Powdersville First

Powdersville First

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A Great Multitude

A Great Multitude

Last week, we looked at the first of two groups identified in Revelation 7: The144,000. These Jewish male virgins were sealed with the Father’s Name and the Lamb’s Name on their foreheads. We learned that they are Jews from the tribes of Israel. We also learned that Israel doesn’t need to be replaced by the church. God will fulfill every promise that He has made to His chosen people. May we, the Church, be content with our place in God’s plan! Today, we look at the second of the two groups described in a section between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals: The Great Multitude. Our message is from Revelation 7:9-17 and is titled: “A Great Multitude” Our points will be: They Worship Around the ThroneThey Receive God’s Mercy in the Midst of His WrathThey Experience God for Eternity Main Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17 Supporting Texts: Daniel 12:10, Revelation 20:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12,2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Revelation 14:9-11, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:19, Genesis 12:3, Ezekiel 37:21, Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 6:16-17, Hebrews 9:22, Revelation 22:5, Zechariah 2:10-11, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 21:6, Isaiah 25:8, Matthew 20:12 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: How does it make you feel to read that the Tribulation saints will worship God? Explain.Why is it important that we grasp the gravity of people being saved during the Tribulation?Do you believe Jews only or Jews and Gentiles will be saved during the Tribulation? Explain.Why will God allow these Tribulation saints to spend eternity in heaven?Should the Church be jealous of the Tribulation saints? Explain.

A Great Multitude

A Great Multitude

Last week, we looked at the first of two groups identified in Revelation 7: The144,000. These Jewish male virgins were sealed with the Father’s Name and the Lamb’s Name on their foreheads. We learned that they are Jews from the tribes of Israel. We also learned that Israel doesn’t need to be replaced by the church. God will fulfill every promise that He has made to His chosen people. May we, the Church, be content with our place in God’s plan! Today, we look at the second of the two groups described in a section between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals: The Great Multitude. Our message is from Revelation 7:9-17 and is titled: “A Great Multitude” Our points will be: They Worship Around the ThroneThey Receive God’s Mercy in the Midst of His WrathThey Experience God for Eternity Main Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17 Supporting Texts: Daniel 12:10, Revelation 20:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12,2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Revelation 14:9-11, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:19, Genesis 12:3, Ezekiel 37:21, Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 6:16-17, Hebrews 9:22, Revelation 22:5, Zechariah 2:10-11, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 21:6, Isaiah 25:8, Matthew 20:12 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: How does it make you feel to read that the Tribulation saints will worship God? Explain.Why is it important that we grasp the gravity of people being saved during the Tribulation?Do you believe Jews only or Jews and Gentiles will be saved during the Tribulation? Explain.Why will God allow these Tribulation saints to spend eternity in heaven?Should the Church be jealous of the Tribulation saints? Explain.

The 144,000 Sealed

The 144,000 Sealed

This past week, we took a look at the opening of the first six seals in Revelation 6. We saw death and destruction, and our study finished with: Revelation 6:17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Our answer was: “No one!” But John continues in Revelation 7 with a description of those that God will save during this extremely troubling time. They may experience what some would call “hell on earth,” but they will escape God’s divine judgment. Today, we look at the first of the two groups described in a section between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals: The 144,000. Our message is from Revelation 7:1-8 and is titled: “The 144,000 Sealed” Our points will be: The Earth is Not FlatThe 144,000 Are Not the ChurchThe Jews Have Not Been Forgotten Main Scripture: Revelation 7:1-8 Supporting Texts: Proverbs 1:8-9, Revelation 6:17, Isaiah 40:22, Daniel 6:17, Ephesians 1:13-14, Revelation 14:3-4, Revelation 14:1, Ephesians 3:6, Hosea 2:23, Hosea 5:15, 1 Chronicles 2:1-2

