Turning Point Church Spokane Sermons

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 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From EvilMatthew 6:13 NIV“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”I. TWO PETITIONS, ONE REQUEST (v. 13)Two Aspects of One Plea"The sinner whose evil in the past has been forgiven longs to be delivered from its tyranny in the future."John StottThink about the flow of the Lord's Prayer:•       We've prayed for forgiveness for past sins (v. 12)•       Now we pray for deliverance from future sins (v. 13)The Natural Flow1.   God's holiness to be respected (v. 9)2.   God's kingdom to be realized (v. 10)3.   Our daily needs to be met (v. 11)4.   Our forgiveness to be received (v. 12)5.   Our victory over temptation and evil (v. 13)II. THE NATURE OF EVIL (v. 13b)Evil or The Evil One?The Greek word translated as "evil" is ponēros. This word can be translated:•     “Evil” (as in evil in general)•     “The evil one” (as in Satan specifically)The Reality of EvilWhether or not Satan is behind all the evil in the world doesn't change the fact that there is evil in the world.God as Our ProtectorThe source of protection from such evil is God, whose kingdom believers are taught to pray will be realized on earth.III. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION (v. 13a)"Lead us not into temptation..."A Theological PuzzleDoes God tempt us?James 1:13 NIVWhen tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;The MeaningTrials vs. TemptationJames 1:2 NIVConsider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,Here's the key: Trials are not the same as temptation.•     Trials = External circumstances that test our faith (can strengthen us)•     Temptation = Enticement to sin (can destroy us)IV. WE NEED A GUIDE (v. 13)Trusting the Guide•       We don't know the way on our own•       The journey is long and we're tempted to doubt•       We need a guide who knows the terrain•       We're asking God to be that guideV. DELIVERANCE (v. 13b)"...but deliver us from evil."God as Our DelivererNot:•     "God, make sure I never face hard times"•     "God, give me a comfortable life with no challenges"But:•     "God, when I face trials, deliver me"•     "God, when temptation comes, give me a way out"•     "God, when evil threatens, protect me"The Promise of Deliverance1 Corinthians 10:13 NIVNo temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.VI. WHO DO YOU TURN TO? (Application)Two PathsPATH 1: Turn to GodResult: The trial strengthens your faith, deepens your dependence on God, and refines your character.PATH 2: Turn to Something ElseResult: The trial leads you into sin, distances you from God, and damages your soul.The Critical MomentThe critical moment is that first moment of adversity—when the trial hits, when the temptation comes, when the hardship begins.Building the HabitThis is why Jesus teaches us to pray this prayer daily.The Complete PrayerMatthew 6:9–13 KJV 1900Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:14–15 NIV For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Forgiveness isn't optional for Christians. It's essential.I. JESUS'S TEACHING ON FORGIVENESS WAS UNIQUE (v. 12) The Daily Prayers in Jesus's Time “Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us, our King, for we have transgressed; for You are a pardoner and a forgiver. Blessed are You, O Lord, the gracious One who abundantly forgives.” Why Does This Matter? You can't compartmentalize your relationship with God from your relationships with others. The two are inseparable. II. DEBTS, TRESPASSES, AND SINS (v. 12) "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." The Language of Forgiveness The Aramaic Word Khoba khoba meant both sin and debt. "The faithful need to remember they are asking for forgiveness for failing to forgive what God requires of them (debts) and for their failure to do the right thing when they did act (trespass)." Ken Bailey What We're Confessing We have sinned against his holinessWe have failed in what he requires of usWe need mercy, not justice III. FORGIVENESS IS ESSENTIAL TO LIFE (v. 12) "Forgive us our debts..." Food for the Soul John Stott writes:"Forgiveness is as indispensable to the life and health of the soul as food is for the body." Make It A Regular Practice Notice Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for forgiveness regularly. This isn't a one-time prayer. It's a daily prayer. IV. THE TERRIFYING CONNECTION (vv. 12, 14-15) As We Have ForgivenMatthew 6:14–15 NIVFor if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Let's be clear about what Jesus is saying: Your forgiveness from God is connected to your forgiveness of othersIf you refuse to forgive, you demonstrate you don't understand forgiveness An unforgiving heart reveals an unforgiven heart Why Is This So Serious? Because forgiveness is the very essence of the gospel. Romans 5:10 NIVRomans 6:23 NIVEphesians 2:8–9 NIVColossians 2:13–14 NIVThe Demonstration of Repentance Luke 7:47 NIVRomans 5:6 NLT PRACTICAL APPLICATION Is Your Prayer Life Marked by Forgiveness or Vengeance? Who Do You Need to Forgive? Forgiveness is NOT: Saying what they did was okay (it wasn't) Excusing their behavior (it's inexcusable) Pretending it didn't hurt (it did) Putting yourself back in harm's way (boundaries are healthy) Reconciliation without repentance (forgiveness is one-sided; reconciliation requires both parties) Forgiveness IS: Releasing your right to revenge Entrusting judgment to GodRefusing to let bitterness poison your soul Choosing mercy over vindictivenessExtending the grace you've received The Hard Work of Forgiving Let me be honest: Forgiveness is hard. But Jesus is saying: For your sake, for the health of your soul, you must forgive. The Challenge1. Make a list of people you need to forgive 2. Pray for them by name every day3. Ask God to help you forgive from your heart 4. If possible and appropriate, take a step toward reconciliation Matthew 6:9–13 KJVOur Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Central Idea: The Lord provides exactly what you need. Application Question: Instead of praying for what you want, have you ever thought about praying for God to change your desires? I. THE ORDER OF PRAYER MATTERS (v. 11) God First, Then Us 1. Praise God for who he is 2. Pray for his kingdom to be enacted on earth 3. Then, finally, move on to what you need Need Over Want Jesus is teaching the disciples the proper focus of our lives: • Our relationship with God first • Our care for the world second • An expression of what we need (over what we want) third Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” II. DAILY DEPENDENCE ON GOD (v. 11) Day by Day Faith Exodus 16:2–5 NIV In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”  Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” Walking by Faith, Not by Sight 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV For we live by faith, not by sight. Building Strong Faith This daily practice can become the basis for a strong faith that can look back and see multiple days when God provided in ample measure. III. DELIVERANCE FROM THE FEAR OF NOT HAVING (v. 11) The Aramaic/Syriac Translation The Syriac word for amen means "never ceasing, never ending." Thus, Jesus is teaching the disciples to pray for deliverance from the fear of not having what is needed. The Anxiety of Scarcity Jesus is teaching us to pray: "God, give us never-ending, never-ceasing provision of what we need." IV. CONTENTMENT WITH BREAD (v. 11) Why Bread? Philippians 4:11–13 NIV I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. The Rich Who Have Everything But Fulfillment “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” C.S. Lewis Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. What Are You Actually Asking For? Are You Approaching God Daily? Have You Considered Praying for Changed Desires? "God, help me be content where I am" Philippians 4:11  “God, help me be generous with what I have" 2 Corinthians 9:6-8  "God, help me be grateful for shelter" Psalm 5:11  "God, align my wants with what you know I need" 1 John 5:14-15  Matthew 6:9–13 KJV 1900 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Matthew 6:10 (NIV) “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD (v. 10a) A. Hebrew Parallelism - The kingdom of God = the manifestation of the will of God - The will of God = the reign of the kingdom of God B. Kingdom Means "Reign" C. Already and Not Yet We live in the tension—the kingdom is here, but not fully here. It's present, but not complete. And Jesus teaches us to pray for its full arrival. II. WHAT IS GOD'S WILL? (v. 10b) A. The Range of God's Effective Will "The kingdom of God is the range of his effective will: that is, it is the domain where what he prefers is actually what happens." Dallas Willard B. Alignment with God's Design III. IT'S NOT ABOUT US (v. 10) A. The Focus of Our Lives B. Transformation Through Prayer C. Our Lives Characterized by Devotion PRACTICAL APPLICATION So what does this mean for you personally? How do we pray "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" in a way that actually changes our lives? A. In Your Relationships B. In Your Work C. In Your Community D. In Your Heart Matthew 6:9–13 NIV “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one.”  

