Three Simple Questions, Knowing the God of Love, Hope and Purpose. Bishop Rueben P Job God is a supreme almighty being; God is omniscience (all knowing), God is omnipotent (all power) God is Omnipresence (everywhere). God-the Father (Creator), God-the Son Jesus (Redeemer) God-the Holy Spirit (Sustainer) God is Everlasting/Eternal (Psalm 90:2), God is Unchanging (Exodus 3:14) God is Holy (Psalm 99:5) God is Righteous (Psalm 119:137) God is GOOD (Psalm 118:1) God is Truth/Life (Jeremiah 10:10) God of Justice (Psalm 50:6)

Mark 9:31, He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise. HE GOT UP TO REMOVE OUR LIMITED VISION HE GOT UP TO RESURRECT OUR HOPES AND DREAM HE GOT UP TO REMIND US THAT WORD OF GOD HAS POWER 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.

It is Finished- “HIS WORK ON EARTH WAS DONE!” Luke 19:10 says, For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Philippians 1:6, 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. It is Finished-“THE BATTLE IS ALREADY WON!”

Dr. Andy Stoker brings a powerful word on the 5th saying from the cross "I am Thirsty"

Psalm 22:1, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 7 Symptoms of Abandonment ? Intrusive, debilitating anxiety ? Chronic feelings of insecurity ? Chronic depression ? Decreased self esteem ? Self-deprecation ? Isolation ? Obsessive thinking about the abandonment When we are stuck in a dark place: ? Study God’s word, ? Saturate yourself in community ? Seek out Professional help

THAT NOTHING IS PERFECT, LIFE IS MESSY AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE COMPLEX. Unknown author You have to follow Jesus for yourself, but you can’t follow Jesus by yourself. Steven Furtick Kingdom principals from a Counter cultural perspective: ? Matthew 5:40, if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ? Matthew in Matthew 5:41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ? Matthew 10:39, whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Ephesians 2:8, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. The house of Salvation. THE PORCH- John Wesley compared prevenient grace to the porch in front of the house. This is grace that comes before we know God. When we experience prevenient grace, God has invited us into the house, but we haven’t yet accepted the invitation. THE DOOR- John Wesley compared justifying grace to the door of the house. Justifying grace is when we accept the fact that we are forgiven of sin and guilt. The through the Holy Spirit we respond to God’s invitation and open the door into God’s house, we are right with God and have assurance that our sins are forgiven (We are saved). THE INTERIOR-When we experience justifying grace, we enter the house. And once we’re in the house, there are a lot of rooms for us to explore. Sanctifying grace is the grace that guides us when we’re inside the house, helping us mature in faith and live

Forgiveness is always rooted in grace: Ephesians 1:7, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. “Allow grace to take the blame, cover the shame and remove the stain that has caused years of pain.” Brain Zahnd, Unconditional, the call of Jesus to radical forgiveness, GRACE ALWAYS TAKES THE HIGH ROAD! Forgiving the Unforgivable, by Beverly Flanigan, 5 steps toward a journey of healing our injury: 1. Naming the injury: 2. Claiming the injury: 3. Blaming the one who injures: 4. Balancing the scales: 5. Choosing to forgive:

Proverbs 18:24. There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family (CEB) Seven Types of love: 1. Eros: Love of the body 2. Philia: Love of the mind 3. Ludus: Playful love 4. Philautia: Love of the self 5. Storge: Love of the child 6. Agape: Love of the soul 7. Pragma: Longstanding Love

1 Timothy 6:10, For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ? According to a study by American Psychological Association that almost three-quarters of Americans are experiencing financial stress at least some of the time, and nearly a quarter of us are experiencing extreme financial stress. ? According to CNBC finances and money issues are the leading cause of stress and a major factor in divorce ? National Suicide prevention reported in 2017 that one of the main causes of suicide is financial challenges. NEVER CURSE YOUR CRISIS.

Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue. “WE HAVE TWO EARS AND ONE MOUTH THAT WE MAY LISTEN MORE AND TALK LESS." Greek Proverb 5 th Habit First seek to understand, then to be understood Steven Covey in classic book 7 Habits to Highly Effective People, Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” James verse 8 that no human being can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil and full of deadly poison. JESUS IS NOT ONLY LORD OVER OUR LIVES BUT LORD OVER OUR LIPS. Proverbs 21:23, Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Matthew 12:34b “34b, For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Join us for Sunday Worship 8 am and 11 am 5710 E. R. L. Thornton Frwy Dallas, Texas 75223 214.821.2970 visit www.slcumc.org facebook:St. Luke Community: Dallas twitter:stlukec

1 Corinthians 6:19 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Hebrews 12:11, No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. #Get out of my Way, The average person lives 75 years 27,375 days. Will Murphy TIME WASTED IS OPPORTUNITY LOST! Romans 12:1, Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. For 21 days we will be fasting ? To receive answers to prayer ? To overcome grief ? To increase our faith ? To receive clarity and better discernment to detect the voice of God. Join us for Sunday Worship 8 am and 11 am 571

RESET As we begin a new year we are kicking off a 6-week series to RESET whatever it is in our lives that is not functioning optimally. To “reset” something is to restore it to its original design, its original purpose, its original intent. It is literally “to set again.” To reestablish. To reengage. To rearrange, or reorganize. We “reset” something back to how it was supposed to be all along. In 2018 in order to experience a new beginning it’s time to RESET For 21 days we will be fasting ? To receive answers to prayer ? To overcome grief ? To increase our faith ? To receive clarity and better discernment to detect the voice of God.

Dr. King’s final book Where do we from here Chaos or community? “So early in my life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.” Malcolm X Autobiography,

God entered the world in the form a baby to shake things up to forgive our sins and another opportunity to get it right. Jesus came to bring Hope in the midst of Despair, peace in the midst of chaos, joy in times of sorrow and to BRING LOVE IN THE MIDST OF FEAR. 1 John 4:8-9, 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. LOVE IS . . . UNSTOPPABLE Scripture says 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. LOVE IS . . . UNCONDITIONAL And when Shepherds encountered unconditional love the angels praised God saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Today we can rejoice because in the midst of Darkness, God promises that PEACE and Favor will rest on us. LOVE IS . . . UNEXPLAINABLE The Shepherds we so overwhelmed by this uncond

Hope Luke 1:26-38 Mary Surprise..I can’t believe this! This is too good to be true!

Ingredient for Thankfull Living Psalm 118:24 Week 1: Are we maximizing our time? Week 2: Are we maximizing our God-given potential? Week 3: Are we experiencing a divine flow? I. Remember God is Sovereign: Verse 1a This is the day that the Lord has made: Psalms 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, an ever- present help in trouble. Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Book You Win in the Locker Room First II. Remember we a have choice: Verse 1b, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Galatians 5:9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 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 wel

Are we experiencing a divine flow? 2 Kings 4:1-7 Dr. Michael L. Bowie,Jr., Senior Pastor I. Seek wise counsel: Verse 1-2 Psalm 34:17, The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles . John 6:8-9 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” II. Participate in your miracle: Verse 3-4 Matthew 17:20b, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Malachi 3:10, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. III. Increase your obedience: 5-6, I Corinthians 15:33, Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” IV. Expect to experience

I. RECOGNIZE we all have gifts: verse 10 II. REMEMBER to embrace your gifts: verse 11 III. REALIZE our gifts are for God’s glory verse 11c

Are we reclaiming our time? Ephesians 5:15-17,20 I. Be AWARE of fatal distractions: v. 15 II. Be READY to seize the moment v16 III. Be WILLING to shift our priorities V. 17

Serving Matters! I. Intentional separation Verse 32-33, 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. SHEEP GOATS Quite & Gentle Aggressive & Rude Domesticated & tame Rambunctious & wild Sheep prefer still waters Goats prefer troubled waters Sheep depend on the Shepherd Goats depend on Self Matthew 9:36, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 15:24, He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down

1.You are not in this alone. 2. Run your race with purpose. 3. Get rid of the things that hold you back and the sin that entangles you. 4. Look to Jesus the author and perfecto of our faith.