Last week, we finished up a two-chapter section between “The Church Age” and what most call “The Tribulation Period.” We looked at “The One Who is Able” to: 1) take the scroll from the Father’s hand; and, 2) open the seals. A key feature over the last two weeks that we shouldn’t miss is that the Father and the Son are God, and everyone and everything will worship Them! Today, we begin the largest section of the Book of Revelation. Chapters 6-19 describe the Tribulation Period. This section contains some of the most debated sections of Scripture. Remember, we will Major on the Majors and Minor on the Minors. Our message is from Revelation 6:1-17 and is titled: “The Seals” Our points will be: The First Four SealsThe Fifth SealThe Sixth Seal Main Scripture: Revelation 6:1-17 Supporting Texts: Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:6, Lamentations 5:9-10, Ezekiel 14:21, Matthew 24:14, Psalm 139:16, Leviticus 18:22, Proverbs 16:18, Matthew 5:28, Revelation 21:8, Romans 12:19, Revelation 21:1-2Luke 21:11, Amos 9:3, Nahum 1:6, Hebrews 10:26, Hebrews 10:31 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: What do you believe about the Tribulation and why?Can God use agents of destruction to bring His plan to fruition? Explain.Have any of the seals already been opened? Explain. Additional Scripture References: Matthew 24 False Christs (4-5)Wars (6)Famines (7a)Death (7b-8)Martyrs (9)Worldwide Chaos (10-13) Revelation 6 White Horse (1-2)Red Horse (3-4)Black Horse (5-6)Pale Horse (7-8)Martyrs (9-11)Worldwide Chaos (12-17)

The Scroll and the Lamb

The Scroll and the Lamb

Last week, we began a two-chapter section between “The Church Age” and what most call “The Tribulation Period.” Our attention is drawn to heaven as John tries to describe the things that he saw in the Throne Room of God. Our points were: Who is on the Throne?Who is Around the Throne?What is Happening at the Throne? Today, our attention will be transferred from the One Who sits on the throne (God the Father) to the One Who is able to take the scroll from the Father’s hand. As we look at these two chapters, it is paramount that we understand Who the Father and the Son are. They are God! The Father and the Son being God is what predicates the worship that we see in chapters 4 and 5. Remember: Major on the Majors and Minor on the Minors. Our message is titled: “Before the Throne in Heaven.” Our points will be: Who Couldn’t Open the Scroll?Who Could Open the Scroll?What is the Response? Main Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14 Supporting Texts: Zechariah 5:1-3, Luke 19:41, Luke 22:62, Revelation 21:4, Genesis 49:9, Hebrews 7:14a, Isaiah 11:1, John 1:29, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 95:6, John 14:6, 1 Peter 2:9, Daniel 7:10, Psalm 69:34 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: How would you feel if you witnessed that no one could be found to open the scroll?Do you constantly view Jesus as the only One Who is worthy of our worship? Explain.Why was Jesus able to open the seals and the scroll? Explain the importance of your answer.What is the response in heaven when Jesus takes the scroll from God the Father’s hand?Who worshipped Jesus? Why is this important?

Before the Throne in Heaven

Before the Throne in Heaven

Last week, we finished looking at what some call “The Church Age” as we looked at the Church of Laodicea. This is a reminder of what we saw in each of the seven churches: In Ephesus, we saw that their love for Christ had grown cold. In Smyrna, we saw an obedient but suffering church. In Pergamum, we saw a worldly church. In Thyatira, we saw a church that tolerated sin. In Sardis, we saw a dead church, and… In Philadelphia, we saw a faithful church. In Laodicea, we saw a lukewarm church that Jesus was about to spit out. Today (and next week), we will look at a period between “The Church Age” and what most call “The Tribulation Period.” Our attention will be drawn to heaven as John tries to describe the things that he saw as he was called up in the spirit. Remember: Major on the Majors and Minor on the Minors. Our message is titled: “Before the Throne in Heaven” Our points will be: Who is on the ThroneWho is Around the ThroneWhat is Happening at the Throne Main Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11 Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 10:17, Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 21:11,Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 21:1, Exodus 24:10b,Genesis 9:9-10, Isaiah 6:2-3, 1 Chronicles 17:20,Colossians 1:16 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Explain the importance of Who sits on the throne.Do you think John had a hard time describing what he saw? Explain.What stands out about those who were around the throne?What was happening at the throne? Why is this important?List the Majors and the Minors in Chapter 4.