The name of God deserves your attention and respect.  P.R.A.Y. Spiritual Exercise Philippians 4:4–9 NIV Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. P - Pause Before God Be still in His presence R - Rejoice in the Lord and Reflect "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" (v.4) A - Ask God "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (v.6) Y - Yield and Trust "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." (v.7) Throughout your day, when anxiety rises, return to this rhythm: • (take one deep breath) Pause  • (name one truth about God) Rejoice  • (turn the worry into a request) Ask  • (open your hands and receive peace) Yield   Sermon Notes: Central Idea: The name of God deserves your attention and respect.  “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." These opening words set the tone for everything that follows. Before we ask for anything, before we confess anything, before we bring our needs before God—Jesus teaches us to begin by recognizing who God is. I. GOD IS "OUR" FATHERA. Prayer Begins with Community Ephesians 4:6 NLT... one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. B. God as Father and CreatorC. The Revolutionary Nature of "Father"II. GOD IS IN HEAVEN"Our Father in heaven..." This phrase holds two truths in tension: - Intimacy: He's our Father—personal, caring, accessible - Transcendence: He's in heaven—sovereign, holy, glorious III. HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME"Hallowed be your name." B. God's Name Above Our Own - God's holiness comes first C. The Mystery That Sparks Faith Matthew 6:9–13 NIV “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” 

