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In our previous fellowship, Alicia showed us how we do greater works than Jesus Christ through the ministry of reconciliation, which had two parts - helping people become born-again and teaching them spiritual truths. Today, let's explore how God's power has worked through His people across different administrations, and why what's available today is so much greater than what came before. Understanding God's Seven Administrations Before we dive in, let's review the seven administrations - periods of time in God's historical and spiritual timetable. Understanding these helps us know which parts of the Bible are written directly TO us and which are written to LEARN from. Think of it like reading someone else's text messages - you can learn from them, but they're not meant for you. Same with God's Word. Some parts of the Bible are written TO us, and many parts are written FOR our learning. Please turn to Judges 14. The seven administrations are: Original Paradise - Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 1:3 - 3:24) Patriarchal - From Genesis 3:24 - Exodus 19) Law - From Mount Sinai until Jesus's baptism (Exodus 20 - Malachi; Matthew, Mark, Luke, John contain both Law and Christ administrations) Christ - Jesus's earthly ministry when he fulfilled the law (Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Grace (or Church) - From Pentecost until the gathering together - where we are now! (Acts 2 - Revelation 3; specifically TO us: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians) Appearing (or Revelation) - When Christ returns with his saints (Revelation 4-20) Final Paradise (or Glory) - The new heaven and earth for all eternity (Revelation 21-22) We're living in the Grace Administration - that's Romans through Thessalonians in the Bible. These letters of the Bible are written specifically TO anyone who believes today! It's like having a message with your name on it - if you choose to receive it. Understanding the Giver and the Gift Now, here's something that might be new to some of you, and it's going to help make sense of everything. There's a big difference between: God, the Holy Spirit (capital H, capital S) - He's the Giver holy spirit (lowercase h, lowercase s) - this is the gift God gives God is Spirit. He's the Creator, the Giver of all good gifts. And one of His greatest gifts is holy spirit - spiritual power that He makes available to people. If you're wondering "What exactly is this holy spirit?" - stick with me, because understanding this changes everything. Turn to Judges 14. Spirit "Upon" vs Spirit "In" - The Old Way vs The New Way In the first four administrations, when God wanted to empower someone, His spirit came upon them - like putting on someone else's jacket. It was temporary, like borrowing something valuable that you might have to give back. Let’s read Judges 14:6 about Samson: "And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid." The spirit wasn't IN Samson permanently. It came upon him for specific moments. Imagine having incredible super powers, but never knowing when they might disappear. Same pattern with King Saul in 1 Samuel 10:10: "And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." But then 1 Samuel 16:14: "But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul..." It left him! Can you imagine living with that uncertainty? That's why King David desperately prayed in Psalm 51:11: "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." Even the great King David - who killed Goliath and wrote beautiful psalms - worried that God's spirit could leave him. Now here's the good news - nobody has to pray that prayer anymore. Let me show you why. Please turn to Exodus 4. Power in the Law Administration - The VIP System During the Law Administration, God's power was exclusive - like a VIP pass that only certain people got. Moses, Deborah the judge, King David, the prophets - they had special access that regular people couldn't get. Let's read Exodus 4:1-9. (read the verses) Moses doubts that people will believe him, so God gives him these dramatic signs - rod to serpent, leprous hand, water to blood. But notice - these were external proofs for specific situations. Moses couldn't share this power with others. He couldn't tell his friends, "Hey, you can do this too!" Think about Deborah in Judges 4. She was a prophetess and judge, and God worked through her to deliver Israel. But she couldn't pass that ability on to other women. Miriam, Moses's sister, prayed and prophesied, but again - it was exclusive to her. If you lived back then and you weren't Moses, Deborah, or a prophet, you were out of luck. You could watch, but you couldn't participate. Please turn to Luke 3. The Christ Administration - Something Better is Coming During Jesus's earthly ministry, even he operated under the old system. Let's look at Luke 3:22: "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him." But Jesus knew something revolutionary was coming - something that would be available to everyone, not just special people. He told his disciples in John 16:7: "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (holy spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him (it, holy spirit) unto you." Jesus was saying it was actually BETTER for him to leave so something greater could come. That's like a season of your favorite Netflix series ending, but what comes next will blow your mind. Please turn to Acts 2. The Shift at Pentecost - Everything Changes The Grace Administration began on Pentecost, and everything changed. Let's read Acts 2:4: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost [holy spirit, the gift], and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit [God the Giver] gave them utterance." Notice it says "they were ALL filled" - not just Peter, not just the men. This included Mary the mother of Jesus and the other women who were there. For the first time in history, God made His gift available to dwell IN people permanently. Not borrowed. Not temporary. Not conditional. Not just for special people. Available to anyone who wants it. What's Available Today - For Everyone Here's what's amazing about what God offers today: It's Permanent: Timothy 1:7 says: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Once you receive this gift, it's yours forever. It's not like the old system where it could leave. It's for Anyone Who Wants It: Acts 2:38-39 says: "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off..." Not just for the spiritually elite. Not based on your family background, your education, or how religious you are. God made this available to anyone who simply believes. It Addresses Real Life: Feeling overwhelmed by decisions? This gift includes a sound mind. Dealing with fear about the future? It includes power. Struggling with feeling alone? When you have holy spirit, God is literally with you 24/7. How Do You Get This Gift? If you're sitting here thinking, "This sounds amazing, but how do I get this holy spirit?" - it's simpler than you might think. God didn't make it complicated. Romans 10:9-10 shows exactly how: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." That's it. No complicated rituals. No earning it. Just believing that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead. When you do that, you’re born again, and you receive the gift of holy spirit - permanently. Why This is "Greater Works" Here's what Alicia was talking about last week. In the old days: Moses could part the Red Sea, but he couldn't give anyone permanent holy spirit. Deborah could judge Israel and win battles, but she couldn't help someone be born again. King David could slay giants and write psalms, but he lived in fear of losing God's spirit. Even Jesus, during his earthly ministry, couldn't yet give this gift because it wasn't available until after his death, resurrection, and ascension. It finally became available on the day of Pentecost. But today? When someone shares Romans 10:9-10 with another person, they're offering something that wasn't available for thousands of years. They're literally doing something greater than what Moses, Deborah, David, or even Jesus could do during their time. What This Means for You Today If you already have this gift of holy spirit, you have the ability to share it with others - that friend who's struggling, that family member who's searching, anyone who wants what you have. If you don't have this gift yet, it's available to you right now. Today. You don't have to wait. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to be "good enough." God made it simple because He wants everyone to have it. We're living in an incredible time - the one administration out of seven where regular people have access to permanent spiritual power. Whether you've had this gift for years or you're hearing about it for the first time today, this is something worth celebrating. That's not arrogance. That's not disrespecting Moses, Deborah, King David, or Jesus. That's recognizing the incredible gift God has made available in this Grace Administration - a gift that's available to every single person in this room. Amen?

Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when he said we would do "greater works" than him? It sounds almost impossible, doesn't it? After all, Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and set people free from all kinds of bondage. How could we possibly do anything greater? The answer is simpler than you might think, and it's something every believer can do – whether you're at the beach, in your car, or having lunch with family. Let me share what we discovered in our recent fellowship about this amazing promise from John 14:12. God bless you. Please tu rn to John 14:12 KJV , which reads, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." So here's the big question: How can we possibly do "greater works" than Jesus Christ? The answer is through the ministry of reconciliation , which has two simple parts : • Leading people to the new birth • Teaching them the knowledge of the truth Let's read John 14:12 together. This verse brings up two questions: 1. What were the works that Jesus did? 2. How can we do even greater works than him? The Works Jesus Did Turn to Luke 4:18-19, which reads, " The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." Jesus laid out his mission right here. He came to: • preach good news to the humble and meek • heal the brokenhearted • preach freedom to the captives • give sight to the blind • set free those who are oppressed His whole ministry was about healing, deliverance, and setting people free. What Makes These "Greater Works" Possible? Look at that last part of John 14:12: "...because I go unto my Father." This is key. Jesus Christ's resurrection, his ascension to heaven, and the gift of holy spirit on Pentecost – that's what made the greater works possible . For the first time ever, on that day, people could be born again of God's spirit and receive eternal life. Before Pentecost, even Jesus couldn't lead people to the new birth because it wasn't available yet. So again – how do we do "greater works" than Jesus Christ? Through the ministry of reconciliation: • Leading people to the new birth • Teaching them the knowledge of the truth Leading People to the New Birth Look at 2 Corinthians 5:18. It reads, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." God brings people who are separated from Him back to Himself through what Jesus Christ did. And now, as born-again believers who've been reconciled to God, we get to share in this ministry of reconciliation. This IS the greater works. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." God actually gave us the words to say to bring people back to Him. So what exactly are these words? Romans 10:9 and 10: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." These verses are the "how-to" for getting born again and reconciled to God. That's the first part of the greater work. Let me share some stories: When my girls were little, driving home from violin lessons, someone asked about being born again. I shared Romans 10:9 and 10 and asked them, "Do you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead?" They said yes, and I said, "Great! You're born again." Reverend Privette's wife, Maribeth, was at the beach last summer while he was surfing. She was sitting with her sister, who mentioned she wasn't sure if she was born again. Maribeth asked those same two questions. Her sister said yes – born again, right there on the beach. Just last week, I had lunch with my sister-in-law, her husband, and my niece. My sister-in-law mentioned that DavyMarie wanted to be born again and they were looking for a church. I pulled up Romans 10:9 and 10 on my phone, we read it together, and I asked the same questions. They said yes, and I said, "Welcome to the family – you're born again!" Gerard was visiting Hugo, and all Hugo's friends gathered around to chat. Gerard said, "Hey, have you all heard about Romans 10:9 and 10?" And you know how that story ends... See how simple God made it? Leading someone to the new birth can happen anywhere, anytime, at any age, with or without others around, out loud or quietly in your heart. Teaching Them the Knowledge of the Truth 1 Timothy 2:4 reads, "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." God doesn't just want people saved – He wants them to experience ALL the benefits and blessings that come with the new birth. We've got over 900 promises in God's word that we can claim! You'll find all these benefits in the Church epistles – Romans through Thessalonians. After we lead someone to the new birth, we teach them how to walk powerfully and prevail in life according to the truths of this Grace Administration. Here's my own story: I was born Catholic, switched to Baptist in elementary school, and somewhere along the way I got born again. But when I was 21, my life was a mess. My mom gave me 2 Timothy 1:7 – that verse changed everything. Then she invited me to fellowship, and I started learning the knowledge of the truth. I was born again but didn't know how to live it! As I learned more truth, I discovered how to walk with God's power and live abundantly. God wants us saved AND living powerfully. So tonight, we've answered our question: How do we do "greater works" than Jesus Christ? The answer is: through the ministry of reconciliation: • Leading people to the new birth • Teaching them the knowledge of the truth This week, I want to encourage you – go do greater works than Jesus Christ! Use your ministry of reconciliation by: • Leading someone to the new birth • Teaching them the knowledge of the truth It's that simple, and that powerful. The beautiful truth is that God made this ministry of reconciliation so simple that anyone can participate. You don't need a theology degree or special training – just a willing heart and the simple words of Romans 10:9 and 10. Every time you lead someone to the new birth or help them understand their identity in Christ, you're literally doing greater works than Jesus Christ did during his earthly ministry. That's not pride talking – that's the promise of John 14:12 fulfilled in your life. So this week, keep your eyes open for opportunities. Whether it's a casual conversation, a family gathering, or a chance meeting, you might just be the one God uses to bring someone into His family. And remember, once they're born again, stick around to teach them the knowledge of the truth so they can walk in the fullness of what God has for them. Now that's a greater work worth doing!

God bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Welcome to our home bible fellowship in Raleigh. Today, let’s learn about God's grace—His unmerited favor and unconditional love—and how it transforms our lives. We will look at the stories of Jonah, Ruth, and Peter, which illustrate how God's grace worked in their lives and how we can apply these lessons to our lives as members of the body of Christ. We will see how God's unconditional love and grace benefit us all, enabling us to live healthy, prosperous, loving, and abundant lives. Let’s turn to Romans 11. First, Let’s Understand God's Grace. As God's children, we have received abundant blessings and gifts from God, the most fundamental of which is salvation. But we may feel that there must be something more we need to do to deserve such love and care. Nay. Romans 11:6 tells us otherwise: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." If salvation is by grace, then it can’t be based on works, because grace, by definition, is a free gift. If it were based on works, it would no longer be a gift.  God made this wonderful gift of grace available out of His love for us, just like loving parents care for their children.  This scripture highlights that God's grace is freely given, not something we can earn. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God’s love, through the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, is the foundation of His grace - a gift given without expectation of return. Let’s Check Out God's Grace in Action. Turn to Ephesians 2. Ephesians 2, verses 4 through 9, gives us a beautiful picture of God’s grace in action: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (past tense) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us (past tense) up together, and made us (past tense) sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This passage emphasizes that our salvation is a gift from God, a manifestation of His rich mercy and great love. We didn’t earn it through our deeds; it was freely given through the accomplishments of Jesus Christ. This truth should bring immense comfort and assurance, dispelling any doubts, worries, or fears about our standing with God. That’s Grace. Now, Let’s Go To Jonah, and Learn a Lesson in Changing One’s Mind and Experiencing Grace. Jesus Christ came to reveal and destroy the works of the devil, our adversary, who is behind the bad things that happen in life. John 10:10 tells us, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The adversary, our adversary, the devil, is described in 1 Peter 5:8 as "a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." When we read the Old Testament stories, like Jonah, it is important to remember that the adversary caused bad events that we learn about, not God. The story of Jonah provides a powerful illustration of God’s grace and the importance of repentance and changing one’s mind. Let’s turn to Jonah 1.  Jonah is called by God to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh but initially he runs away from his mission. After being swallowed by a great fish and experiencing God's grace, he eventually obeys and helps bring the people of Nineveh to repentance, demonstrating God's willingness to give second chances. Let’s Look at Jonah's Call and Disobedience.Jonah 1:1-3 shows Jonah fleeing from God's call to go to Nineveh. This act of disobedience sets off a chain of events that leads Jonah right into the belly of a great fish, which is a moment of crisis and reflection. But Here’s the Repentance and Grace. In Jonah 3:1-2, you can see God's grace: "And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee." Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, God gives him a second chance. Jonah 3:10 further illustrates this grace: "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." God's grace extended not only to Jonah but also to the people of Nineveh when they repented. How Can We Apply This Lesson? We Can Benefit from God's Unconditional Love. We learn that God’s grace can bring us back no matter how far we stray. This encourages us to change our minds and return to God, knowing His grace is always available. Jonah experienced God’s grace firsthand and extended that message to Nineveh, showing that God’s love and grace are for everyone. Let’s Turn To Ruth and Learn How We Can Embrace Love and Grace. Let’s turn to Ruth 1.  