The Church of Laodicea

The Church of Laodicea

Today, we will take a look at the last of the Seven Letters to the churches in Revelation. In Ephesus, we saw that their love for Christ had grown cold. In Smyrna, we saw an obedient but suffering church. In Pergamum, we saw a worldly church. In Thyatira, we saw a church that tolerated sin. In Sardis, we saw a dead church, and…In Philadelphia, we saw a faithful church. We will look at the Letter to the Church in Laodicea. It is sad to say that our Savior had no positive words to describe this church. They were so self-confident that they were blind to the fact that they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Our message is titled: “The Church of Laodicea.” Our points will be: Jesus Knows the TruthJesus Offers the TruthJesus Waits at the Door for Us to Receive the Truth Main Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22 Supporting Texts: Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 7:21-23, Isaiah 55:1, John 9:39, Romans 5:8, Matthew 7:9, Luke 22:29-30, 2 Timothy 2:12, Matthew 24:44 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Explain the use of “hot” and “cold” in this section of Scripture.Why is it important to know that Jesus knows the truth?Are you naturally drawn to love those who are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked? Explain.Why is it important to understand that Jesus offers the truth?Stop to think about Jesus standing at the door. Why is this important to you?

What is True Love?

What is True Love?

Scripture: John 3:16-17

The Church of Philadelphia

The Church of Philadelphia

The last 3 weeks have been pretty discouraging: from the Compromising Church (Pergamum) to, the Tolerant Church (Thyatira) to, the Dead Church (Sardis). Today, we get a reprieve from the sadness that the other previous churches have produced. We will take a look at the Obedient Church in Philadelphia. From the devastating earthquake in 17 A.D. with its lingering aftershocks to the constant persecution from the Jews, the Church in Philadelphia had gone through its share of hard times. Through all of the trials, this small church remained faithful. May we be encouraged as we look at this Text. A small seemingly insignificant church with the power of the Holy Spirit can do great things for the Kingdom of God. We too can hear: “You have endured patiently…” Our message is titled: “The Church of Philadelphia” Our points will be: Jesus Provides Opportunities: No Matter the Size of the ChurchJesus Protects His Church: From the TribulationJesus Promises Eternal Protection Main Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13 Supporting Texts: John 14:6, John 10:9, Isaiah 43:13, Luke 12:32-34, Romans 2:29, Philippians 2:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Corinthians 3:15, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, James 1:12, Revelation 4:11, Galatians 2:9, Romans 5:8 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Why are people drawn to mega-churches?Why do churches aspire to become mega-churches?What are your thoughts on the timing of the Rapture of the church? Explain with Bible references.Why was eternal protection important to the Church in Philadelphia? Why should it be important to us today?

The Church of Sardis

The Church of Sardis

Over the past few weeks, we have moved from the Compromising Church (Pergamum) to the Tolerant Church (Thyatira), and today, we will look at the Dead Church (Sardis). I have shared that my study for this sermon series has been discouraging. As I read this great Book, it is easy to see the modern church described in each of the letters to the seven churches. I firmly believe that churches that compromise to sin and become tolerant to sin in the church end up like the Church of Sardis…dead! May we not be satisfied with the status quo. We have been given the ability to live out and share the Truth of the Gospel. My friend, the status quo is temporal; the Gospel of Christ is eternal! Our message is titled: “The Church of Sardis” Our points will be: Jesus Knows the TruthJesus Calls Us to RepentanceJesus Recognizes His Bride Main Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 11:2, Ephesians 5:13-14, Isaiah 41:10,1 John 5:3-4, Luke 15:17-18, Hebrews 10:29-30,Matthew 7:13-14, Revelation 20:6, Matthew 10:32-33 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Can anything be hidden from God? Explain.Why do we think that we can hide things from God?Why is repentance important?What does repentance show to those around us?Can we repent more than once? Explain.Will Christ recognize you as His bride? If so, how?