Slowing down and ensure the quality of our practices rather than the quantitySomething is better than nothing but an over saturation of poor practices distracts usPrayer is not a formula with set scripts that we must followPrayer is not a performance awarding the most passionate and zealous actorsQuality in prayer is a matter of heart and Spirit not words and actionScripture is a mirror for the human conditionWe come face to face with truth Jesus and see ourselves fully by the SpiritMatthew 6:5-8Dont be a goofus praying in public to be witnessed by peopleDont be a goofus praying in meaningless words and repetition like you're supposed toMatthew 6:9Praise comes after a recognition of relationship Our FatherCulture understood sonship as a right Jesus adopts us as a giftCulture understood sonship as a legal status Jesus brings us into right relationship with a loving FatherCulture understood worship as obligation Jesus shows us worship is a delightIt is this loving and gracious adoption into Gods family the brings us into reverent and joyous praiseQuantity vs Quality of Praying PraiseDo I worship in hopes of experiencing God Or do I worship because I already live in and through HimDo I worship out of habit Or do I worship because I am in awe of who He is and what Hes doneWhen our connection to God is the source of our praise our prayerful worship moves from quantity to qualityMatthew 6:10This is intercession in the most foundational sense: Gods will here and now2 Corinthians 2:14-16In intercession we must submit fully to His willRather than a halftruth that makes sense to us This is spiritual rooted in our relationship to Him and trusting what He reveals to us.Romans 12:2Quality vs Quantity for IntercessionDo I strive in prayer for a certain outcome Or do I pray to connect with the heart of the FatherDo I pray from my own thoughts and will Or do I listen to God so my mind may be renewedMatthew 6:11Deuteronomy 8:3Quality vs Quantity in PetitionAm I striving in petition out of worry or do I trust God provides me with all I needAm I striving for more than what I need or seeking God for my daily breadMatthew 6:12A key component of prayer is repentance and forgivenessRomans 8:34One way to perfectly align with Gods will is to repentObedience is more than avoiding the bad its living to the fulness of His callWe need renewed minds to understand the fulness of Gods call in our livesMark 11:25Romans 12:18Ephesians 4:32Forgiveness and asking Gods help to do it is guaranteed alignment with His heartQuantity vs Quality in Repentance and ForgivenessDo I pray often but remain untransformed by the Holy Spirit or do I pray often and consistently even incrementally grow closer to Jesus example?Do I pray to forgive but keep my heart cold to those who have wronged me Or do I pray to forgive and cancel debts as Jesus has for mePray in alignment with His workPsalm 139:22-23Titus 3:4-7Hebrews 9:13-15Walk in accordance with His workRomans 12:2Philippians 1:273 John 1:11Matthew 6:13Luke 22:41-43Proverbs 169 The mind of man plans his way But the Lord directs his stepsQuantity vs qualityQuantity is informing God of our struggles and asking Him to provide our answersQuality is being real before God to receive His deliveranceHebrews 4:15-16

Sermon notes coming soon!

Today's journey is six miles — the distance between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It's the same path Mary and Joseph walked in obedience. The same road the wise men traveled, leaving Herod's deception for Christ's truth. The same distance that separated religious performance from God's presence.As we walk these six mile markers together, you'll discover this isn't about trying harder to be generous. It's about letting God's generosity at Christmas transform how you see everything else.Some of you feel exhausted by the demands of this season. Others feel guilty that your giving doesn't match your gratitude. Many of you wonder if your faith is real when your heart feels cold toward others' needs.This message is for you.The journey from Jerusalem's religion to Bethlehem's relationship isn't about manufacturing feelings or forcing behavior. It's about discovering that when we truly grasp what God gave at Christmas, we can't help but be changed.