Ruth’s story is a testament to God’s providence and grace through love and loyalty. Ruth, a Moabite widow, shows unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and chooses to follow the God of Israel. Her faithfulness leads her to Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer, through whom God blesses her with a new life and a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth Was Very Loyalty to Naomi.Ruth 1:16 shows Ruth's commitment: "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Wow. There was lots of grace and love here.Ruth 2:12 highlights Boaz’s recognition of Ruth’s loyalty. So, Ruth was loyal. And Boaz recognized that. And he restored her to the family. "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." Ruth’s loyalty and love led her to Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. And this symbolizes Christ’s redeeming love for us. Just like Boaz redeemed Ruth, Christ redeemed us. Christ is the ultimate kinsman-redeemer who, through His sacrifice, redeemed humanity from sin and restored all of us to the family of God.  How Can We Apply This to Our Lives? Ruth’s story teaches us that God’s grace often manifests through acts of love and loyalty. By embracing and giving love, we position ourselves to receive God's grace and favor. Ruth, a foreigner, was embraced into God’s family and blessed abundantly because of her faithfulness and love. Let’s Go To Peter and Learn How To Overcome Mistakes with God’s Unfailing Grace. Let’s turn to Luke 22.  Peter’s life is a powerful example of redemption and grace despite making mistakes. Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, denies knowing Jesus three times during Jesus’s trial. Despite this failure, Jesus restores Peter after His resurrection, reaffirming Peter’s role as a leader in the early Church. And this demonstrates God's grace and forgiveness. Let’s Check Out Peter’s Denial and Restoration.Luke 22:61-62 shows Peter’s moment of failure: "And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly." So there’s Peter’s recognition of making a mistake.  Let’s turn to John 21. There Is Grace in Mistakes.After His resurrection, Jesus restores Peter. And John 21:15-17 records this moment of grace: "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." Despite his mistakes, Peter is reaffirmed and commissioned to lead. How Can We Apply This to Our Lives? Let’s turn to Ephesians 2.  Peter’s story encourages us to understand that despite our mistakes, God’s grace is always available to bring us back and empower us to fulfill our purpose. It teaches us about the transformative power of grace. Peter, who had denied Christ, was chosen to lead the early Church, showing that God’s grace can restore and empower us regardless of our past. Now, Let’s Check Out Christ’s Love for the Church. Let’s turn to Ephesians 5. In Ephesians, there’s a beautiful analogy of Christ’s love for the Church through the role of husbands. And Ephesians 5:25-28 says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself." That’s the Sacrificial Love of Christ.Christ's love for the Church is sacrificial and purifying. He gave Himself for the Church to sanctify and cleanse it. Similarly, husbands are to love their wives selflessly, being Christ-like and reflecting Christ’s love. How Can We Apply This To Our Lives? This sacrificial love exemplified by Christ demonstrates the depth of God's grace. Just as Christ loves the Church unconditionally, husbands are called to love their wives, showing how the grace of God is applied in their marriages. As husbands, we benefit from God’s unconditional love by learning to love our wives as Christ loves the Church, creating a loving and grace-filled family environment. Let’s Now Apply These Lessons by Living as Conquerors. We are called to live as conquerors, empowered by God’s grace. Here are five ways to incorporate grace into our daily lives: Be Strong in Grace:II Timothy 2:1 encourages us to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Strength in grace means relying on God’s power and not our own. Grow in Grace:II Peter 3:18 exhorts us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Growing in grace involves deepening our relationship with God through His Word, prayer, renewing our minds, and manifesting unconditional love. Abound in Grace:II Corinthians 9:8 assures us that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you." Abounding in grace means recognizing and celebrating the numerous ways God’s favor manifests in our lives. Steward God’s Grace:I Peter 4:10 calls us to "minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Being good stewards of grace involves sharing God’s love and kindness with others. Don’t Receive Grace in Vain:II Corinthians 6:1 reminds us to "not receive the grace of God in vain." This means actively living out our believing, not turning away from sound doctrine, but rather ensuring that God’s grace has a meaningful impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. In Conclusion, Let’s Embrace the Fullness of God’s Grace. As we reflect on the lives of Jonah, Ruth, and Peter, we see the powerful impact of God's grace. Despite their failures and challenges, God's unconditional love and unmerited favor transformed their lives, offering second chances, redemption, and abundant blessings. These stories remind us that God's grace is always available, no matter how far we stray or how many mistakes we make. By embracing God's grace, we can live as conquerors, experiencing His love and favor in every aspect of our lives. Let’s thank God for His incredible grace and apply these truths daily, living as witnesses to His unconditional love and reflecting the abundance He has graciously provided. Let’s thank God for His incredible grace. And let’s apply these truths to our lives every day. Extra Verses for Reference: Be Strong in GraceII Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Grow in GraceII Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. Abound in GraceII Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. Steward God’s GraceI Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Don’t Receive Grace in VainII Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Grab your bible. We’re going to look at something that many churches get wrong - the idea that Christians need to suffer to be saved or to live a godly life. Let's clear this up with God's Word. Opening Prayer   God, we thank you for your Word. Help us understand what you've accomplished through your son Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to receive your truth. In Jesus' name, amen. The Problem: Misunderstanding "To Whom" Here's the big issue - many preachers quote Jesus' words about suffering and apply them directly to us today. But we need to ask a critical question: " To whom was Jesus speaking and teaching? ” Look at Matthew 16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Churches love this verse! They say, "See? We need to suffer!" But wait - who was Jesus talking to? Who was Jesus teaching? He was teaching his disciples BEFORE Pentecost. Before the new birth was available (John 3:3-7). Before anyone could be born again (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus NEVER Taught Anyone Who Was Born Again This is huge! Jesus never taught a single born-again believer.  Why? Because there weren't any! Nobody could be born again the way WE are born again until after he died, rose, and ascended. Look at what Jesus said about being born again in John 3:3-7. In verse 5, Jesus tells Nicodemus: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Born of water AND  spirit. But here's the critical point - that was BEFORE Pentecost! Before the holy spirit was given! After Pentecost, everything changed! How do we get born again now? Romans 10:9-10: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Did you catch that? No water!  Just believe and confess! This is the fulcrum point  - the turning point - of all scripture! Before Pentecost: Born of water and spirit (which wasn't even available yet!) After Pentecost: Born again by BELIEVING! John 7:39 confirms this timing: "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." This Changes EVERYTHING! If churches and preachers can't understand this critical distinction, their people will never experience: The power of God working in them (Ephesians 3:20 - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us") The abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10 - “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”) The fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.") Why? Because they're still trying to live under the old system! They're mixing what Jesus said BEFORE the spirit was available with what God says to us NOW! Jesus taught people under the law (Matthew 5:17-18 - "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.") Jesus taught people who couldn't have holy spirit born within them yet Jesus taught people who would need water baptism because the spirit wasn't available Jesus taught people who didn't have Christ in them (that wasn't available yet!) Jesus taught people who weren't sons of God with sonship rights (Galatians 4:5 - "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.") But NOW, after Pentecost, we're born again simply by believing! No water required! The spirit is available! We have Christ in us!  We're sons of God with all the rights and privileges! This is why understanding "to whom" is so critical. If you don't get this, you'll spend your whole life trying to be born again with water, trying to suffer for your salvation, never realizing that the game changed at Pentecost! Do We Ignore Jesus' Words? NO! Now don't misunderstand - Jesus' red-letter words are God's Word! They're profitable for learning (2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"). We read them. We learn from them. They show us God's heart, His standards, and what Jesus accomplished for us. BUT - and this is critical - when it comes to APPLICATION, we born-again believers must apply what's written TO US! What's Written TO Us? Romans 15:4 tells us: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." See that? Written aforetime  (including Jesus' earthly ministry) was written for our LEARNING . But what's written TO us for application? The Church Epistles -  Romans through Thessalonians! These are addressed to: "The saints" (Romans 1:7 - "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints") "The church of God" (1 Corinthians 1:2) Those who ARE saved (Ephesians 2:8) Those who HAVE Christ in them (Colossians 1:27 - "Christ in you, the hope of glory") Born-again believers with sonship rights (Romans 8:15 - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.") The Grace Administration vs. Law Administration We live in the Grace Administration (Ephesians 3:2 - "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:"). Jesus ministered in the Law Administration to people under the law. Big difference: They were servants; we ARE sons (Galatians 4:7 - "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.") They waited for redemption; we HAVE redemption (Ephesians 1:7 - "In whom we HAVE redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;") They couldn't have Christ in them; we DO have Christ in us! They had to suffer for their sins; we don't because Jesus did it all! Using the Mind of Christ As born-again believers with the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16 - "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."), we must rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 - "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."). That means understanding: What was TO them under the law (for our learning) What is TO us under grace (for our application) Jesus' Earthly Ministry Was Under the Law Turn to Galatians 4:4-5: "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Jesus was born under the law. He ministered under the law. His disciples were still under the law. The new covenant hadn't started yet (Hebrews 9:16-17 - "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."). What Changed at Pentecost? Acts 2:4 tells us: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." This changed everything! Now people could be born again (John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."). Now we can have God in Christ in us  (Colossians 1:27 - "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"). This wasn't available when Jesus walked the earth (John 16:7 - "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."). We ARE Saved - Present Tense! This is where churches mess up big time.  