1 Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Ephesians 4:12 - for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

Planning to Grow

1. Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process.

2. Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

3. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan.

Say it like a seminarian - God’s plan is to manifest the fullness of His Glory to His creation by establishing His Kingdom upon the earth in which God dwells through Jesus Christ with His people as the King for eternity.

I. Say it In One Word – It's All about Jesus

A. Just ask the Emmaus disciples

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Luke 24:44 - Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

John 5:39, 46 - You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.

B. Which explains God's goal for His children

Romans 8:28–29 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…

C. Which directs our purpose as a church

Colossians 1:28 - We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

Philippians 3:13-14 - …but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

II. Say it in Three Words – Jesus Revealed in Scripture

A. Revealed in creation

John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Colossians 1:16-17 - For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Hebrews 1:1-3 - God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power…

1. This is what motivates many scientists in our church

2. This is what motivates us to honor God every day

Romans 1:18-22 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,

3. This is what Jesus chose to personally identify with

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

B. Rejected in the Fall

1. resulting in mankind constantly sinning

Genesis 6:5 - Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

2. resulting in mankind now living in a sin-cursed world

Job 5:7 - For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward.

3. contrasted by the perfection of Jesus

Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

C. Magnified in redemption

Isaiah 53:10-11 - But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities.

1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Revelation 21:23-24 - And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

III. Say it Practically – Seek to Give Jesus First Place in Everything

Colossians 1:18 - He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

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30 Days to Understanding the Bible

1 Thessalonians 4:3 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification…

John 17:17 - Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Romans 6:19 - …For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Ephesians 5:25-26 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

2 Peter 3:18 - but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

3 principles to help us cooperate with God's plan for our growth

I. Progressive Sanctification is a Process

A. Emphasized in many places in the book of Philippians

Philippians 1:6 - For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:9 - And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,

Philippians 1:25-26 - Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

B. The meaning of the word

sanctify -- "to set apart for a particular use, to make holy"

1 Peter 1:15 - but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Hebrews 10:10-14 - And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

John 15:16 - You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

II. Progressive Sanctification is a Balance

Philippians 2:12-13 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

A. You have to work at growing

kataergozomai – "to bring about, produce, work something out"

1. Because you understand the value of words like work, sacrifice, and repentance, and obedience.

2. Without the need for constant supervision.

Philippians 2:12-13 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,

3. Because of the delight of your example.

Philippians 2:5 - Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

4. Because you have a proper awe and reverence for God.

Philippians 2:12-13 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

John 17:17 - Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

5. By following the process outlined in God's Word.

6. Because of your commitment to the cause.

Philippians 2:15-16 - so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…

B. Believing that God stands ready to work in and through you.

Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

III. Progressive Sanctification is a Blessing.

Philippians 4:15-20 - You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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Romans 5:1-2 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

I. The Fact of Your Union

Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death…

A. Paul's opening salvo

Romans 6:1 - What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?

B. You are united with Christ in His death

6:3 - baptized into His death

6:4 - buried with Him

6:5 - For if we have become united with Him in His death…

6:6 - our old self was crucified with Him…

6:6-7 - …so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

Romans 6:2 - How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

C. You are united with Christ in His resurrection

6:4 - so that as Christ was raised

6:4 - so we too might walk in the newness of life

6:5 - we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection

Romans 6:11-14 - Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:12-14 - Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

D. Paul's second hypothetical objection

Romans 6:15 - Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?

E. Everybody has a master

Romans 6:16 - Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

Proverbs 13:15 - …the way of the transgressor is hard.

Proverbs 28:13 - …He who covers his transgressions will not prosper

II. The Meaning of Your Union

A. Ultimately this is a mystery

Ephesians 5:32 - This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

Colossians 1:27 - to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

B. Key elements

1. Judicial

“When the Father evaluates or judges us before the law, He does not look upon us alone.  We are in His sight one with Christ.  We are in His sight one with Christ…Thus He does not say ‘Jesus is righteous but that human is unrighteous.’  He sees the two as one and in effect says, ‘They are righteous.’  That the believer is righteous is not a fiction or a misrepresentation.  It is the correct evaluation of a new legal entity, a corporation that has been formed as it were.  The believer has been incorporated into Christ and Christ into the believer…All of the assets of each are now mutually possessed.  From a legal perspective, the two are now one.” (Erickson, p. 952)

2. Spiritual

a. Effected by the Holy Spirit of God

Romans 8:9-11 - However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

b. A union of our spirit with His

"What the union produces is a new spiritual vitality with the human." (Erickson, p. 953)

3. Vital

"His life actually flows into ours, renewing our inner nature (Rom. 12:2, 2 Cor. 4:16) and imparting spiritual strength.  There is a literal truth in Jesus' metaphor of the vine and the branches.  Just as the branch cannot bear fruit if it does not receive life from the vine, so we cannot bear spiritual fruit if Christ's life does not flow into us (John 15:4).”

