Pacific Church

Women In Scripture Pastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson Genesis 2:18 NIV 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Adam = human Ezer Kenegdo (עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ) - A powerful partner who is a strong aid corresponding to him or a strength as his front or “Deliverer”. Genesis 2:19-24 NIV 19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. צֵלָע (tsēlāʿ / tsela) = Side   Genesis 1:26-27 NIV 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 3:16b NIV 16b...Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you. Galatians 3:26-28 NIV Luke 6:12-16 NIV Luke 10:1 NIV 1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Matthew 12:46-50 NIV 46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you. 48" He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. Luke 8:1-3 NIV Luke 10:38-42 NIV In the Old Testament: Deborah – Judge, Prophet, Military Leader Deborah served as both judge and prophet and led Israel into battle, which was one of the highest leadership positions in Israel.  (Judges 4:4–9 & Judges 5) Miriam – Prophetess, worship leader (Exodus 15:20–21; Numbers 12:2; Micah 6:4) Huldah – National prophetic authority consulted by the king (2 Kings 22:14–20 & 2 Chronicles 34:22–28) Isaiah’s wife – Prophetess (Isaiah 8:3) Jael – Delivered Israel (Judges 4:17–22; Judges 5:24) Esther – Saved the Jewish people (Book of Esther) Abigail – Prevented bloodshed, advised David (1 Samuel 25) The Wise Woman of Abel – Negotiated peace (2 Samuel 20:16–22) The Shunammite Woman – Influential patron of Elisha (2 Kings 4:8–37; 2 Kings 8:1–6) Rahab – Protector of Israel’s spies (Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25) In the New Testament: Anna – Prophetess who proclaimed the Messiah (Luke 2:36–38) Philip’s four daughters – Prophets (Acts 21:8–9) Junia – Apostle that Paul called “outstanding among the apostles.” whose name was changed in some translations (Romans 16:7) Priscilla – Teacher, church planter that corrected and taught Apollos, one of the most influential early teachers. (Acts 18:24–26; Romans 16:3–5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19) Lydia – Church planter / patron whose home became the first church in Philippi. (Acts 16:13–15; Acts 16:40) Mary Magdalene – Disciple, Apostle to the Apostles (Luke 8:1–3; John 20:17–18) Joanna – Disciple and supporter of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:3; Luke 24:10) Susanna – Ministry supporter (Luke 8:3) Mary of Bethany – Disciple (Luke 10:38–42; John 11; John 12:1–8) Samaritan Woman – Evangelist who brought an entire town to Jesus. (John 4:7–30; John 4:39) Euodia – Ministry Leader (Philippians 4:2–3) Syntyche – Ministry Leader (Philippians 4:2–3) Tryphena – Ministry Leader/Apostle (Romans 16:12) Tryphosa – Ministry Leader/Apostle (Romans 16:12) Persis – Ministry Leader/ Apostle (Romans 16:12) Priscilla – Teacher of doctrine (Acts 18:26) Lois – Teacher of Timothy 9 (2 Timothy 1:5) Eunice – Teacher of Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14–15) Phoebe – Deacon / church leader / patron (Romans 16:1–2) Nympha – House church leader (Colossians 4:15)

Healing For Hopelessness Pastor Ashley Wilkerson Matthew 6:6 NIV 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Numbers 15:37-41 NIV 37 The Lord said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’” 1. THE TABOO Mark 5:21-26 NIV 21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. Matthew 15:21–28 NIV 1. THE TABOO 2. THE TEXT John 1:14 NIV 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Hebrews 1:3a NIV 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Mark 5:24b-28 NIV 24… A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Malachi 4:1-2a NKJV 1 “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch. 2a But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; Mark 5:29-34 NIV 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 1. THE TABOO 2. THE TEXT 3. THE TENACITY Luke 8:48 NIV 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Chutzpah - (Yiddish/Hebrew) Audacious Tenacity. Matthew 17:20 NIV 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” James 2:14-19 NIV 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. Mark 5:34 NIV 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 1. THE TABOO 2. THE TEXT 3. THE TENACITY

Black History Month Celebration Pastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson Matthew 28:18–20 NIV 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.” 1. A PROMISE TO ALL Galatians 3:7-9 NIV 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 1. A PROMISE TO ALL 2. A FAMILY OF ALL Galatians 3:26–29 NIV 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28 NIV    28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 1. A PROMISE TO ALL 2. A FAMILY OF ALL 3. HIS GLORY THROUGH ALL 1 Corinthians 12:12–14 NIV 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:18–27 NIV 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Romans 12:3–5; 9–10; 15–16a NIV 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others…9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16a Live in harmony with one another. 1. A PROMISE TO ALL 2. A FAMILY OF ALL 3. HIS GLORY THROUGH ALL