They act like we're waiting to be saved, or we're in the process of being saved, or we need to suffer to stay saved. NO! Look at these powerful present-tense truths: 1 John 5:13: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye HAVE eternal life." - Not "will have" - HAVE! Right now! Ephesians 2:5-6: "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye ARE saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." - ARE saved! Present tense! Already seated in heavenly places! 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, NOW are we the sons of God" - Not someday - NOW! Think about it - if we're already seated in heavenly places, how much suffering do you think goes on there? None! Paul's Gospel to the Church Now let's see what God says to us - born-again believers. Romans 5:8-9 says: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Did you catch that? We're SAVED from wrath! Not saved TO suffer! And we're "NOW justified" - present tense! Romans 5:1: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" - We HAVE peace! Not seeking peace through suffering - we HAVE it! Jesus Did ALL the Suffering - It's FINISHED! Look at 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Jesus became sin FOR US. He took our place. He did the suffering so we don't have to! And notice - we "might BE made" - not "will be made someday" - but BE made righteous NOW! John 19:30: "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." - FINISHED! Complete! Done! What's finished?  The work of redemption! The suffering for sin!  The payment for our freedom! Isaiah 53:4-5 prophesied this: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed ." Notice - "we ARE healed" (1 Peter 2:24 confirms this - "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.") - WERE healed! Past tense! Already done! God Didn't Suffer - He Sent His Son! Here's something else churches get wrong  - they say Jesus is God, so God suffered. NO! That's not what the Word says! Look carefully at John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave His SON! Not Himself! God SENT His son! 1 John 4:14 makes it clear: "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world." The FATHER sent the SON! Two different beings! God didn't send Himself - He sent His son! Romans 8:32: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" His own SON! If Jesus was God, this verse would make no sense. God delivered up His SON to suffer for us! Why Does This Matter? Because if Jesus was God , then: God can die (but 1 Timothy 6:16 says God "only hath immortality") God can be tempted (but James 1:13 says "God cannot be tempted with evil") God doesn't know everything (but Mark 13:32 shows Jesus didn't know the day or hour of his return - only the Father knew) No! God sent His perfect son - a man born of a woman (Galatians 4:4) - to do what no other man could do: live perfectly and die for our sins! 1 Timothy 2:5 settles it: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" ONE God, and ONE mediator - the MAN Christ Jesus! Not God Christ Jesus - MAN Christ Jesus! This Is WHY We Can Be Saved! God's plan was perfect: Before Pentecost: People could be cleansed by water, looking forward to the coming Messiah Jesus  (the perfect man, not God) suffered and died, making the new birth available After Pentecost:  We're born again by believing (Romans 10:9-10), receiving God's gift of holy spirit (the Comforter) Acts 2:22 calls Jesus: "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him..." A MAN approved of God! God worked THROUGH him, but Jesus wasn't God himself! This is why Jesus could suffer - because he was human!  This is why his suffering counts for us - because he was our substitute, a perfect man dying for imperfect men and women! God didn't suffer - He provided the solution through His son's suffering! When churches teach that God suffered, they're confusing the whole plan of redemption. God is spirit (John 4:24), He cannot die or suffer. But His son, born as a man, could and did - FOR US! If We Still Need to Suffer, Then Jesus' Suffering Meant Nothing! Think about this - if we still need to suffer for our salvation, then we're saying Jesus' suffering wasn't enough! We're saying his stripes didn't accomplish anything! That's blasphemy! Look at Galatians 2:21: "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Paul's saying if we could get righteous by our own efforts (including suffering), then Christ died for NOTHING! In vain means "for no purpose, empty, worthless." Hebrews 10:10-12 says: "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered ONE sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;" ONCE for all! ONE sacrifice forever! If we need to add our suffering to his, then his one sacrifice wasn't enough!' You're Calling God a Liar! When you say you need to suffer for your sins, you're calling God a liar!  Why? Because God said in Hebrews 10:17-18: "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin." No more offering! That includes your suffering! If God says there's no more offering needed and you're trying to offer your suffering, you're saying God's wrong! Isaiah 53:5 says: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." If you still need to suffer, then his wounds didn't work! His bruises failed! His stripes accomplished nothing! Do you really want to stand before God and tell Him that His son's sacrifice wasn't good enough? You're Trampling on the Blood of Jesus! Hebrews 10:29 warns: "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" When you add your suffering to his finished work, you're trampling his blood underfoot! You're counting it as unholy - not sacred enough to save you completely! Galatians 5:4 says: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." Christ becomes of NO EFFECT when you try to add your works (suffering) to his grace! You actually FALL from grace! The Insult to the Cross Philippians 3:18-19 speaks of: "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" Enemies of the cross! When we preach suffering for salvation, we become enemies of what the cross accomplished! 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 says: "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." The cross is made of NONE EFFECT when we add anything to it! Including our suffering! Either He Did It ALL or He Did Nothing Romans 11:6 makes it clear: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." You can't mix them! Either Jesus' suffering was sufficient (grace) or it wasn't (works). There's no middle ground! Galatians 3:3 asks: "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" If you got saved by believing (not suffering), why would you think you need to suffer now to stay saved or be "more saved"? The Finished Work When Jesus said "It is finished" (John 19:30), the Greek word is "tetelestai" - it means: Paid in full Completed Nothing left to do The debt is cancelled In those days, when someone paid off a debt, they'd write "tetelestai" across the bill. PAID IN FULL! Colossians 2:13-14 confirms: "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;" ALL trespasses forgiven! The whole debt nailed to the cross! If you're still trying to pay (through suffering), you're saying Jesus lied when he said "PAID IN FULL!" Don't Let Anyone Rob You Colossians 2:8 warns: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Religious traditions that teach suffering for salvatio n are vain deceit! They'll spoil (rob) you of your freedom in Christ! When someone tells you that you need to suffer like Jesus did, you tell them: "That's an insult to the cross! Either Jesus' suffering was enough or it wasn't.  I believe it was MORE than enough! His stripes healed me completely! His blood washed me perfectly clean! His death gave me eternal life! There's nothing left for me to do but believe and receive!" The Great Exchange Here's what happened at the cross - the great exchange: He took our sin; we got his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21 - “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”) He took our sickness; we got his health (Matthew 8:17 - "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.") He took our poverty; we got his riches (2 Corinthians 8:9 - "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.") He took our curse; we got his blessing (Galatians 3:13-14 - "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us... That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ") Why would we try to take back what he already took? Saved by Grace, Not Works (Not Suffering!) Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it crystal clear: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Suffering for salvation is works!  It's saying Jesus didn't do enough. But he did it all! Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" If suffering could save us or keep us saved, then Jesus died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21 - "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.") Our New Identity - RIGHT NOW! Romans 8:1: "There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - NOW! Present tense! No condemnation! How can we suffer for our sins when there's no condemnation? 