The birth of Jesus shows us that God keeps His promises and nothing is impossible for Him.1. Luke gives us the story through Mary’s eyes 2. Matthew gives us the story through Joseph’s eyesANGLE #1 THE PROBLEMMatthew 1:18–19 NLT This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.“Christmas is not sentimental. It is the story of God breaking in where the world is breaking apart. -Tim KellerANGLE #2 THE REVELATIONMatthew 1:20 NLTAs he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.“Joseph, this is not your crisis — it’s My calling.”“This is not a scandal — it’s a sign.”“This is not chaos — it’s fulfillment.”ANGLE #3 THE PROPHECYMatthew 1:22–23 NLTAll of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ ”Isaiah 7:14 NLTAll right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).Christmas is God proving He is faithful even when it feels like everything is falling apart.ANGLE #4 THE SIGNIFICANCEMatthew 1:21 NLTAnd she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Christmas is not good advice; it is good news. It is not about what we do; it is about what God has done.ANGLE #5 THE IMPOSSIBLELuke 1:37 NLT“…For the word of God will never fail.”Matthew 1:20–21 NLT“…the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…’”Isaiah 7:14 NLTAll right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).Isaiah 9:6–7 NLTFor a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!Luke 2:11 NLTThe Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!“Where you see barriers, God sees beginnings.”“Where you see endings, God sees new creation.”“Where you see impossible, God sees Immanuel.”Angle #6 JOSEPH’S RESPONSEMatthew 1:24–25 NLTWhen Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.Angle #7 OUR LIFE APPLICATION1. Trust God when life doesn’t make sense.2. Believe that God’s timing is perfect.3. Surrender to God’s call even when you don’t have all the details.4. Remember that God is with you.ANGLE #8 GOSPEL INVITATIONThe heart of Christmas is that God didn’t wait for us to come to Him —He came to us.

Sermon NotesA LIGHT HAS DAWNEDJohn 1:1–9 NLTIn the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.THE WORLD IS DARKIsaiah 9:2 NIVThe people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.“The world is a dark place, and we will never find our way unless Jesus becomes our Light.”- Tim KellerTHE LIGHT CAME TO USJohn 1:14 NIVThe 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.God didn’t shout His way into the world. He slipped in quietly, humbly, vulnerably.Why?Because God wasn’t coming to crush us — He was coming to rescue us.CHRISTMAS DEMANDS A RESPONSEChristmas isn’t sentimental — it’s confrontational.And that brings us to the three invitations of the Christmas story:1. RECEIVE THE GIFT WITH HUMILITYJohn 1:16 NIVOut of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.2. WALK IN THE LIGHT WITH SURRENDERJohn 1:5 NLTThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.Will you surrender your darkness to His light?3. SHARE THE LIGHT WITH GENEROSITYGenerosity is not something we do — it’s something we become.Isaiah 9:2 NIVThe people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.Response:1. For those who need light:“Jesus, be my Light. I surrender my darkness.”2. For those giving toward Legacy:“Jesus, use my gift to shine Your Light into the world.”3. For our church:“Jesus, help us walk in the Light as You are in the Light.”

Sermon NotesLet gratitude reshape how we see God, how we see the world, and how we see generosity. INTRODUCTION – The Story That Wakes Us Up1. GRATITUDE CHANGES HOW WE SEE THE WORLDThe Battle Between Scarcity and Abundance (Matthew 6)Matthew 6:22–23 NLT“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!Scarcity says:“Protect.”“Hold tightly.”“What if it runs out?”Abundance says:“God owns it all.”“God provides.”“I can live openhanded.”Gratitude shifts our vision.It teaches us to see the world not through fear, but through faith.2. GRATITUDE REVEALS WHO GOD REALLY ISGenerosity Begins in the Heart of GodGenesis 1:29 NLTThen God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.John 3:16 NLT“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.2 Corinthians 8:9 NLTYou know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by hispoverty he could make you rich.Generosity isn’t something God does. It is who God is. And gratitude trains us to recognize His generosity in everything.3. GRATITUDE REMINDS US: GOD OWNS EVERYTHING, WE OWN NOTHINGThe Heart of Stewardship (Luke 12)“Everything we touch belongs to God.” — John BlanchardLuke 12:42–44 NLTAnd the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his otherhousehold servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.Psalm 24:1 NLTThe earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. God blesses me with more than I need so I can bless the world around me.4. GRATITUDE BREAKS GREED — THE QUIET ENEMY OF THE HEARTThe Rich Fool & the Danger of More (Luke 12)Luke 12:13–21 NLTThe antidote Jesus gives…Luke 11:41 NIVBut now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.Gratitude doesn’t just inspire giving— Gratitude kills greed.5. GRATITUDE MAKES US GENEROUS TO THE POORThe Heart of Jesus & the Witness of the Early ChurchLuke 12:33 NLT“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. need.Why did the Church do this?Because gratitude makes you look outward.Because generosity is the overflow of a heart touched by grace.6. GRATITUDE GROWS JOY — THE SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFEActs 20:35 — The Happiness ParadoxActs 20:35 NLT“…You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”Jesus wasn’t giving an obligation. He was giving the pathway to joy.7. GRATITUDE GUIDES OUR GENEROSITY — PRACTICAL FRAMEWORKYou need to ask yourself three important questions:A. The Relationship Question:B. The Difference Question:C. The God Question:8. GRATITUDE SHAPES OUR LEGACY — WATERING WHAT WE’VE PLANTED1 Corinthians 3:6 NLTI planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.Generosity becomes a way to say: “Lord, we thank You for all You’ve done— and we trust You with what’s next.”CONCLUSION – START WITH GRATITUDE, END WITH GENEROSITY