The Jefferson's Dilemma Be Fruitful Remember God's Promise 1- don't let the process keep you from the purpose. 2. Be fruitful individuals, because God has your back 3. Everything we do connects back to the promise.

I. Beware of Procrastination: Matthew 7:13, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Luke 9:62: Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” II. By pass short cuts: Matthew 7:14; But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Are we choosing the right path? Mark 10:17-27 I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference I. Be willing to take PERSONAL responsibility: verse 17-19 Matthew 6: 24 II. Be ready to totally SURRENDER: Verse 21-22Psalm 139:1,14 Acts 17:28? III. Be prepared to TRUST the process: Verse 23-25 Proverbs 3:5-6

John 8:1-11 Following Jesus is more that Rules. Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I. Be aware of being JUDGMENTAl: John 8:3-4 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.

I. Why Are You Here? II. Are You fully committed? III. Are you ready to make the shift? Commit to reading and doing your daily devotion Commit to signing up for bible study Commit to attending Wednesday night E2 Commit to praying for our political leaders and for injustice plaguing our nation.

Points: 1) You don’t know what I’m capable of 2) You don’t understand why I do what I do 3) You think too highly of yourself

SERVANTS Focus on others See’s ministry as standard Take risk Give sacrificially Go the extra mile VOLUNTEER Focus on self View it as an option Play it safe Give reluctantly Do just enough I. Serving requires SACRIFICE: vs. 16, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. II. Serving requires COMPASSION: vs. 17, If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? III. Serving requires ACTION: vs. 18, Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

The Shack:Forgiveness Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c12WG... I. Remember forgiveness is a REQUIREMENT: Verse 14, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. II. Recognize that forgiveness is DIFFICULT: Verse 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. From Hurt to Healing, Dr. Andrew Sung Park states that Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons offers us (6) Steps to forgive: 1. Admit your anger. 2. Decide to forgive. 3. Do no harm. 4. Consider the source. 5. Practice intentional empathy. 6. Give yourself some time. III. Realize that forgiveness leads to WHOLENESS: Luke 6:37-38. Luke 6:37-38, 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the meas

I. God’s heart is NOT Critical vs 1,2 II. God’s heart is NOT Distorted vs 3-5 III. God’s heart IS Discerning vs 6

How do I handle a Faith Crisis? Matthew 14:22-33 Biblical Characters who suffered with Faith Crisis: Moses: Numbers 11:14-15 Elijah: 1 Kings 19:4 Job: Job 3:11 I. Be willing to get out your COMFORT ZONE: Verse 28-29 II. Be willing to ignore DISTRACTIONS: Verse 30 III. Be willing to reach out for the RIGHT HELP: Verse 31-32

I. Remain CONFIDENT in times of uncertainty: II. Remain CONNECTED to the right source: III. Remain CONVINCED that everything will work out: Category

I. Realize that life is never PAIN FREE: verse 1a John 16:33 II. Remember you are NEVER ALONE: verse 1b Deuteronomy 31:8 III. Recognize that LOVE will always make the difference: 1 Peter 4:8

Ecclesiastes 3:1, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Leviticus 13:46, As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp. I. Be willing to call out to God: Verse 12-13 Psalm 27:7, Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. II. Be willing to Participate in your healing: vs. 14 Leviticus 13:17, The priest is to examine them, and if the sores have turned white, the priest shall pronounce the affected person clean; then they will be clean. III. Be willing to give God thanks and praise: verse 15-16 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always,  17  pray continually,  18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [Picture of giving God praise] IV. Be willing to separate from ungrateful people: verse 17-19:

Have you ever found your self after completing something that you worked so hard for then you found yourself saying what’s next? After you completed 12 years of high school you said what’s next? After completing your undergraduate studies you looked at your Bachelors degree and said what’s next? Maybe some of you are nearing retirement or at a place in your life and you’re saying to yourself that it’s got to be more and the question you are asking yourself is; WHAT’S NEXT? Some of you have been married a long time and your asking yourself..What’s NEXT? Many of you have look at the direction ofour church and you are asking the question..What’s NEXT? Well as human beings there’s a deep longing or yearning that’inside that begs the question…WHAT”S NEXT?

Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 1. Pentecost gives us the power of partnership 2. Pentecost gives us the power of perception 3. Pentecost gives us the power to provide permanent change

“From Lo Debar to the King’s Table: It’s Time to Move!” 2 Samuel 9:1-11 (NIV) Dr. Paula Dobbs-Wiggins closes out Women's Month with a powerful word from the Lord!

Empowering Women to Pass Life's Tests: It's Only a Test May 21, 2017 Genesis 22:1-14 Rev. Connie C.J. Jackson, Lead Pastor, St. John’s UMC Northwest Campus. Houston, TX 1. Be Careful of Things Marked Temporary v.2 2.Follow in Obedience v.3 3.God will Provide v.8;11;13 4. Erect Some Historical Markers that God moved in your Life v.14 5. Fight to keep your Faith *sermon notes:church member Zuri Woods

“Who Is Your Mother”? Matthew 12:46-50 Dr. Clara Reed | Executive Pastor MOTHER'S DAY SERMON 1. Speak well of your mother 2. Forgive her of past mistakes 3. Seek out her wisdom 4. Tell her story when she's in Heaven 5. Honor your mother. The Holy Spirit our Mother God intercedes on our behalf

I. God is so CONCERNED about our dark places: vs. 5-6 II. God CALLS us to realign our souls with His goodness: v. 7 III. God is COMMITTED to giving us a promising future: vs. 8-9

Unveiling common myths of Mental Illness: ? Mental health problems don't affect me. ? Children don't experience mental health problems. ? People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough. ? Therapy and counseling are a waste of time. ? There is no hope for people with mental health problems.

Anything Can Happen I. BELIEVE in the impossible: verse 1-2 Matthew 19:26, Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” II. REFUSE to let fear hinder your faith: 5-7, Matthew 16:21, From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Hebrews 11:6, 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. III. EXPECT to encounter the unexpected: 8-10:

John 11: 21-25, “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. I. Disappointments are painful but not HOPELESS: vs.38-39 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Rolling the stone over the cave was a sign and symbol of II. Disappointments are used to GLORIFY GOD: vs. 40-42. In verse 11:40 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus Raised others to life: L

I. Don’t let the UNBELIEF of others hinder your blessing: 13-15 II. Don’t let your past TRADITION affect your present CONDITION: 16-17 III. Don’t be SURPRISED of the people who will question your healing: 20-21 IV. Don’t hesitate to share your TESTIMONY with unbelievers: 24-25

Are you thirsty for the right thing? John 4:4-18 I. Jesus’ thirst compelled him to do the UNCONCEIVABLE: Verse 7-9 II. Jesus provides water that’s UNIMAGINABLE: Verse 10, 13-14 III. Jesus offers living water to do the UNTHINKABLE: Verse 17-18

Fighting Temptation Mathew 4:1-11 I. Temptation is INEVITABLE: II. Temptation is IDENTIFIABLE: III. Temptation is ESCAPABLE:

As we move into the 3 rd week of the series In it to win, we will continue to look at the Exodus and see how Moses and the Israelites persistency and determination caused them to conquer and defeat the enemy. The goal of this series is to equip you to fight the good fight emotionally, spiritually and financially to and over life battles. Today we will be looking at Exodus 5: 4-13, 22-23, 6:1. I want to tittle this teaching and preaching moment-Still we Rise!

We will be looking at the Exodus and see how Moses and the Israelites persistency and determination cause them conquer and defeat the enemy. In the series we will be equip to fight the good fight and over life battles. But in order to overcome life’ battles we must be in it to win!

Worship it’s both private and public and to worship means to have an intimate authentic encounter with God any time and anywhere. Scripture reminds us John 4:23, God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Once we get plugged in and stay connected this light us power to live differently. 1. THIS LIGHT GIVE US POWER TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU. 2. THIS LIGHT GIVES US POWER TO LOVE WHEN OTHERS CHOOSE TO HATE. 3. THIS LIGHT GIVES US POWER TO FORGIVE WHEN OTHERS CHOSE TO HOLD GRUDGES 4. THIS LIGHT WILL GIVE US POWER TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO ARE WALKING IN DARKNESS.