The Church of Thyatira

The Church of Thyatira

Last week, we looked at what some call: The Compromising Church. Even though the Church at Pergamum didn’t fall victim to emperor worship, many compromised by partaking in sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. Those who didn’t compromise their actions, compromised by allowing sin in the church. Today, we will look at what some call: The Tolerant Church. The Church at Thyatira had a lot going for it. Many had persevered through persecution and were doing more for the cause of Christ than they did at first. But, they tolerated the same sins in the church that we looked at last week: sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. Our message is titled: “The Church of Thyatira” Our points will be: Jesus Knows Our PerseveranceJesus Knows Our ToleranceJesus Says to Hold On to What We Have Main Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29 Supporting Texts: Luke 18:10-14, John 5:18, Revelation 19:15, Revelation 2:4, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Kings 9:22, James 3:1, Acts 15:19-20, John 3:19,1 Corinthians 11:30, Isaiah 5:20, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 John 5:5, 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Daniel 12:3,2 Peter 1:19, Revelation 22:16 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: How well do you persevere for the cause of Christ? Explain.Why do we not have to remind God of our works?Is it possible to persevere and be tolerant to sin at the same time? Explain.Why is tolerance to sin bad?Explain the importance of “holding on to what you have” in the context of Revelation 2:25.

The Church of Pergamum

The Church of Pergamum

Last week, we took a look at Jesus’ message to the Church of Smyrna. We learned that Jesus had no rebuke for this church. They didn’t turn to the right or the left as they experienced persecution. Jesus lovingly encouraged them as He promised them eternal life. Today, we will look at the Church of Pergamum. It was called by many: “The greatest city in Asia Minor.” Pergamum was roughly 100 miles north of Ephesus, and it was located about 15 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The city boasted a massive library of over 200,000 handwritten volumes that was only second to the library in Alexandria. The Church of Pergamum didn’t fall victim to the emperor worship that plagued the land, but they did compromise in their actions. Those who were neither eating the food sacrificed to dole nor partaking in sexual immorality compromised by allowing sin in the church. Our message is titled: “The Church of Pergamum.” Our points will be: Jesus Knows Our TemptationsJesus Knows Where We CompromiseJesus Calls Us to Repentance Main Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 2:14-18, Romans 1:16, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Matthew 5:14-16, Galatians 5:9, Numbers 24:25, Numbers 25:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Isaiah 1:18, Romans 2:4, Matthew 18:15-17, Exodus 16:32, Hebrews 9:3-4, John 6:48, Acts 26:20, 1 Corinthians 10:13 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: What is your biggest temptation?Do you compromise on this temptation and sin? Explain.If we know the Truth, why do we compromise?Define Repentance.Why is it hard to repent?How can we encourage others to repent?

The Church of Smyrna

The Church of Smyrna

Last week, we took a look at Jesus’ message to the Church of Ephesus. We learned that they had “forsaken their first love.” We also learned that the Ephesian church is a strong example that works and doctrinal orthodoxy cannot make up for a cold hard heart. Today, we move on to the Church of Smyrna. We find that they along with the Church of Philadelphia are the only two churches that didn’t receive a rebuke in their letters. Smyrna is the only one of the seven cities still in existence. It is modern-day Izmir and is around 35 miles north of Ephesus on the eastern shore of the Aegean Sea. Smyrna along with several other cities claim to be the birthplace of the great epic poet Homer. Our message is titled: “The Church of Smyrna” Our points will be: Jesus Knows Our SufferingsJesus Encourages His ChurchJesus Promises Eternal Life Main Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:15, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 48:12, John 10:33, Galatians 1:1, 1 Peter 3:18, John 2:19, Psalm 23:5, Revelation 3:17, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 9:6, Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 10:28, John 3:18, James 1:22, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 20:14-15, Revelation 20:6 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Why don’t we like to suffer?Read and explain James 1:2-3.Why does Jesus, over and over, seek to encourage His church?How has Jesus encouraged you?Explain what eternal life is from your study of God’s Word.