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he IS a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - IS! Not "will be" - IS a new creature NOW! We're NEW creatures! The old suffering person is gone! Romans 8:14-16: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they ARE the sons of God... The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we ARE the children of God." - Present tense reality! 1 Corinthians 6:17: "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." - We're ONE SPIRIT with the Lord! How much closer can you get? Life More Abundant - TODAY! Jesus himself said in John 10:10: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Abundant life! Not suffering life! And when do we have it? Right when we believe! John 5:24: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, HATH everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but IS passed from death unto life." - HATH (has) everlasting life! IS passed from death to life! Present tense! Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - The kingdom of God is righteousness, PEACE, and JOY! Not suffering! What About Trials? Now, we might face challenges in this world. Jesus said in John 16:33: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." But look - he already OVERCAME! Past tense! And Christ is in us! We can overcome the world too.  1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." God always provides a way out! We're not meant to suffer under trials. James 1:2-3 says: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." - Even in trials, we can have JOY! Why? Because we know who we are and whose we are! Romans 10:9-10 - The Simple Truth "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." That's it! Believe and confess. No suffering required.  Jesus already did that part. And notice - "thou shalt BE saved" - immediate upon believing! The Spirit of Believing But there's something powerful here we need to see! When we got born again, we received the spirit of believing! Look at 2 Corinthians 4:13: "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;" The spirit of faith! That "faith" is the Greek word "pistis" - believing! The spirit of believing! Paul says we HAVE it! Present tense! And what does it do? We believe and therefore we speak! This connects directly to how we got saved. Romans 10:8-10 shows the pattern: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." See the pattern? Believe in your heart Speak with your mouth Same as 2 Corinthians 4:13 - "we believe, and therefore speak" This isn't just for salvation - this is how the spirit of believing operates in everything! Mark 11:23 shows us: "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." Believe and speak! That's the spirit of believing in operation! This Spirit of Believing Replaces Suffering! Here's the beautiful part - we don't need to suffer to "prove" our faith. We HAVE the spirit of faith (pistis)! Hebrews 11:1 tells us: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Our believing IS the substance! Our faith IS the evidence! Not our suffering! The spirit of believing enables us to: Receive salvation without suffering (Ephesians 2:8 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith") Operate the manifestations of the spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9 mentions "faith by the same Spirit") Live the abundant life without trying to earn it through suffering (John 10:10 - "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly") When churches teach that we need to suffer, they're denying the power of the spirit of believing that God gave us! They're saying our faith isn't enough - we need to add suffering to it. But God says our believing is enough because HE gave us the spirit of faith! This is part of what changed at Pentecost! Before, they couldn't have this spirit of believing the way we do. But now, it's part of the package when we're born again! We don't just get saved - we get the spirit of believing that keeps us walking in victory! Our Victory Position - NOW! Romans 8:37: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." - ARE more than conquerors! Present tense! More than conquerors! Not sufferers - CONQUERORS! 2 Corinthians 2:14: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" - ALWAYS causes us to triumph! Not someday - always, including right now! 1 John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and HAVE overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - HAVE overcome! Already done! 1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - GIVETH us the victory! It's a gift, not something we earn through suffering! We Don't Wait for the Second Coming to Be Saved! This is another big mistake churches make.  They act like we're waiting for Jesus to come back before we can really be saved or really enjoy salvation. Wrong! Colossians 3:3-4: "For ye ARE dead, and your life IS hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." See that? We ARE dead (to sin) and our life IS hid with Christ NOW! The appearing in glory is future, but the salvation is PRESENT! 1 John 3:14: "We know that we HAVE passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." - HAVE passed! Already done! Philippians 3:20-21: "For our conversation IS in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body..." - Our citizenship IS in heaven NOW! The body change is future, but we're already citizens! What Churches Get Wrong Churches mix up Israel and the Church. They mix up law and grace. They take verses meant for Israel and apply them to us. For example: Matthew 24:13: "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Churches say, "See? You have to endure suffering to be saved!" But who's Jesus talking to? Jews! About the tribulation period! Not the Church Age! We don't endure to be saved - we're already saved! Or they quote Hebrews 12:6: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." - And they say God makes us suffer. But read the context! Look at the very first verse of the chapter - Hebrews 12:1: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," RUN THE RACE! This whole chapter uses athletic imagery! Verse 11: "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." "Exercised" - that's the Greek word "gumnazo" - where we get "gymnasium"! It means to train like an athlete! And verse 10: "For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." For our PROFIT! To make us partakers of his holiness! Even verse 13 continues the athletic theme: "And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." This is about training us to run our race better - not punishing us for sins! Jesus already took the punishment! God's working as our coach, not our judge. The judgment for sin is finished - now it's about training for victory! Freedom From Religious Bondage Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Christ made us FREE! Not free to suffer - FREE from suffering for our sins! Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Under grace! Where there's no condemnation, no guilt, no suffering for sins - because Jesus already did it! Colossians 2:20-22: "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?" Stop letting religious people put you back under rules and suffering! Walking in Our Completeness Colossians 2:10: "And ye ARE complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" COMPLETE! Not partially saved. Not in-process. COMPLETE! Hebrews 10:14: "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." - PERFECTED FOREVER! One offering - his suffering - made us perfect forever! 1 John 4:17: "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." - AS HE IS, SO ARE WE! Is Jesus suffering in heaven? No! Then neither should we suffer for our salvation! Closing Thoughts When churches teach that we need to suffer, they're mixing law and grace. They're taking Jesus' words to people under the law - people who weren't born again, who didn't have Christ in them - and applying them to us under grace. We have God in Christ in us. We're born again. We're new creatures. We're more than conquerors. We're complete. We're perfect in God's eyes. Jesus suffered so we could live abundantly. The religious world wants to keep you suffering because it keeps you coming back, keeps you feeling guilty, keeps you under their control. But God wants you FREE! Walking in victory! Enjoying your salvation NOW! Stop trying to earn what Jesus already gave you. Stop suffering for what he already accomplished. Walk in the victory he won NOW - because you ARE saved, you ARE his child, you ARE complete in him! Remember - it's not about what you do. It's about what he DID. And what he did is FINISHED! CLOSING SUMMARY - What We've Learned Let's recap the life-changing truths we've discovered tonight: Jesus Never Taught Born-Again Believers  - He taught people under the law before the Holy Spirit was given. Understanding "to whom" scripture is written changes everything. Pentecost Changed Everything  - Before: born of water and spirit (not yet available). After: born again by simply believing (Romans 10:9-10). This is the fulcrum point of all scripture. We Apply What's Written TO Us  - Jesus' words are for our learning, but the Church Epistles (Romans-Thessalonians) are written TO us for application. We ARE Saved - Present Tense  - Not "will be," not "becoming," but ARE saved, HAVE eternal life, and ARE seated in heavenly places right now. 5. It Is FINISHED  - Jesus' one sacrifice forever completed the work. Adding our suffering says His work wasn't enough - that's blasphemy. God Sent His Son  - Jesus was the perfect man who could die for imperfect people. God didn't suffer - He provided the solution through His son's suffering. We Have the Spirit of Believing  - Faith (pistis) is our evidence, not suffering. We believe and speak - that's how the spirit operates. We're Complete and Victorious  - We're more than conquerors, perfected forever, complete in Him. As He is, so are we in this world. Freedom Is Ours  - Religious bondage keeps people suffering for control. But Christ made us free from condemnation, guilt, and the need to earn salvation. The Bottom Line : If you're trying to suffer for your salvation, you're saying Jesus' suffering wasn't enough. You're frustrating grace, falling from grace, and insulting the cross. But when you believe what God says - that you're saved by grace through faith - you can walk in the abundant life Jesus died to give you. It's not about what you do. It's about what He DID. And what He did is FINISHED! Let's Pray  Father, thank you for making it so simple. Thank you that Jesus did all the suffering. Thank you that we ARE saved right now, completely, perfectly, eternally. We're not waiting for anything - we have it all in Christ. Help us walk in the abundant life you've given us. Help us share this truth with others who are needlessly suffering under religious bondage. Give us boldness to proclaim that the work is finished, that we're free, that we're more than conquerors. In Jesus' name, amen.