MORAL RELATIVISM.  • Where God is no longer the moral authority  • And “right” & “wrong” are whatever we want them to be. Judges 17:6 “How Bad Can It Get?”Judges 17-21- In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. NLTMORAL RELATIVISM.• Where God is no longer the moral authority• And “right” & “wrong” are whatever we want them to be.Proverbs 14:12- There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.Judges 17:1-3 Judges 19:22-28Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.  NLTJudges 20:26–28 - Then all the Israelites went up to Bethel and wept in the presence of the LORD and fasted until evening. They also brought burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. 27 The Israelites went up seeking direction from the LORD. …28 …(They) asked the LORD, “Should we fight against our relatives from Benjamin again, or should we stop?”  The LORD said, “Go! Tomorrow I will hand them over to you.”  NLTJudges 21:25 – In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. NLT How Can We Fight the Influence Moral Relativism in our own lives?1.  Fill your mind with God’s Word daily.Psalm 119:10-11 - With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ESV 2.  Stay committed to Christian community.Hebrews 10:24–25 - And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ESV 3.  Guard against letting IDOLS into your heart or mind. Galatians 4:8-9 - Formerly when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods at all.  9 But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces] Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? NET 4.  Keep your eyes on JESUS. Hebrews12:2 - Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!  MESC.S. Lewis : “I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer.  You are yourself the answer.”

Big Idea: We must put our trust in God alone.Introduction:  that God alone is worthy of our ultimate trust.1. The Cycle of Sin and God’s Faithfulness Judges 6:1-10 2 Timothy 2:13 NIV - “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”Trust in the Lord’s faithfulness2. Gideon’s Fear and God’s CallJudges 6:11-24 Trust His presence more than your perception of your weakness.3. Tearing Down IdolsYou can’t trust God fully while clinging to idols.  So, ask yourself: what altars need to be torn down in my life for you to trust God completely? 4. Victory Through God’s Power Trust that God’s power is greater than your weakness. He can do more with your “300” than you could with 32,000.5. Gideon’s Failure and Israel’s Fall Judges 8:22-35Conclusion: Trust in the Unfailing GodProverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Psalm 37:4-6 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.  He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”  