The Church of Ephesus

The Church of Ephesus

Two weeks ago, we read about John’s second meeting with the Lord. He first heard the Lord, and then he turned to see the Lord. John was terrified, but Jesus comforted and instructed him before revealing what we are studying this year: The Revelation of Jesus Christ. For the next seven weeks, we will see what Jesus told John to write to the seven churches. If we look closely, we will see attributes of each of these churches in the present-day church.\ Today, we will look at Revelation 2:1-7 as we read the message to The Church of Ephesus. Our message is titled: “The Church of Ephesus” Our points will be: Jesus Knows Our DeedsJesus Knows Our HeartJesus Desires Our Fellowship Main Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7 Supporting Texts: Acts 19:10, Matthew 28:18, 1 Corinthians 5:13, Romans 4:1-3, Jeremiah 2:1-2, Luke 15:17-18, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, Philippians 2:3-4, John 14:6, 1 John 5:4-5, Genesis 3:22, Hosea 14:1-4 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: How much stock do you put in your deeds? Explain.Are your deeds important? Explain.Can there be a disconnect between your deeds and your heart? Explain.Is it possible to hide the intent of your heart from God?Why does Jesus desire our fellowship?

What Are You Doing Here?

What Are You Doing Here?

Scripture Focus: Psalm 90:10

Last week, we took a look at the first eight verses of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. We didn’t tear them apart, but we did look at them as we saw: What this Study Will BeWhat this Study Will Not BeHow Easy it is to Major on the Minors I pray that we will stay focused on these things as we move forward in this study. Many things divide us; may Christ unite us! Today, we will look at Revelation 1:9-20 as John meets with his Lord again. Be assured that Jesus didn’t look like the humble Carpenter that John knew. He now stood amongst His Church dressed as the High Priest. Our message is titled: “The Son of Man.” Our points will be: What John HeardWhat John SawJesus ComfortsJesus InstructsJesus Reveals Main Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20 Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 2:2, Acts 22:17-18, Revelation 10:4, Philippians 2:15, Matthew 28:20b, Exodus 28:4, Daniel 7:9, Ezekiel 43:2, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Matthew 17:6-7, John 5:26, 1 Peter 3:18, Matthew 16:18-19, Romans 5:9, Mark 5:18-19, Matthew 28:19-20, Revelation 4:1, 1 Corinthians 13:12, Matthew 5:14-16 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Explain the importance of what John heard that Sunday on the Isle of Patmos.Explain the importance of what John saw.How did Jesus comfort John? Does that comfort you? Explain.Are you open to Jesus’ instruction? Explain.Are you content with what Jesus reveals? Explain.

Honestly, I never thought this day would come. I have avoided the thought of teaching through Revelation for a long time. I wanted to preach through the Book of Romans over the next year and a half or so, but I never could get a sense of peace. It is weird to say this, but I am comfortable being uncomfortable as we look at what some call “that scary Book at the end of the Bible.” Today, we will glance at the first eight verses of Revelation as we have what I am calling an Introduction. In hindsight, it may have been best to do an introduction this week and then look at the first eight verses next week, but here we are... My prayer since settling on the 2023 Sermon Schedule has been for unity. Specifically, I have been praying that we might Major on the Majors and Minor on the Minors. Our message is titled: “Introduction” Our points will be: What this Study Will BeWhat this Study Will Not BeHow Easy it is to Major on the Minors Main Scripture: Revelation 1:1-8 Supporting Texts: Revelation 22:18-19, John 14:15, Mark 13:32-33, Revelation 22:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: What are you hoping to get from our study through The Revelation?If asked the above question before today’s message, would your answer have been the same? Explain.How will you seek what God has for you and not desire what He says can’t be known?Have you ever argued with a brother or sister over what you now see as a Minor? Explain.List the Majors of your doctrine.