What if you had an instruction manual to unlock God's immeasurable power in your everyday life? Discover the often-overlooked blueprint in 2 Peter Chapter 1 that reveals what God has already  given you and promises you'll never fall . That's 2 Peter Chapter 1, and tonight we're going to pick it apart verse by verse. The Foundation: What We've Been Given 2 Peter 1, Verse 1:  "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:" Right away, Peter tells us something amazing - we have obtained a “like precious faith.” And this word “faith” is the Greek word “pistis,” feminine noun, meaning “believing.” We have the same believing as Peter. And Peter walked on water.  How did we get it? It’s in the verse. Through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ. We are righteous. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." And Romans 3:22 makes it super clear that we are righteous because we believe. So, from the verse: We have the same precious believing. And we’re righteous. Next verse. Verse 2:  "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." Grace and peace aren't just added - they're multiplied. Grace - that's God's unmerited favor. We didn't earn it through works. We can't lose it. It's God’s gift to us. Ephesians 2:8 says that the present reality is that we're saved by God's grace, and it's a gift. But how is grace and peace multiplied? It’s in the verse: “Through the knowledge  of God.” The Greek word for knowledge here is 'epignosis' - feminine noun, meaning precise, experiential knowledge.  So, from verse 2: The more we know about God through His Word, the more His grace and peace multiply onto our lives.  Verse 3:  "According as his divine power, hath given unto us, all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him, that hath called us to glory and virtue." “HATH given” is in the verse. That’s past tense, already done. He has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. Not some things, not most things - ALL things that pertain to life and godliness. And we receive all things that pertain to life and godliness by knowing Him. How do you know God? Through his Word.  So, we have the same believing. We’re righteous. Because we know God, grace and peace are multiplied to us. And we have everything we need that pertains to life and godliness - through the knowledge of God through his Word. Sounds really good so far, right? It gets even better.  Verse 4:  "Whereby are given unto us (or, Through knowing God’s Word, we have been given) exceeding great and precious promises: that by these (promises in God’s Word) ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. By knowing God through His Word, we are given great and precious promises. When we know God through His Word, that knowledge becomes the channel through which we receive His exceeding great and precious promises. The promises come to us through knowing Him. So that (what’s the purpose?) we can partake of the divine nature. The word “partakers” is koinōnos, koy-no-nos', meaning “partners.” We are partners in the divine nature of God.  By learning the Word, getting to know God, and receiving God's promises, we actually get to share in God's own nature and characteristics. We don't become God, but we participate in His nature. When we’re born again, we receive holy spirit - God is Spirit (John 4:24, NKJV), God’s spirit, the divine nature literally lives in you. It’s God in you (Ephesians 4:6). We are to live with godliness, being imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1).  We don’t just know about God’s power, we actually share in it. We share in His nature through the precious gift of holy spirit. What a treasure that is! 2 Corinthians 4:7 says that God put His incredible power in ordinary people like us - Earthen vessels, clay pots. The power comes from Him, not from us. We're not the source, we're just the container.  So, we have the same believing. We’re righteous. Because we know God, grace and peace are multiplied to us. And we have everything we need that pertains to life and godliness - by knowing God through his Word. And God gives us promises, so that we can be partners of His divine nature.  The Power Formula Connection Let me share something simple but powerful. There's a formula electricians use: P=V×I. P stands for Power - that's what actually makes things work (lights turn on, appliances run). V stands for Voltage - that's the electrical pressure available at your outlet (like 120 volts in your wall receptacle). I stands for Current - that's the actual flow of electricity when you flip a switch, or plug something in. Here's the key: You can have all the voltage in the world at your electric wall outlet, but without current flowing, nothing happens, no power. The voltage is always there, waiting. But power only manifests when current flows. This is exactly how God's power works in our lives. God's power (V, voltage) is always available - it never decreases, never fails. But it only manifests (P) as power in our lives when we believe and act (I, current). The more we get our current flowing through our believing action, the more we see His power work in our lives.  Think about it - every outlet in your house has the same voltage available. But a nightlight uses just a little current, and puts out a little bit of light. While your air conditioner uses a lot of current. Same voltage, but a ton of current flowing, and a massive power output. God's power is constant. Our believing is the variable (it goes up and down). When we increase our believing action , we see more of His power manifested in our lives. 2 Peter 1:5-11 Verse 5:  "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;" Diligence here is the Greek word, spoudē, spoo-day’, meaning haste, all earnestness, in accomplishing or striving after something. We are to work hard at this - adding to our faith, our believing action.  Verse 6:  "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;" We’re adding! We’re adding to our believing .  Verse 7:  "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." "Charity” - that's the Greek word “agape”, feminine noun, meaning love, brotherly love, unconditional love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation.  Notice how it builds? We just keep adding. Each quality prepares you for the next one, ending in agape love. Can’t get to glory without agape.  John 17:22 says that Jesus has given us the same glory that God gave Him. Verse 8:  "For IF these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." IF these things are in you AND abound - not just present in you, but overflowing! This is the electrical current flowing! When we work hard to develop and add these qualities to our believing action, when we add these things and they are abounding in us (faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness, charity) God's power flows freely through us. And we will not be barren, but instead, we’ll be spiritually fruitful.  Ephesians 4:13 says that when we truly know our Lord Jesus Christ, we’ll all be united like spiritually mature men and women. That’s our goal. To be spiritually mature and fully equipped.  Verse 9:  "But he that lacketh these things is blind , and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." Without this knowledge of the power of God , we become spiritually nearsighted . We can’t see what’s ahead. And, we forget what God has done for us in the past. And we can’t improve who we are right now, and can’t get any better than who we were in the past.  Not accurately knowing what’s available by God through His Son, we don’t have any power in our lives. It’s like having an entire house wired up, but no one has turned on any lights.   Verse 10:  "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence (there is it again) to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." "Give diligence” - same word as verse 5. Spoudē, spoo-day’. Give diligence. Make an effort. Work hard at this. Strive.  “Make your calling (you’ve been invited) and make your election (you have been chosen) make it sure.” Make your calling and election firm and established, to yourself and to others. You’ve been invited, and you’ve been chosen.  And here’s God’s exceeding great and precious promise : “ye shall NEVER fall.” That's God's guarantee when we walk in His power! We shine like bright powerful lights (Phil 2:15). Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Get it?  Verse 11:  "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." We are not going to sneak into this party! Oh, no. No fake IDs needed here! We get an abundantly ministered entrance into the kingdom. Oh, yeah! That sounds good.  Here's What We've Learned Let's bring this all together. We have learned that God's power isn't just something we read about in the Bible - it's working IN us right now! Let’s remember these seven things: You have the same believing as Peter  - 'like precious faith' - and you're righteous right now because of what Jesus did. Grace and peace multiply  - not add, but multiply - through knowing God in His Word. The more you know Him, the more they increase. You already have everything  - God HATH given you all things that pertain to life and godliness. Past tense. Done deal. You're a partner with God  - partakers of His divine nature. His spirit lives in you. You're the clay pot carrying His treasure! Power flows like electricity  - P=V×I. God's voltage never fails. Your believing is the current. When you act on His Word, power manifests in your life. Add to your believing  - virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Each one builds on the next. You will never fall  - You'll not fail, stumble, or fall. That's God's promise when these qualities abound in you! Here's Your Practical Challenge This Week Look at that list in verses 5-7. Pick ONE quality to work on. Maybe I need more patience with my kids. Maybe more self-control with my words. Maybe more brotherly kindness at my work. Here's what we can do: Write that quality on a card and put it where you’ll see it every day. Each morning, thank God in helping you develop it . Look for ONE opportunity each day to practice it . Before bed, thank God for how His power helped you grow . Remember - we’re not trying to generate power. We’re just flipping the switch! The power is already there. Let’s start with a small current , and watch God multiply it. Let's make our calling and election sure. Let's be people who never fall. Let's walk in the power that God has already given us! Amen?