God is always at work, even in the darkest stories Judges- The God Who ActsJudges- one of the R-rated books of the BibleAccounts a long, dark history Israel participated in. Because of compromise and habitual rejection of God. Don’t look away, church, because ancient Israel is a blessing to us.1 Corinthians 10:1-6Judges 3- What is expectedOthniel, Judges and God delivers the King of Mesopotamia to himIsrael turns away again, so God raises Eglon the King of MoabGod raises Ehud up, who happens to be left handed. This small detail is what catches the King of Moab off guard, allowing Ehud to seize the opportunity and kill him and deliver IsraelThe Shamgar gets the smallest of mentionsOthniel, Judges and God delivers the King of Mesopotamia to himIsrael turns away again, so God raises Eglon the King of MoabGod raises Ehud up, who happens to be left handed. This small detail is what catches the King of Moab off guard, allowing Ehud to seize the opportunity and kill him and deliver IsraelThe Shamgar gets the smallest of mentionsJob 40:6-14Being the same yesterday, today, and forever, God breaks any misconception of formulaic pursuit of HimJudges 4:1-5Deborah- the unexpected agentMiriam is the last prophetess we know of, but even she served under Moses as a judgeDeborah is recognized by all of Israel, as she is judging over Israel as Moses didIn the ancient middle east, this was close to unheard of, certainly not amongst pagan nationsShe isn’t waging war against her oppressorShe is leading Israel through wisdomJudges 4:6-8Judges:9-16Now there’s the Judges we know! At least, if the account ended here, but we have more to readJudges 4:17-24Jael- the agent of provisionJael and her husband had moved away from their peopleIt was a death sentence, yet here they areThey were considered allies to the CanaanitesBut for reasons unknown, Jael and her husband were not friendly to them“God subdued on that day Jabin the King of Canaan before the sons of Israel”In the accounting of the events, the writer of Judges had no question in their mind God did it, because God Acts. This is the main point I believe God is speaking to us through Judges 4: God is always working, in every and any circumstance.Consider the reading today!“the LORD raised up a deliverer”“the LORD gave... [the] King of Mesopotamia into his hand.”“the LORD strengthened Eglon... against Israel.”“the LORD sold them into the hand...”“the God of Israel has commanded...”“I will give him into your hand”“the LORD will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.”“the LORD routed Sisera...”“God subdued...”Difficulty in this truth, I know, but let's let the Spirit speak to usGod is for you! Not against you! He is not eliminating us, but perfecting us! Through things you wouldn’t expect . Tragedy, pain, suffering. Through things that “resist” God. Through things that seem circumstantialDaily life, encounters, and “chance”. We serve an amazing and loving God who is constantly pursuing His people. Can we recognize it? Can we worship Him for it? Examen: Practice reflection & listeningSurrender: Practice Humility & PeacePraise: Practice Joy & Testimony 

Key TakeawayTo avoid getting stuck in a cycle of sin, keep your eyes fixed on the cross.Judges 2:10-19 - Today's Big Idea - Israel's cycle of sin is a bad habit that Jesus died to end.Key Takeaway - To avoid getting stuck in a cycle of sin, keep your eyes fixed on the cross.1. The Shape of the CyclePicture Israel's pattern like this:Israel starts by serving God faithfullyLike a slow leak in a tire, they begin to drift into sin and idolatryThey become enslaved to the very people they were supposed to drive outAfter suffering under oppression, they finally cry out to God for helpGod responds with mercy and raises up a judge to deliver themThe judge leads them to freedom and spiritual renewal... until they don't2. When Compromise Creates a Crisis"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel."(Judges 2:10 NIV)Key Truth: Half-hearted devotion produces children who don't know God.3. Sin Is Never Private"Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors..." (Judges 2:11-13 NIV)4. The Anger of Love"In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them..." (Judges 2:14-15 NIV)5. The Mystery of the Judge"Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders."(Judges 2:16 NIV)Quote from Dale Ralph Davis: "The One who 'gave them into the hand of theplunderers' also 'saved them from the hand of the plunderers'; the hand that is against them is nevertheless mysteriously for them. Here is the fundamental miracle of the Bible: that the God who rightly casts us down should—without reason—stoop to lift us up."6. Breaking Free from Our CyclesJesus Christ is the Judge who never dies. He's the Deliverer who doesn't just rescue us from the consequences of our sin—He destroys the power of sin itself."But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NIV)7. Fixing Our Eyes on the CrossWill we keep running in circles, or will we fix our eyes on the One who broke thecycle forever?Small Group Discussion Questions1. What does the cycle of sin in Judges teach us about human nature and our tendency to forget God's faithfulness?2. The text says "another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord norwhat he had done for Israel." How can we ensure that the next generation knows God? What practical steps can we take?3. How does compromise in our spiritual lives lead to crisis? Can you share an example from your own life or observation?4. The sermon mentions that "sin is never private." How do our personal choices affect those around us, especially our families?5. How do we reconcile God's anger with His love? What does this passage teach us about God's character?6. Dale Ralph Davis describes God as the One who "rightly casts us down" yet "stoops to lift us up." How have you experienced this paradox in your own faith journey?7. How is Jesus different from the judges in the Old Testament? Why is it significant that He is "the Judge who never dies"?