I pray that you were encouraged last week as we looked at how we can make our Yes Be Yes and our No Be No with our Promises. It was a blessing to have Justin Barthelmes with us to share a promise that he and his family have made to God. Please continue to pray for them as they ready themselves to move to Portland, Oregon in October. Today, we will talk about Fasting. Fasting is something that we rarely talk about in the Baptist church. Our brothers and sisters from other denominations practice Lent. There are some differences, but beginning February 22, 2023 (Ash Wednesday), many Christians will abstain from eating meat until the Thursday before Good Friday. Some choose to go without dessert or social media, but the idea is that people will go without something to remind them of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert. Our message is titled: “Making Your Yes Be Yes and Your No Be No: Fasting” Our points will be: Don’t Look to God as a Spiritual ButlerSelfish FastingGodly FastingResults of Godly Fasting Main Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-10 Supporting Texts: Luke 18:9-14, Luke 5:8, Philippians 2:3, Matthew 6:16, James 4:3, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 6:17-18, Deuteronomy 30:9-10, Ephesians 3:20-21 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Why do we often look at God as if He is our Spiritual Butler? Explain the danger in this. Explain what Selfish Fasting is.Explain what Godly Fasting is.Explain how we get Selfish and Godly Fasting confused.What are the results of Godly Fasting on you and those around you?

Last week, we looked at “Resolutions. We talked about not purposefully making resolutions we know we won’t keep. Saying one thing and doing another hurts our reputation, and all Christ-followers should have a good reputation. I pray that we all seek to apply our three points from last week’s message: Resolve to Recognize the LORD Resolve to Know the LORD Resolve to Listen to the LORD Today, we will talk about Promises. Much like Resolutions, Promises are often made but rarely kept. In the church, this shouldn’t be. Our newest Sponsored Missionary, Justin Barthelmes, will join us and share Point Two of the message today. Please welcome him, his wife, Holly, and their little girl Harper Ann to PFBC. Our message is titled: “Making Your Yes Be Yes and Your No Be No:? Promises” Our points will be: Don’t Offer the Sacrifice of FoolsMaking Your Yes Be YesStand in Awe of God Main Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Supporting Texts: Matthew 16:22-23, 2 Chronicles 7:11-12, Acts 15:8 Romans 1:20, Isaiah 46:10, Hebrews 12:28-29 Diving Deeper: After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: Explain why “The Sacrifice of Fools” is foolish.Why is trying to mislead God a bad idea?Were you encouraged by Justin’s testimony? Explain.Are you “quick with your mouth” when you come before the LORD? If so, what needs to change?How can you “Stand in Awe of God” in your day-to-day life?

Last week, we introduced the 2023 Verse of the Year. Matthew 5:37 says: Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. We chose this verse because the church needs to take seriously what she says. When the individuals of the church speak and truth, we build a good reputation in society. When those outside the church trust us, they will be more apt to listen to the Gospel when we share It. Today, we will talk about something that we often make but rarely keep: Resolutions. One may say that making and breaking Resolutions isn’t a big deal; everyone does it. Thinking like this degrades who God has created and equipped you to be. If it is okay to not be truthful in a small part of your life, eventually falsehood will migrate to the larger more important areas of your life. Our message for today is titled: “Making Your Yes Be Yes and Your No Be No:? Resolutions” Our points will be: Resolve to Recognize the LORDResolve to Know the LORDResolve to Listen to the LORD Main Scripture: Isaiah 43:14-19 Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:37, Isaiah 43:9-13, Exodus 14:19-22, Exodus 14:23-25, Exodus 14:26-28, 2 Corinthians 5:17 Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions: What are your thoughts on Resolutions?Why should you Recognize the LORD?Why should you Know the LORD?Do you “Know” or “know of” the LORD? Explain.Is there a difference between hearing and Listening? Explain.Why should you Listen to the LORD?

The Blessing of a Fresh Start

The Blessing of a Fresh Start

Main Scripture: John 15:1-5 Supporting Texts: Acts 2, John 14:26, Malachi 3:10 Points today: Resolutions for 2023 Time - Build your relationship with ChristStay or get active in churchTreasurePut anything that’s not pleasing to God in His hands