Community // Week 5 // Serving To Grow TogetherPastors JF and Ashley WilkersonMark 10:42-45 NIV42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 1. Serving Grows Our Awareness John 6:1-6 NIV1 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.Proverbs 28:27 NIV 27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.Philippians 2:3-4 NIV3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.1. Serving Grows Our Awareness 2. Serving Grows Our TrustJohn 6:5-7 NIV5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”Mark 6:34-37 NIV34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”Mark 6:38-41 NIV38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. John 6:8-9 NIV8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”John 6:11 NIV11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.1. Serving Grows Our Awareness 2. Serving Grows Our Trust3. Serving Grows Our Remembrance Mark 6:42 NIV42 They all ate and were satisfied...John 6:14 NIV14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Mark 6:42-44 NIV42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. Mark 6:45-52 NIV45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.1. Serving Grows Our Awareness 2. Serving Grows Our Trust3. Serving Grows Our Remembrance

Community // Week 4 // Living Life On TeamPastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson1. Is Your Focus the Team or the Talent?What Do You Value More: the Name on the Front or the Name on the Back?Philippians 2:1-2 NIV1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.Philippians 2:3-11 NIV3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.1. Is Your Focus the Team or the Talent?2. Do You Recognize Your Season and Are You Honoring It?Are you focused on your Formation or are You Focused on Your Frustration?Philippians 2:12-15a NIV12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”1. Is Your Focus the Team or the Talent?2. Do You Recognize Your Season and Are You Honoring It?3. Are You Practicing What You’ll Need Under Pressure?Your Preparation will shape Your Patterns and Your Posture.Philippians 2:15b-18 NIV15b Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.Matthew 7:15-27 NIV15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”1. Is Your Focus the Team or the Talent?2. Do You Recognize Your Season and Are You Honoring It?3. Are You Practicing What You’ll Need Under Pressure?

Community // Week 3 // Life In CirclesPastor Ashley Wilkerson1. In Circles We See Each Other.Mark 2:1-3 NIV1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.1. In Circles We See Each Other.2. In Circles We Carry Each Other.Romans 12:9-13 NIV9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Galatians 6:1-3 NIV1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.Mark 2:4 NIV4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.1. In Circles We See Each Other.2. In Circles We Carry Each Other.3. In Circles We Dig Through Messy Stuff.Mark 2:4 NIV4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.Matthew 5:13 NIV13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”1. In Circles We See Each Other.2. In Circles We Carry Each Other.3. In Circles We Dig Through Messy Stuff.4. In Circles We Bring Each Other Closer to Jesus.Mark 2:4-5 NIV4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”Mark 2:5-12 NIV5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NIV23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 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.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.1. In Circles We See Each Other.2. In Circles We Carry Each Other.3. In Circles We Dig Through Messy Stuff.4. In Circles We Bring Each Other Closer to Jesus.

Community // Week 2 // Ok...But How?Pastors JF and Ashley WilkersonProverbs 14:4 NASB4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.1. WHY? - Why engage in community even when people are messy?Answer: The POWERMatthew 18:12-14 NASB12 “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? 13 If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.1. WHY? - Why engage in community even when people are messy?Answer: The POWER2. HOW? How can I really walk in community when people are messy?Answer: The Biblical PROCESSMatthew 18:15-17 NASB15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”Ephesians 4:14-15 NASB14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.James 5:16 NASB16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.Matthew 18:18-20 NASB18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”1. WHY? - Why engage in community even when people are messy?Answer: The POWER2. HOW? How can I really walk in community when people are messy?Answer: The Biblical PROCESS.3. WHAT?  What is community all about if people are still messy?Answer: The PICTUREJohn 13:34-35 NIV34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”Galatians 6:2 NIV2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.1. WHY? - Why engage in community even when people are messy?Answer: The POWER2. HOW? How can I really walk in community when people are messy?Answer: The Biblical PROCESS.3. WHAT?  What is community all about if people are still messy?Answer: The PICTURE

Community // Week 1 // Why We Need Each OtherPastor JF WilkersonHebrews 10:23-25 NIV23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Ecclesiastes 4:8a NIV8a There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.What are the excuses?1. Naivety2. Temperament3. Fear4. Past experiences5. Busyness1. What are the excuses?2. Why is it essential?Romans 12:4-5 NIV4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each membuier belongs to all the others.1. What are the excuses?2. Why is it essential?3. How does it enrich?Proverbs 27:17 NIV17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.James 5:16 NIV16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.Acts 2:42-46 ESV42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.