I. Love empowers you to do the impossible vs. 31-33: Mary realized that God placed something special within her to do the impossible. II. Love chooses dependability over capability vs. 34-35: When Mary received the news that she would do the impossible she asked the question; HOW WILL THIS BE? III. Love compels us to surrender: vs. 38 Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Untangled — The Keys to Joy in Chaos Psalm 146 (NRSV) Min. Payton Parker | Youth Pastor

Untangled—When God Changes Your Plans Matthew 1:18-25 Dr. Michael L.Bowie, Jr., Senior Pastor When God changes your plans Matthew 1:18-21 I. INCONVENIENCES are expected: v. 18-19 II. Inconveniences are DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS v. 20 III. Divine interruptions gives birth to your PURPOSE v. 21 Fox 4 News video on Cuba Mission Trip http://www.fox4news.com/news/22074570... 214.821-2970 www.slcumc.org Sunday Worship 8:00 am and 11:00am 5710 E. R. L. Thornton Frwy. Dallas, Texas 75223

I. Rejoice Always: Paul reminded them that a life that honors God is a life that always rejoices. II. Pray continually:Prayer is daily communication that strengthens our relationship with God and it makes us stronger to handle whatever comes our way. III. Paul says we must we should give thanks in all circumstances. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 118:1, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

I. Serving is meant to BLESS others: Verse 10 Romans 12:6-7a Matthew 25:14-15 1 Timothy 3:13 II. Serving is meant to GLORIFY God: Verse 11 Isaiah 40:29 Matthew 5:16 Galatians 6:9

In our text the apostle Paul wrote a letter to Corinthian church thanking them for they way in, which they gave to the to impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul was extremely pleased how the Corinthians were committed to giving, and how their giving was done out of love. I once heard some one say you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. I. AMOUNT of the seed affects your abundance: verse 6 II. ATTITUDE in sowing affects your abundance: Verses 7-8 III. ACKNOWLEDGE who needs the seed: Verse 9 IV. ANTICIPATE an abundant harvest: Verse 10-11

StewardSHIFT-Experiencing abundant Living We must radically shift our understanding of stewardship. Stewardship is more the just money. Stewardship focuses on time, talent and treasures that God has given us. In order to experience the Abundant life that Jesus promised us in John 10:10 we must make a radical SHIFT in how we view in our understanding of stewardship. God has a harvest of abundance for God’s people but it’s time to understand the importance of StewardSHIFT.

I. Sacred ACKNOWLEDGEMENT _ Vs. 15-17 II. Shared ACCEPTANCE: _ Vs. 18-20 III. Special AFFIRMATION _ Vs. 22-23 Developing true mentorship. Mentorship is the process of developing a personal relationship in which a more “older” or experienced and knowledgeable person helps to direct, guide and lead others who seeking to gain wisdom and ready to go to next level in life.

Developing deliberate Stewardship Acts 2:44-45 Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. I.Gain a KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE about giving: v. 44. Psalms 24:1, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Proverbs 11:24, One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. II. Generous giving IMPACTS the kingdom: v. 45, They sold property and poss

The Great Commission 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Fellowship of the Believers 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Discipleship-Modeling or teaching Christians the precepts of the Bible Disciple-One Who believes in Christ and expresses his(her) faith by being baptized. Three Commands: Make disciples of all nations. Baptize Teach

Developing Contagious Fellowship: Acts 2:46-47 I. Experience SHARED-LIFE: vs. 46 Matthew 26:26-27 Hebrews 10:24-25 Proverbs 17:22 II. Experience GOD’S POWER: vs. 47 Psalm 34:1,8 1 Corinthians 10:17 Acts 5:14

Developing authentic Relationships 1 Sam 18:1-5 Authentic RelationSHIPS, Contagious FellowSHIP, Stronger DiscipleSHIP, Deliberate StewardSHIP and True MentorSHIP. Mark 12:30-31, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 1 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” I. Relationships can be COMPLICATED: Vs. 1-2 II. Relationships require a deeper COMMITMENT: Vs. 3-4 III. Relationships COMPEL us to want the best for others:V.5

Dr. Clara Reed preaches from Jeremiah 18:1-11

Dr. Jeremiah Wright | Pastor Emeritus, Trinity United Church of Christ

Dr. Jeremiah Wright | Pastor Emeritus, Trinity United Church of Christ

Awesome August Preaching Series with Dr.Zan W.Holmes, Jr.