Romans 7:4 - So, my brothers, you also died to the law through Christ's body, so that you might become the wife of a different man.

III. The Results of Your Union

A. An antidote to fear

Ephesians 6:12-13 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Psalm 35:1, 10 - Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me…All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You, Who delivers the afflicted from him who is too strong for him, and the afflicted and the needy from him who robs him?”

Psalm 121:1-2 - I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Joshua 1:8-9 - This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

B. A stimulus for growth

Romans 6:11 - Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

C. Encouragement to pray

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

D. Motivation for outreach

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

2 Corinthians 5:20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

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I. The Meaning of Justification

A. The term

B. The context

Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death

Romans 3:23-26 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

“Justification: An instantaneous legal act of God in which he (1) thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ's righteousness as belonging to us, and (2) declares us to be righteous in his sight.” Grudem, W. A. (2004). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (1246). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Publishing House.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

C. A beautiful picture

Zechariah 3:1-5 - Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the Lord was standing by.

II. The Results of Justification

A. Peace with God

1. Because you are laying down your arms

“Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.” C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, New York: HarperCollins, 1952/2001, 56.

2. Through the finished work of Christ

Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

3. As a fulfillment of a promise He made to us

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

B. Grace in which we stand

Romans 5:2 - through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand…

1. Instead of doubt and uncertainty

2. Instead of striving for the approval of man

3. Willing to acknowledge ways you need to change

“Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth.” Charles H. Spurgeon, Pulpit Sermons, vol. 35.

C. Rejoicing in Hope

Romans 5:2 - and we exult in hope of the glory of God

III. The History of Justification

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2 Timothy 2:1-5 - I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

4 principles to help us appreciate God’s sovereign place in the salvation process

I. The Doctrine of Election is Intended to Be an Encouragement when Times are Hard

A. The background of Peter’s writings

B. You may feel similarly yourself today

Psalm 119:71 - It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.

C. God wants you to remember how long He’s loved you

II. The Doctrine of Election Gives Us an Opportunity to Flex Our Theological Muscles

A. Understand that this principle is taught in many places in the Word of God

·   I Peter 1:1-2 - …chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father...

·   1 Peter 1:3 (NASB95) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

·   1 Peter 1:15 - but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

·   1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

·   John 15:16 - You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

·   Acts 13:48 - When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

·   Acts 16:14 - A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

·   Romans 8:28-30 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

·   Ephesians 1:4-5, 11 - just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

·   Romans 9:15-16 - For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.

B. Yet the Bible also teaches that the gospel offer is both universal and legitimate

·   John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

·   2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

·   1 Timothy 2:3-4 - This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

·   Revelation 22:17 (KJV) - And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

C. Always keep in mind that human beings are completely incapable of saving ourselves or initiating the process

·   Isaiah 64:6 - For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

·   Ephesians 2:1 - And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

D. God’s Word frequently emphasizes His complete sovereignty over the affairs of men

·   Isaiah 46:10 - Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, “My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure”;

·   Ephesians 1:11 - also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

E. God exercises His sovereign will in a way that allows human beings to exercise their will and for which they will legitimately be held responsible

·   Genesis 50:20 - As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

·   Acts 2:22-23 - Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

III. Learn to Love, Trust, and Prefer a God Whom You are Incapable of Completely Understanding in This Life

A. The transcendence of God

·   ­Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

·   1 Peter 1:8 - and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

·   1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

·   1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

B. Especially as it relates to God’s working with other people

John 21:18-22 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them…So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”  Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 

IV. Let This Doctrine Encourage and Stimulate You Today

A. Enjoy being part of God’s redemptive team

1 Peter 3:15 - but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

B. Trust God to effectively hoe His patch while you faithfully hoe yours

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I. The Blessings of Our Adoption

A. Paul's relationship with this church

Acts 20:31 - Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.