Dialed In for 2026 // Fasting for Mind, Body, and SpiritPastors JF and Ashley WilkersonMatthew 6:16–18 NIV16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”1. Fasting Helps Dial in Your MindDaniel 1:15–20 NIV15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV19 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; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your SpiritBIBLICAL FASTING - refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”Fasting is a chosen wilderness that helps to teach your spirit Who sustains you.3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.- Biblical fasting should align us with God’s heart and mission.Isaiah 58:3–10 NIV3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit

Closer, Deeper, More, More, More!Dr. Ken EckerJames 4:8 NIV8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.1. God is calling us to come closer to HimEzekiel 40:1-4 NIV1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there. 2 In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. 3 He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. 4 The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”Ezekiel 47:3-5 NIV3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist.  5  He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.Galatians 5:16 NIV16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Psalm 95:6 NIV6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.Ephesians 6:14a NIV14a Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…1. God is calling us to come closer to Him2. God is calling us to go deeper with HimEzekiel 47:5 NIV5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.Psalm 42:7-8 NIV7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.Psalm 139:14 NIV14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.1. God is calling us to come closer to Him2. God is calling us to go deeper with Him3. God is calling us to desire more of HimEphesians 3:16-19 NIV16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Psalm 119:10 NIV10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.1. God is calling us to come closer to Him2. God is calling us to go deeper with Him3. God is calling us to desire more of Him

Isaiah 9:6-7a NIV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.Luke 1:26-38 NIV26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Luke 1:46-49 NIV46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.Luke 2:1, 3-7 NIV1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 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.Matthew 16:24 NIV24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.Matthew 16:25 NIV25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.3. The process often involves what the world would call RECKLESSNESS.

He Shall Be Called // Week 3 // Everlasting FatherPastors JF & Ashley WilkersonIsaiah 9:6-7a NIV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.1. THE BONDGalatians 4:4-7 NIV4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child;1. The Bond2. The BoundariesRomans 8:38-39 NLT38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.1. The Bond2. The Boundaries3. The BloodlineEphesians 1:3-8a NIV3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8a that he lavished on us.‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.1. The Bond2. The Boundaries3. The Bloodline

He Shall Be Called // Week 2 // Mighty GodPastor Ashley WilkersonIsaiah 9:6-7a NIV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.Mighty (The Oxford English Dictionary) - possessing great strength, power, or size.1. Remember the COUNTLuke 2:1-5 NLT1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.1. Remember the COUNT2. Remember the CASTLMatthew 2:1-2 NIV1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”Proverbs 18:20-21 NIV20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.Philippians 4:12-13 NIV12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.1. Remember the COUNT2. Remember the CASTLE3. Remember the CAVE and the COVERINGLuke 2:5-7 NIV5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 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.Genesis 3:9-11a NIV9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11a And he said, “Who told you that you were naked?‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.1. Remember the COUNT2. Remember the CASTLE3. Remember the CAVE and the COVERING

He Shall Be Called // Week 1 // Wonderful CounselorPastors JF & Ashley WilkersonIsaiah 9:6-7a NIV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”Luke 1:26b-28 NIV26b...God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”1. He is God FOR USLuke 1:29-30 NIV29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ . 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.Romans 8:28 NIV28 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.1. He is God FOR US2. He is God WITH USLuke 1:28 NIV28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Matthew 1:22-23 NIV22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).John 1:14a NIV14a The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.1. He Is God FOR US2. He is God WITH US3. He is God TO USIsaiah 9:6a NIV6a For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…Luke 1:30-31 NIV30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.Romans 5:8 NIV8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.1. He Is God FOR US2. He is God WITH US3. He is God TO US

Gratitude // Week 4 // Gratitude Changes Our Practice1. Gratitude in Your PonderingPhilippians 4:6-7 NIV6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Colossians 3:15 NIV15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?” - Tennessee WilliamsPhilippians 4:8 NIV8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.1. Gratitude in Your Pondering2. Gratitude in your PostureColossians 3:16 NIV16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.Philippians 4:9a NIV9a Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.1. Gratitude in Your Pondering2. Gratitude in your Posture3. Gratitude is Practiced   Colossians 3:17 NIV17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, DO IT all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3:15 NIV15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.1. Gratitude in Your Pondering2. Gratitude in your Posture3. Gratitude is Practiced

Gratitude // Week 3 // Gratitude And Our OutcomesPastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson1 Samuel 25:1-3 NIV1 Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran. 2 A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 3 His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite.1. Gratitude is not a feeling...gratitude is a choice.1 Samuel 25:4-11 NIV4 While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours! 7 “‘Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’” 9 When David’s men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David’s name. Then they waited. 10 Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”1. Gratitude is not a feeling...gratitude is a choice.2. Gratitude to God results in generosity to others.2 Corinthians 9:11-12 NIV11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.Matthew 25:34-40 NIV 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’1. Gratitude is not a feeling...gratitude is a choice.2. Gratitude to God results in generosity to others.3. Gratitude is more about our obedience than our understanding.1 Samuel 25:14-19 NIV14 One of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. 16 Night and day they were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. 17 Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.” 18 Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she told her servants, “Go on ahead; I’ll follow you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.1 Samuel 25:23-27 NIV1. Gratitude is not a feeling... Gratitude is a choice.2. Gratitude to God should always result in generosity to others.3. Gratitude is more about our obedience than our understanding.