Let's turn to James 1:19 KJV and read, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear , slow to speak, slow to wrath ." Last week our nation witnessed another tragedy that reminds us how far we've strayed from communication and community. Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two young children, was killed while speaking at a college campus. Now, you might not have agreed with everything Kirk said or stood for – and that's okay. But what happened at Utah Valley University wasn't okay. A man's life was taken. Children lost their father. A wife lost her husband. Turn to Acts 17. As believers, we can grieve this loss while learning from it. Now, there's a recent article from The Way titled "The Listening Leader."  It reminds us that listening is a crucial tool in a leader's skill set – and we're all leaders in some capacity, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. We'll be referring to this article here. The Battle of Ideas vs. The Battle of Violence In our democratic society, we're supposed to have what's called " the battle of ideas ." This is where different viewpoints clash through debate, discussion, and dialogue – not through violence. The apostle Paul himself engaged in this kind of discourse. In Acts 17:17 KJV, we read: "Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him." Paul didn't agree with everyone, but he engaged with words, not weapons . He listened to understand their positions before teaching the gospel. Turn to Proverbs 18. As the The Way article mentions, there are two ways of listening : with understanding and without understanding. Too often today, we listen without understanding – we're just waiting for our turn to attack rather than truly hearing what's being said. When We Stop Listening, We Stop Learning Proverbs 18:2 warns us: "A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself." When we refuse to listen to those who disagree with us, we become fools. We miss opportunities to sharpen our own understanding, to find common ground, or to respectfully articulate why we believe what we believe. The tragedy at Utah Valley University happened because someone chose violence over dialogue. They chose to silence a voice rather than engage with it or simply walk away. This is the ultimate failure of listening – when we become so convinced that the other person has nothing worth hearing that we believe they have no right to speak at all. Turn to Proverbs 20. Jesus: The Master Listener Jesus was a master listener. And he asked questions not because He didn't know the answers, but because He wanted to engage people's hearts and minds. Let me share three powerful examples: First, in Luke 18:41, Jesus asked the blind man: "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" Now, it was obvious the man was blind and needed healing, but Jesus still asked. He gave the man dignity by letting him voice his need. Second, in Mark 9:21, when a father brought his possessed son to Jesus, He asked: "How long is it ago since this came unto him?" Jesus wanted to understand the full scope of this family's suffering. He listened to their story before bringing healing. Third, in John 9:35, after healing the blind man at the pool of Siloam, Jesus later found him and asked: "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" This wasn't about physical healing anymore – Jesus was listening for the man's spiritual readiness. In each case, Jesus shows us that listening creates space for understanding, healing, and transformation. Even when confronted by those who opposed Him, Jesus listened first . He heard their accusations, their doubts, their fears – and then He responded with truth and love. Drawing Out Deep Waters There's a powerful verse in Proverbs 20. Let's go to verse 5 and read together: "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out." Think about that image – the real issues, the real problems, the real beliefs people hold inside themselves are often buried deep like water in a well. It takes patience and skill to draw them out. Careful questioning and genuine listening help us get to those deep waters. Last week's tragedy reminds us what happens when we stay on the surface, shouting at each other across the divide. We never get to the deep waters where real understanding can happen. We never discover what truly drives people, what hurts them, what they fear, or what they hope for. Three Sides to Every Story The Way article tells us that there are three sides to every story – the perspectives from each participant and a third one from a neutral vantage point. Too often in our divided world, we only hear one side. We listen to the news sources that agree with us. We talk to people who think like us. We dismiss the other side without ever truly hearing it. When we're helping someone work through a conflict, or when we're in a conflict ourselves, we must remember this principle. There's what I think happened, what you think happened, and then there's what actually happened – which is often somewhere in between. Only by listening to all perspectives can we approach truth. Our Response as Believers So how do we respond to this tragedy as Christians? First, we mourn. Romans 12:15 tells us to "weep with them that weep." We don't celebrate violence against anyone, regardless of their political views. Every life has value - period. That's not up for debate. Second, we must model better discourse. In our homes, in churches, in schools, and our communities, we need to show that it's possible to disagree without being disagreeable. We need to demonstrate active listening – asking genuine questions, seeking to understand before being understood, and admitting when we don't know everything about a subject. Third, we pray . We pray for Kirk's family – his wife and their kids. We pray for the shooter and his family, that God might work even in this darkness. We pray for justice and answers. We pray for our nation, that we might find ways to bridge that which seems to divide us through dialogue rather than deepen them through violence. The Ministry of Listening The article says that when people feel listened to, they feel "appreciated, valued, respected, accepted and loved." Think about that – simply by listening, we can communicate God's love to others . Conversely, when people are not listened to, they feel "disrespected, ignored, invisible, unloved, rejected, unworthy, and alone." Is it any wonder that in a society where we've stopped listening to each other, we're seeing increased loneliness, violence, and division ? When people feel unheard long enough, some resort to terrible actions to make themselves heard. Practical Application This week, I challenge each of us to practice intentional listening : When someone shares a different viewpoint, ask a clarifying question before responding. In family discussions, make sure everyone gets a chance to speak without interruption. Seek out one person you typically disagree with and have a respectful conversation. Pray before engaging in difficult discussions, asking God for wisdom and understanding. Remember to look for all three sides of every story – draw out those deep waters. A Father's Heart Before we close, I want to share something personal. As a father myself, this tragedy hits differently. Charlie Kirk was just 31 years old with two young children who will now grow up without their dad. That breaks my heart. You know, sometimes I get frustrated with my own kids. Maybe they're not meeting my expectations, or they're making choices I wouldn't make. But this tragedy reminds me of what really matters. My kids need me to listen to them – really listen. Not just wait for my turn to lecture or correct, but to hear their hearts, their struggles, their dreams. I also have to trust that God's got my kids too . It's not all on me to make them wonderful people. My job is to stay connected, to keep those lines of communication open, and to model what it looks like to listen with love . Even when I disagree with them, even when they frustrate me, I need to remember that every day is precious. And in the end, what will matter the most is whether I took the time to truly talk to and listen them. What We've Learned Today So, let's summarize: Listening is powerful – Jesus showed us that asking questions and truly hearing people opens doors. Words matter more than winning – The battle of ideas should never become a battle of violence. We can disagree passionately while still treating each other with simple respect. Everyone needs to be heard – When people feel unheard, they become desperate. Deep waters require patience – The real issues are often buried deep. We need to be people of understanding who can draw out what's really in people's hearts. Time is precious – Let's use the time we have in this life to build bridges, not walls. Moving Forward This week, let's honor the memory of those lost to senseless violence. Be the person who asks one more question before giving your opinion. Be the parent who puts down the phone and really listens to your child. Be the neighbor who can disagree without being disagreeable. Be the believer who shows the world that God's love can bridge any divide. You have the power to change someone's day, maybe even their life, simply by listening. That's not weakness – that's the strength of God in Christ in you. Go out there and be listeners who lead with love. Your families need it, your communities need it, and our nation desperately needs it. May God give us all ears to hear, hearts to understand, and wisdom to know when to speak and when to simply listen. The world is watching how we respond to tragedy and division. Let's show them there's a better way. Amen?