1 Timothy 4:3 - men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

B. The foundation of the Fatherhood of God

Ephesians 1:2 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Ephesians 2:1 - And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

Colossians 1:21 - And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

C. The focus on the blessings we enjoy in Him

Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God…

Ephesians 1:3 - …who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

D. The nature of the blessing – your adoption.

Ephesians 1:4 - In love

Ephesians 1:5 - He predestined us to adoption as sons

E. The means – through Jesus Christ

Ephesians 1:5 - He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

F. The purpose – to the praise of the glory of His grace

Ephesians 1:6 - to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

II. The History of Our Adoption

Ephesians 1:4 - just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

Ephesians 1:5 - He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

III. The Results of Our Adoption

A. Provision

Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

B. Freedom

Galatians 4:1-7 - Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

C. Hope

Romans 8:12-15 - So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

Romans 8:18-25 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God…For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Romans 8:26-27 - In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

D. Purpose

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

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Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

St. Augustine – “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

4 reasons to exercise biblical faith

I. Faith is a Response to God’s Love

v. 16a – For God so loved the world

A. A love that was universal

John 3:2 - …“Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Amos 5:18-20 - Alas, you who are longing for the day of the Lord, for what purpose will the day of the Lord be to you? It will be darkness and not light; as when a man flees from a lion and a bear meets him, or goes home, leans his hand against the wall and a snake bites him. Will not the day of the Lord be darkness instead of light, even gloom with no brightness in it?

B. A love that is undeserved

1. Dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1

2. Disobedient to God – Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:2, Colossians 3:6, Titus 3:3

3. Alienated from God – Ephesians 2:19, Colossians 1:21

4. Unloving toward God – 2 Timothy 3:4

5. On the path to destruction – Matthew 7:13

6. Fallen short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23

Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

C. A love that is life-transforming

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

1 John 4:19 - We love, because He first loved us.

II. Faith is Amazed at Love’s Sacrifice

John 3:16a-b - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…

A. Biblical love is fundamentally a choice to give

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

B. God’s sacrifice is unique

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 - No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

John 10:30 - “I and the Father are one.”

John 10:31 - The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.

John 3:14-15 - As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

Genesis 3:15 - And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.

C. This sacrifice is indescribable

2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

III. Faith is a Choice to Believe God’s Message

John 3:16 a-c - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him…

A. Believing that you really do need a “second birth”

Titus 3:3-7 - For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

B. Making a concrete decision at a specific point in time

1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

C. Understanding the consequences of choosing not to believe

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

IV. Faith Results in Incredible Promises

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

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1 Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Philippians 2:7 - but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

Luke 1:27 - to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Isaiah 53:6 - All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him…

Isaiah 53:10-12 - But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.  As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors.

Hebrews 9:22 - And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:11-12 - But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

1 Peter 1:18-21 - knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Romans 6:5 - …we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death…

Pastor Alistair Begg - “Christ gave His life for me, to take my life from me, to live His life through me.”

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Isaiah 53:10 - But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. 

Matthew 16:21 - From that time Jesus began to show 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 up on the third day.

Matthew 16:22-23 - Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

Acts 2:22-36 - Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. For David says of Him, "I saw the Lord always in my presence; for He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue exulted; moreover my flesh also will live in hope;     because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence."  Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that "God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne", he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that "He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay". This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses…Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.

Ephesians 1:18-23 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Luke 1:37 - For nothing will be impossible with God.

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Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 - …And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure? This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.

3 reasons friends are an important part of our planning process

I. Accountability Increases the Likelihood of Accomplishment and Effectiveness

v. 9 – they will have a good return for their labor

A. Friends can balance you and direct you as you seek to fulfill your plan

Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

B. The Christian life is intended to be lived out in the context of warm, loving community

Ephesians 4:1-6 - Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 - For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

II. Accountability Keeps Us On the Right Track

A. The need for assistance when we start to fall

Hebrews 10:24-25 - and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Romans 15:14 - And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.

B. The joy of assisting others when they start to fall

C. The horror of isolation

Ecclesiastes 4:10 - For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

III. Accountability Makes Us Stronger

Ecclesiastes 4:12 - And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Proverbs 10:8 - The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined.

Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

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Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.

1. Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process.

2. Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

3. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan.

5 planning principles from one of the wisest kings who ever lived.

