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (NIV)

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your MIND. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound MIND. (NKJV)

2C. GET YOUR CAREER RIGHT

2D. GET YOUR CREDIT SCORE AND MONEY RIGHT

3. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR THIRD

3A. GO SLOW AND GET TO KNOW

Proverbs 19:2–3 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. 3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. (NLT)

3B. DATE FOR PROOF NOT POTENTIAL

Matthew 12:33   “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. (NIV)

3C. KEEP YOUR SEXUAL DESIRES IN CHECK

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; (NIV)

1 Kings 20:19-28 NIV The junior officers under the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind themand each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen.The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.”Meanwhile, the officials of the king of Aram advised him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they.Do this: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with other officers.You must also raise an army like the one you lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they.” He agreed with them and acted accordingly.The next spring Ben-Hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”

Psalms 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Luke 9:28 NIV About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.

Luke 9:37 NIV The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.

3 Truths for Mountain and Valley Living 1. Mountains and valleys are both part of our lives 2. God is an all-terrain God 3. What you get on the mountain you take down into the valley

Single And Satisfied

Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (NIV)

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 7:8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. (NLT)

1. DISCOVER THE GIFT OF SINGLENESS

1 Corinthians 7:7–8 I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own GIFT from God; one has this gift, another has that. 8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. (NIV)

2. DESIRE FOR MARRIAGE DOES NOT HAVE TO EQUAL DISCONTENTMENT IN LIFE

1 Corinthians 7:28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. (NIV)

2A. RECOGNIZE THAT DESIRE AND CONTENTMENT ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS

Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content WHATEVER the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

2B. SEE GOD’S GOODNESS IN YOUR SINGLENESS, NOT APART FROM IT

3. DISCERN THE ADVANTAGES OF SINGLENESS

3A. FREEDOM

1 Corinthians 7:32-33 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— (NIV)

3B. FLEXIBILITY

3C. FOCUS

1 Corinthians 7:34–35 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in UNDIVIDED DEVOTION to the Lord. (NIV)

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone DESIRES to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)

1. DESIRE

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh DESIRES what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (NIV)

James 1:13–15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own EVIL DESIRE and enticed. 15 Then, after DESIRE has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NIV)

1. DANGEROUS DESIRES ARE DECEPTIVE

James 1:14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own EVIL DESIRE and ENTICED. (NIV)

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. (NIV)

2. DANGEROUS DESIRES KEEP YOU FROM CONTROLLING YOUR BODY

1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; (NIV)

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the EVIL DESIRES you had when you lived in ignorance. (NIV)

3. DANGEROUS DESIRES HARDEN YOUR HEART

Ephesians 4:17–18 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. (NIV)

Hebrews 3:15 As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”  (NIV)

Ephesians 4:19–23 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its DECEITFUL DESIRES; (NIV)

4. DANEROUS DESIRES KEEP YOU FROM THE WILL OF GOD

1 Peter 4:2–5 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for EVIL HUMAN DESIRES, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (NIV)

5. DANGEROUS DESIRES DESTROY YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

James 4:1–2 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your DESIRES for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. (NKJV)

1. DO YOU DESIRE TO BE A DISCIPLE OF JESUS?

2. ARE YOU DOING LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS YOUR WAY INSTEAD OF GOD’S WAY?

Most of us see ourselves inadequately and God inaccurately.

From Weakness to Warrior

Judges 6:11-16 Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” 13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” 16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (NLT)

2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT)

God knows who you really are

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)

God calls us based on our potential, not our performance!

God knows what you are facing

Don't wait for a “perfect moment” to make a difference!

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)

God knows what you can become

2 Corinthians 12:10 “When I am weak, then I am strong” (NIV)

God calls you a WARRIOR even when you feel weak!!

Our breakthroughs are oftentimes tied to our obedience.

Your weakness is not your disqualification — it’s your invitation.

John 15: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)

John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

1. Bear Fruit by How You Live

John 15:8-10 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love (NIV)

Psalm 1:1–2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV)

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)

Galatians 5:19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (NLT)

Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (ESV) 


2. Bear Fruit by How You Love

John 15:10-12 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV)

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
 3. Bear Fruit by How You Last

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (NIV)

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my DISCIPLE must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (NIV)

Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (NIV)

1. The Salvation Stage

2. The Milk Stage

1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn INFANTS, long for the pure spiritual MILK, that by it you may GROW UP into salvation 3 If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere INFANTS in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are STILL WORLDLY. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (NIV)

Hebrews 5:13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. (ESV)

3. The Maturing Stage

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (NIV)

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the MATURE, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (NIV)

4. The Others Stage

Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (ESV)

4A. Mature Christians Get Connected to Other Christians

4B. Mature Christians Get Equipped for Ministry

4C. Mature Christians Serve Others So The Body Can Grow

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)

5. The Disciple Making Stage

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (NIV)

Hebrews 6:1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and BECOME MATURE in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. (NLT)

Hebrews 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (NIV)

Acts 6:7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (ESV)