Gratitude // Week 2 // Gratitude Changes The BattlePastor Ashley Wilkerson1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.2 Chronicles 19:4-5 NIRV4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. He went out again among the people. He went from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim. He turned the people back to the Lord, the God of Israel. 5a Jehoshaphat appointed judges in the land.2 Chronicles 20:1 NIRV1 After that, the Moabites, Ammonites and some Meunites went to war against Jehoshaphat.1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks2 Chronicles 20:3 NIRV   3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed. So he decided to ask the Lord for advice. He told all the people of Judah to go without eating.1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks2. Gratitude Seeks God’s Strategies2 Chronicles 20:4 NIRV   4 The people came together to ask the Lord for help. In fact, they came from every town in Judah to pray to him.2 Chronicles 20:5-9 NIV   5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven?You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’2 Chronicles 20:14-17 NIV14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”2 Chronicles 20:18-19 NIV   18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.2 Chronicles 20:20-21 NIV20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks2. Gratitude Seeks God’s Strategies3. Gratitude Releases Residual Results2 Chronicles 20:22-23 NIV   22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.2 Chronicles 20:29-30 NIV   29 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.Juh Hohzul literally means “God sees”.Psalm 50:14-15 NIV“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks2. Gratitude Seeks God’s Strategies3. Gratitude Releases Residual Results

Matthew 6:1-4 NIV  1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”Matthew 6:5-8 NIV  5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”Matthew 6:16-18 NIV  16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”1. Fasting brings clarity to our COMMUNICATION.Matthew 6:16-18 NASB16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”Fasting - Going without food.BIBLICAL FASTING - refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. Replacing the time you typically spend eating with focusing more on the Lord.Daniel - Daniel 10Jehoshaphat - 2 Chronicles 20Moses - Exodus 34Elijah - 1 Kings 19Paul - Acts 9Peter - Acts 10The Early Church in Antioch - Acts 131. Fasting brings clarity to our COMMUNICATION. 2. Fasting brings clarity to our CRAVINGS.Ezra - Ezra 10Jesus Matthew 4Fasting is not about food, it is all about your focus.1. Fasting brings clarity to our COMMUNICATION.2. Fasting brings clarity to our CRAVINGS.3. Fasting brings clarity to our CAPACITY. King Darius - Daniel 6Esther - Esther 4Hannah - 1 Samuel 1Joseph - Gen. 41Matthew 17:17-21 NASB17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”1. Fasting brings clarity to our COMMUNICATION.2. Fasting brings clarity to our CRAVINGS.3. Fasting brings clarity to our CAPACITY.

John 8:36 NLT36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.John 8:1-11 NIV1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”1. NO MORE CONDEMNATIONJeremiah 17:13 NIV13 Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.John 8:9-11 NIV9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”Romans 8:1-4 NIV8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.1. NO MORE CONDEMNATION2. NO MORE COMPROMISINGCompromise: to accept standards that are lower than those that were once desired.John 8:10-11 NIV10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”Philippians 3:12-14 NLT12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.1. NO MORE CONDEMNATION2. NO MORE COMPROMISING3. WAY MORE COMPASSIONMatthew 9:36 NLT36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.COMPASSION AND GRACE GO HAND IN HAND.1. NO MORE CONDEMNATION2. NO MORE COMPROMISING3. WAY MORE COMPASSION

1. NEIGHBORS AND ENEMIESMatthew 5:43-45a NIV 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Luke 10:25-29 NIV 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”Matthew 5:43-45 NIV 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.Romans 5:8 NIV8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Matthew 5:46-47 NIV 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 1. NEIGHBORS AND ENEMIES2. A THIRD WAYLuke 6:27-29a NIV 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. Luke 6:32-35 NIV  32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Matthew 5:46-48 NIV 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.1. NEIGHBORS AND ENEMIES2. A THIRD WAY3. PUT ON PERFECTMatthew 5:48 NIV 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Colossians 3:12-14 NIV 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Romans 12:9-14; 17a; 19-21 NIV 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil…19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.1. NEIGHBORS AND ENEMIES2. A THIRD WAY3. PUT ON PERFECT