I. Plan Well but Plan Conditionally

A. Ultimately the Lord will determine which of our plans will come to pass and to what degree

James 4:13-15 - Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”

Matthew 6:9-10 - Pray, then, in this way: "Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…"

B. This principle should bring passion and aggressiveness to our planning process.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Zechariah 4:6 - …Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Proverbs 16:1 - The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

C. This principle should bring comfort to our planning process.

II. Carefully Evaluate the Motives of Your Plans

Proverbs 16:2 - All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.

A. Because we tend to view ourselves more positively than we should

Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

"Our scales are off the mark; sometimes we weigh the thumb along with the item and distort the weight of what we are up to." (Adams, Proverbs, p. 125)

B. Because this is a marvelous opportunity to do battle with our pride

Proverbs 16:5 - Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

1 Peter 5:6-8 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Proverbs 16:2 - All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.

C. Because we can either destroy pride or it will destroy us

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.

D. Because some advancement isn't worth the price

Proverbs 16:19 - It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:8 - Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.

Proverbs 16:17 - The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who watches his way preserves his life.

III. Plan to Win

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.

A. If you have submitted your plans and motivations to the Lord, you can/should expect great things that will stand the test of time

Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

B. Small plans offend the Lord

Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.

C. Your planning process should clearly communicate – "As long as God is on the throne – He is who He says He is – then we will be fine.  The day that stops being true is the day we're in trouble."

D. Even impacting those who may not love Jesus yet

Proverbs 16:7 - When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

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Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.

1. Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process.

2. Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

3. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan.

4 principles to help you see and seize the ministry opportunities the Lord provides

I. Be Amazed that God Would Provide Open Doors for People Like Us

"The Lord's worker must have a vision for the future.  The Christian who is motivated and consumed by God's love will see needs that are not yet filled and opportunities that are not yet met.  He cannot help planning ahead, looking for more ways to serve and more doors to open." (John MacArthur, 1 Corinthians, p. 460)

A. Considering the history of the apostle Paul

1 Timothy 1:12-17 - I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

B. Considering the character of the Corinthian church

1 Corinthians 1:2-9 - To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:7 - For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.

C. Considering what people like you and me bring to the table

D. Proof of God's amazing grace

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

E. Founded on God's transforming power

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

II. Be Encouraged that Walking through Open Doors Can Lead to a Life of Effectiveness

A. For people like us today

B. It's the opposite of living in a way that is “vain”

1 Corinthians 15:58 - …knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:9 - for a wide door for effective service…

C. This characterized the way Paul lived

1. Ministry to the Gentiles on the first missionary journey

Acts 14:27 - When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

2. An open door at Troas

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 - Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.

3. His prayer request of the Colossians from prison

Colossians 4:3 - praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

III. Be Aware that Open Doors are Often Accompanied by Hard Challenges

A. For Paul

1 Corinthians 16:9 - for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

“Paul was not intimidated by opposition.  He seemed even to flourish on it, perhaps because he realized that the devil's greatest opposition is to the Lord's greatest work.” (John MacArthur, 1 Corinthians, p. 466)

G. Campbell Morgan – “If you have no opposition in the place you serve, you are serving in the wrong place.”

B. For us

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

IV. Be Joyful that Walking through Open Doors is Often a Team Sport

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Romans 15:13 - Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:4 - For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 14:4-5 - Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.

Romans 15:7-12 - Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your name.” Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”  And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise Him.” Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope.”

Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.

1. Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process.

2. Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

3. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan.

3 principles to help us explore future opportunities with God-sized vision

I. It Honors the Lord to Dream about Ways His Word Can Be Fulfilled in Your Life

A. In David's life

2 Samuel 7:2 - that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.”

B. In your life

Zephaniah 3:9 - For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

Philippians 1:6 - For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

C. In our church

D. In your specific ministry

E. In your work/business

II. Frequently God Blesses Your Dreams in Ways You Would Have Never Expected

A. For David

2 Samuel 7:29 - Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.

B. For people like us

2 Chronicles 16:9 - For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

III. Dreams that Honor the Lord Can Be a Blessing to Future Generations

A. For David

2 Samuel 7:25-26 - Now therefore, O Lord God, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do as You have spoken, that Your name may be magnified forever, by saying, “The Lord of hosts is God over Israel”; and may the house of Your servant David be established before You.

Luke 1:26-33 - Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you…And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

B. For people like us

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Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance. (ESV)

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Planning to Grow

1. Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process.

2. Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

3. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan.

Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.  How long will you lie down, O sluggard?  When will you arise from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”— Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.

Romans 8:28-29 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.        For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…

3 steps to analyzing our current situation wisely

I. Develop a Balanced and Biblical Way of Evaluating Yourself

Romans 12:3 - For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

A. The importance of making sound judgments

"to think so as to have sound judgment"

B. The benefit of acknowledging what's right

1. As an occasion to praise God

Romans 7:25 - Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.

Psalm 139:14 - I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

2. As a source of confidence

Romans 6:12 - Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

Romans 6:4 - Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

3. As an opportunity to place accomplishments in perspective

Philippians 3:4-6 - …If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

Philippians 3:7 - But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

C. The authenticity of facing what needs to change

II. Acknowledge the Way God Has Already Helped You Develop

A. In your personal life

B. In our church

C. In your specific ministry

1 Peter 4:10 - As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

D. Work/Business Growth Plan

III. Specifically List the Ways You Need to Improve

A. In your personal life

Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

B. In our church

C. In your specific ministry

D. Work/Business Growth Plan

Handouts

Bulletin	Powerpoint

Filed Under: strengths (1), weaknesses (1) ]]> Steve Viars http://www.faithlafayette.org/resources/info/identifying_your_core_values http://www.faithlafayette.org/resources/info/identifying_your_core_values 2013-01-27T15:20:35+00:00 Colossians 1:18
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John 21:25 - And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.

Luke 2:52 - And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Planning to Grow

1. Continue to Discuss, Refine, and Implement Our Discipleship Process.

2. Organize and Launch Our New Cluster of Ministries at Faith West.

3. Work Together as a Church Family to Develop Our Next 5-Year Strategic Ministry Plan.

Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.  How long will you lie down, O sluggard?  When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest—Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.

3 areas of life where it is especially important to have core values

I. Core Values for Your Personal Life

Colossians 1:18 - He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

A. Growing in your relationship with Christ

Matthew 13:22 - And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

B. Pleasing God in your family

Colossians 3:18-21 - Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

C. Serving faithfully in Christ's church

Colossians 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Colossians 4:16 - When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

Revelation 3:16 - So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

D. Honoring the Lord at your job

Colossians 3:22-4:1 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.

II. Core Values for Our Church

A. Growing stronger

Colossians 1:9-12 - For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

B. Reaching out

Colossians 4:2-3 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

C. Serving together

Colossians 4:10 - Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);

D. Meeting needs

Colossians 4:5-6 - Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

E. Strengthening others

Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

III. Core Values for Your Ministry Area or Business

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Bulletin	Powerpoint

Please Note: the full transcript is available in the Manuscript link above. 

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6 reasons planning is important for the people of God

I. Planning is An Antidote to Laziness

Proverbs 6:6a - Go to the ant, thou sluggard…

A. The paradox of rest and work in the Scripture

1. Followers of Christ are resting in Him positionally and can therefore follow biblical priorities in every area of life

Hebrews 4:9-10 - So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.

2. Followers of Christ are working for Him practically

Hebrews 10:24-25 - and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

B. Laziness is one of the Christian's enemies

Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."

Matthew 25:26 - But his master answered and said to him, "You wicked, lazy slave…"

II. Planning is a Path to Wisdom

Proverbs 6:6b - Observe her ways and be wise.

A. This is one of the fundamental purposes and blessings of Scripture

Psalm 19:7 - The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

B. It helps us become more like our all-wise God who is the consummate planner

Romans 11:33-36 - Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!  For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

III. Planning Helps You Be a Self-Starter

Proverbs 6:7 - Which, having no chief, officer or ruler,

A. The value of not always needing direct supervision or oversight

Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men...

B. Demonstrating that you understand that the most important person you are serving is the One who is unseen

Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

C. Developing the habit of saying yes to God because He so frequently says yes to you

2 Corinthians 1:15-20 - In this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might twice receive a blessing; that is, to pass your way into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea. Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time?  But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no.  For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

IV. Planning Prepares You for the Future

Proverbs 6:8 - Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.

A. Future needs

B. Future effectiveness

Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."

C. Future reward

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 - Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

V. Planning Forces You to Face Excuses

Proverbs 6:10 - A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest…

VI. Planning Reduces Your Life of Needless Pressure

Proverbs 6:11 - Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.