Sermon Notes"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George SantayanaThis morning we begin our journey through the book of Judges—a mirror held up to both ancient Israel and our modern world. Judges describes a time of chaos, violence, political disorder, and moral confusion. It was a time when, as the final verse says, “There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Sound familiar?The book exposes what happens when people abandon truth and live by personal preference instead of God’s direction.As we study Judges, we’ll see a repeating pattern of compromise—how God’s people drifted from obedience to rebellion, from blessing to bondage, from repentance to renewal. And in seeing their pattern, we’ll be challenged to recognize our own tendencies and to rediscover what it means to live under God’s rule, not our own.Backdrop:Israel has just lost Joshua. They’re leaderless, standing at the edge of the Promised Land, with the opportunity to live out God’s promises. But without strong leadership and faithful obedience, they begin to compromise—and that’s where the story begins. Israel shows us a pattern of life that leads to compromise with the world. And if we can recognize that pattern, we can avoid repeating their mistakes.Look at their response in…Judges 1:3–4 NIVThe men of Judah then said to the Simeonites their fellow Israelites, “Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, to fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go with you into yours.” So the Simeonites went with them. When Judah attacked, the Lord gave the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek.THE TURNING POINT: ENCOUNTERING RESISTANCEThis is exactly what happens to Israel in…Judges 1:19–20 NIVThe Lord was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive the people from the plains, because they had chariots fitted with iron. As Moses had promised, Hebron was given to Caleb, who drove from it the three sons of Anak.Judges 1:21 NIVThe Benjamites, however, did not drive out the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites.Judges 1:27 NIVBut Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land.Judges 1:29 NIVNor did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, but the Canaanites continued to live there among them.THE CONFRONTATION: GOD'S QUESTIONIn chapter 2, God sends an angel to confront them. And the angel asks a devastating question…Judges 2:1–2 NIVThe angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I swore to give to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.’ Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?“I can't do it.”“You won't do it.”THE PATTERN: TWO BIG LOSSESFirst, we lose sight of what matters most.Second, we lose our distinction."God wanted Israel to take the entire land of Canaan, but instead they only cleared out some areas and they learned to live with idols in their midst. In other words, they neither wholly rejected God nor wholly accepted him. This halfway discipleship and compromise is depicted by the book of Judges as an impossible, unstable compound. God wants all of our lives, notjust part." Timothy KellerTHE HOPE: GOD'S UNCHANGING COVENANTGod is a God of grace.Look at what the angel declares about the character of God in verse 1:Judges 2:1 NIVAre you in the enthusiasm phase?Are you in the resistance phase?Are you in the compromise phase?God wants all of your life, not just part.

Join Pastor Josh, Jaiyla LelaCheur and Clement Lye as they explore thew Holy Moment of WorshipThis service features three speakers, Pastor Josh, Worship Director, Jaiyla LelaCheur and one of our worship leaders and a leader in our church, Clement Lye.Clement Lye - A TestimonyPsalm 27:13 NASB1995 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.Pastor Josh Stelly - Worship in Spirit: The Heart of the MatterMatthew 19:14 NLT - But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”Psalm 127:3 NLT - Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.1) Worship in SpiritIsaiah 2:3 NLT - People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem.1 Corinthians 3:16–17 NLT - Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.2) Worship in Truth - The Foundation of FaithPsalm 95:6–7 NLT - Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!Jaiyla LelaCheur - Worship as a ResponseRevelation 4:8-11 - Amplified VersionAnd the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes all over and within [underneath their wings]; and day and night they never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy [is the] Lord God, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all], who was and who is and who is to come [the unchanging, eternal God].” [Is 6:1-3; Rev 1:4]Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanksgiving to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever,the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before the throne, saying,“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they exist, and were created and brought into being.”Isaiah 6:3 - Amplified VersionAnd one called out to another, saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is filled with His glory.”Pastor Josh Stelly - Worship as Lifestyle1) Living Sacrifice - The Daily OfferingRomans 12:1 NLTAnd so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.2) The Transformation ProcessRomans 12:2 NLT - Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.Psalm 95:1–2 NLT - Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