Sermon Title: The Goals of A Good Christian Soldier Text: Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV); 2 Timothy 2:3 (NKJV) 1) Fight With Your Strength 2) Know Your Enemy 3) Use Your Armor 4) Resist the temptation to go AWOL

Selma:The Struggle Continues Isaiah 61:1-3 Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr., Senior Pastor The movie Selma takes place during the time of Civil rights era when blacks demanded justice and equality. And even though the civil rights Act was passed in 1964, blacks we still prohibited the right to vote. And the movie Selma highlights all the obstacles that were instituted so that blacks could not vote under the 15th Amendment to the constitution. I. The PURPOSE of the anointing: verse: 1a. a. Sanctified: Isaiah 6:6-7, b. Surrender: Isaiah 6:8, c. Stand: In the gospel of Luke 4:13, II. The POWER of the anointing 1b-2 a. Liberation- to liberate means to be set free. In John 8:36, b. Vindication: to vindicate means clear or clean up debt, destruction, despair that’s currently in your life. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 135:14, c. Restoration: means to make new- Psalm 80:3, III. The People of the anointing v.3 a. Get involved in some form of bible study for spiritual growt

This week we are looking at the movie Race-The Jesse Owen Story: and the foundational text will come from Hebrews 12:1-2. Titled the message Keep running your race. In our text the Apostle Paul paints a picture of a persons running a competitive race in a sporting event. This passage is one of the most profound pictures of the Christian Life. But this race that Paul was speaking of what not competing in race in coliseum but competing in this race called life. And the aim of the race for Christians is not to achieve prize or gold medal. But the goal is achieve the ultimate crown when we get to heaven.

Sermon base is from the movie Miracles from Heaven. Anna Beam (Kylie Rogers) lives with a rare, incurable disorder that leaves her unable to digest food. Despite the dire diagnosis, devoted mom Christy (Jennifer Garner) relentlessly searches for a way to save her beloved daughter. Everything changes in an instant when Anna tells an amazing story of a visit to heaven after surviving a headlong tumble into a tree. Her family and doctors become even more baffled when the young girl begins to show signs of recovering from her fatal condition.

The Movie Risen Roman military tribune Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) remains set in his ways after serving 25 years in the army. He arrives at a crossroad when he's tasked to investigate the mystery of what happened to Jesus (Cliff Curtis) following the Crucifixion. Accompanied by trusted aide Lucius (Tom Felton), his quest to disprove rumors of a risen Messiah makes him question his beliefs and spirituality. As his journey takes him to places never dreamed of, Clavius discovers the truth that he's been seeking.

St. Luke at the Movies: CREED This movie is based on a true story of a young black man who is searching for purpose and meaning in life. In the midst of not having a father he finds himself consumed with rage and anger. The only way he dealt with his emotions was through fighting. I. Recognize adversity as an opportunity verse 16: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. II. Remember adversity has a greater purpose: verse 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. III. Regardless of adversity focus on the big picture: 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.

St. Luke at the Movies: Inside Out

Sermon Title: “When God Says No” Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV Thesis: There comes a point in each of our lives when God will respond to our prayers with a “NO”. Sermonic Question: How should we respond to life when God doesn’t respond to us the way that we anticipated? Sermon Points 1. Re-Evaluate our Soul’s Motivation (vs. 7) 2. Respect God’s Sovereign Position (vs. 8) 3. Remember God’s Sufficient Grace (vs. 9-10) 4. Rely on God’s Supernatural Power (vs. 10)

Why must we Struggle? Genesis 32:22-32 I. ACKNOWLEDGE your pain: v. 23-24 II. ADMIT your limitations: v. 25 III. ANTICIPATE your breakthrough: vs. 28-29

Part 2 of the Sermon Series "WHY?"