This message is being shared in a season where many people are carrying heavy hearts — wrestling with fear, anger, anxiety,and grief over what’s happening in our nation and in the world. The goal of this sermon is not to give political commentary or quick answers, but to help us recenter our hearts on God’s character and presence in the middle of confusion and uncertainty.Through the prophet Habakkuk, we learn that God invites our honest questions — that real faith is not silent, but seeking. Habakkuk lived in a time of moral decline, violence, and national instability, and yet through his dialogue with God he discovered that the righteous live by faith not by sight Through the story of Jesus in the boat with His disciples, we learn that even when God seems silent, He is not absent. The One who calmed the storm still reigns over every wave of fear, division, and doubt we face today. Drawing from Scripture and from spiritual discernment practices (as outlined by Ruth Haley Barton in Pursuing God’s Will Together), this message invites the church to become a discerning people — a people who listen for God’s voice, wait for His direction, and respond with trust instead of panic. We will ask reflective questions that move us from reaction to revelation, from anxiety to awareness of God’s presence. The heart of this sermon is simple but powerful: Even when we don’t understand God’s plan, we can trust His character.This is a call to spiritual steadiness, unity, and worship — to fix our eyes on Jesus in a world that feels adrift. May this message help our community grow in faithful discernment, courage, and peace as we seek God’s will together.Introduction — When the World Shakes“God, what are You doing—and how do we live faithfully in times like these?”1. When God Seems SilentHabakkuk 1:2–4 Habakkuk 1:5 Habakkuk 2:4 Habakkuk 3:17–18 2. Peace in the Middle of the StormMark 4:37–38 A. The moment in the disciples’ journeyB. The power and purpose of the stormMark 4:40 C. What this means for discernment today3. A Biblical Response When Our Nation Faces Troubling TimesA. When you feel fear — Remember Who is in controlPsalm 56:3 Psalm 46:1 B. When you feel anger — Let it move you to righteous action, not sinful reactionEphesians 4:26 James 1:20 C. When you feel anxiety — Anchor your mind in the peace of GodPhilippians 4:6–7 D. When you feel grief — Lament with hopeMatthew 5:4 E. When you don’t know what to do — Fix your eyes on JesusHebrews 12:2 The Questions We Need to Bring Before GodIf we truly want to discern God’s will in these times, here are some questions we might consider bringing before Him:Am I seeking God’s presence or just His answers?Am I listening to His Word more than my worry?Am I processing my emotions in prayer or in panic?Am I rooted in community or retreating in isolation?Am I keeping my eyes on Christ or on the chaos?Living This Out — Discerning God’s Will in Troubling TimesSo how do we live this out when times are troubling?It begins by living those questions daily — and by learning what Ruth Haley Barton calls “the practice of discernment.” Barton reminds us that discernment is not decision-making — it’s attention. It’s the ever-increasing capacity to notice and respond to the activity of God in every situation, rather than react in fear or control.Here are key lessons drawn from her wisdom and Scripture:1. Slow down to see clearly. 2. Begin with transformation, not information.3. Cultivate indifference — wanting God’s will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.4. Practice listening — to God, to each other, and to your own soul.5. Trust unity and peace as fruit of the Spirit’s leading.

Sermon NotesYou can add your own personal sermon notes along the way. When you're finished, you'll be able to email or download your notes.Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is not just a church tradition. It is a sacred command given by Jesus Himself on the night He was betrayed. Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is not just a church tradition. It is a sacred command given by Jesus Himself on the night He was betrayed. What is Communion?1. Communion is a Sacred Act of Remembrance Luke 22:14-20“When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.  For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Jesus established communion as a tangible way to remember His sacrifice. Isaiah 53:5-102. Communion Declares the Gospel1 Corinthians 11:26“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”When you hold the bread and cup, you are bearing witness to the greatest truth in history—that Jesus saves Communion is a visible sermon: Christ has diedChrist is risenChrist will come again.When you hold the bread and cup, you are bearing witness to the greatest truth in history—that Jesus saves.3. Communion Unites Us as the Body of Christ1 Corinthians 10:16 -17“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”Ephesians 4:4-9 NIV“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”4. Communion Calls Us to Examine Ourselves1 Corinthians 11:28 29 NLT“So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.”Jesus Himself taught us how to pray by saying, “forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who have sinned against us...”Matthew 6:14-15“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.”Before receiving the bread and cup, ask: “Am I walking in repentance and faith? Am I reconciled with my brothers and sisters?” “Am I forgiving those in my life, so that I, too, may be forgiven?” 5. Communion Points Us Forward in HopeMatthew 26:29“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”Communion is sacred. It is not simply bread and juice—it is a holy encounter with the living Christ.We remember His sacrifice.We proclaim His gospel.We unite as His body.We examine our hearts.We hope for His return.Let us approach the table today not as spectators, but as participants in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.