Introduction A recent article in VextMagazine touched my heart. The author writes about how young people today are struggling to find real community - what they call a "third place" beyond home and work. They describe digital connections that feel empty, fleeting gatherings that don't stick, and a culture that says "I don't owe anybody anything." The author ends with a beautiful thought: maybe we need "radical dependence" instead of radical independence. Maybe we need to show up for each other, even when it's inconvenient. Here's what struck me - this generation knows something's wrong. They feel the loneliness, the emptiness, the disconnection. But they don't know what to do about it. They need practical steps, real actions they can take. The amazing thing? God gave us the blueprint thousands of years ago. Every piece of wisdom our culture is rediscovering was already written in scripture. Let me show you how to build real community with timeless principles that actually work. The Original "Third Place" - The Early Church Turn with me to Acts 2:42-46 (KJV). Here we see the very first Christian community: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Notice - they met "from house to house." Not in fancy buildings. Just in each other's homes. The article mentions how today's "third places" have become expensive - "$7 lattes and unspoken time limits." The author remembers simpler times: "A bowling alley. A diner. A park bench with friends passing around a bag of chips." But here's what's beautiful - the early church had it figured out. They didn't need expensive coffee shops or entertainment venues. They just opened their homes. No cover charge. No time limits. Just people sharing life together around kitchen tables. What worked 2,000 years ago still works today. Your apartment, your living room, your kitchen table - that's all you need to create real community. Practical Steps to Build Real Community (With Scripture That Backs It Up) 1. Schedule Weekly Face-to-Face Gatherings Action : Pick one night a week. Same time, same place. Make it sacred. Don't cancel. Scripture : Hebrews 10:25 - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." This isn't just good advice - it's a command. Regular, consistent gathering changes everything. 2. Put Your Phone Away During Gatherings Action : Create a phone basket at the door. Everyone drops their phone in. No exceptions. Scripture : Colossians 3:2 - "Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth." Be present with the people in front of you, not the notifications on your screen. 3. Share Real Meals Together Action : Cook together, eat together. Not takeout in styrofoam to-go's - real food, real dishes, real conversation. Scripture : Acts 2:46 - "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." There's power in sharing food. It's been true for thousands of years. 4. Practice "One Another" Living Action : Each week, pick one person in your group and ask: "What do you need help with this week?" Then actually help them. Scripture : Galatians 6:2 - "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Stop keeping score. Start serving. 5. Create Rituals of Celebration Action : Celebrate everything - new jobs, birthdays, even small victories. Make celebration your default response. Scripture : Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Be genuinely happy for others' success. It multiplies joy. 6. Open Your Home Weekly Action : Pick a night, open your door. "Tuesday nights, 7pm, soup's on." Let people know they can just show up. Scripture : Romans 12:13 - "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Hospitality isn't about having a perfect house - it's about having an open heart. 7. Share Your Actual Struggles Action : When someone asks "How are you?" tell the truth. Not your whole life story, but the real answer. Scripture : James 5:16 - "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." Vulnerability creates connection. Masks create distance. 8. Give Without Expecting Return Action : Keep a $20 in your wallet specifically to give away each week. Food for someone, gas money, whatever's needed. Scripture : Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Generosity breaks the "transactional" mindset that kills community. 9. Learn Everyone's Story Action : In your gatherings, have each person share their story over time. Where they came from, what shaped them. Scripture : Philippians 2:4 - "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." You can't love someone you don't really know. 10. Commit for the Long Haul Action : Tell your group: "I'm here for you, no matter what." Then stick to it. Scripture : Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Community takes time. Quick connections don't create deep roots. The "I Don't Owe Anybody Anything" Mindset vs. God's Design The world tells us to protect ourselves, but look at Romans 13:8: "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." We DO owe each other something - love! And love looks like action. The Power of the Holy Spirit in Community Here's the secret weapon - when we receive the gift of holy spirit (Romans 10:9-10), God empowers us to love beyond our natural ability. First Corinthians 12:13 says: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." We're supernaturally connected to each other! Conclusion That article's author is searching for something God already gave us the blueprint for. These aren't just nice ideas - they're proven principles that have worked for thousands of years. Gen Z, you're right - something IS broken. But you don't have to figure it out alone. The answers have been written down, tested, and proven. Start with one action this week. Just one. Open your home. Put down your phone. Share a meal. Give without keeping score. Because when we live this way, something powerful happens. Matthew 18:20 promises: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." That's the ultimate "third place" - the presence of God himself, right here with us. Let's not just talk about community. Let's build it, one practical step at a time, with wisdom that's older than the internet but fresher than tomorrow's sunrise.

I used to read the Bible and feel puzzled about why some promises didn’t seem to click for me. Then I discovered a straightforward truth that changed it all: not every verse in the Bible is meant directly for me , even though every verse is there to teach me something. Once I figured out which promises are meant for believers today, my spiritual life became way more powerful and clear. It's really important that I read what's written to me. Let's look at Romans chapter 15, verse 4: " For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning , that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." All the scripture written before Pentecost - from Genesis to Malachi and even the Gospels - gives us incredible wisdom and understanding. These books are absolutely valuable and teach us so much about God and His ways. However, they weren't directly addressed to believers living today. They were written for our learning. The Books Specifically for Us God gave us seven special letters that speak directly to you and me in this current time - the church epistles. These letters contain specific instructions for our lives right now , and when we follow them, amazing things happen! Don't get me wrong - every single book in the Bible is inspired by God and has tremendous value. But these seven books are the ones actually addressed to us. The seven church epistles are: Romans 1 and 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 and 2 Thessalonians These are our letters - written specifically for believers today! How God's Plan Unfolds Through Time To understand why these seven church epistles belong to us, we need to look at how God has worked throughout history. God's plan unfolds in seven distinct time periods, which we call administrations: Paradise - Adam and Eve's perfect beginning The Patriarchs - When God worked through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob The Law - Beginning with Moses receiving the Ten Commandments Christ's Ministry - Jesus' time walking the earth The Age of Grace - Our current time period! Christ's Return - What's coming next Paradise Restored - God's perfect ending God relates to people differently in each period. Think about it - Adam and Eve had one set of instructions, Abraham had another, Moses received the law, and David lived under that law. Even Queen Esther followed different guidelines than we do today. Each group received exactly what they needed from God to thrive in their specific time period. His love never changes, but He works with people differently in different times. Jesus Promised Something Amazing Was Coming In John 16, right before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus gave his disciples an incredible promise. He explained that a new time period was about to begin, when the holy spirit would guide believers into all truth. Listen to what he said in John 16, verses 12 and 13: "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." Jesus was talking about the great mystery - truths so special that God kept them hidden until exactly the right moment. God's timing had to be perfect. First, Mary had to believe and give birth to Jesus. Then Jesus had to complete everything God sent him to do. Only then could these new truths be revealed. Jesus was preparing his disciples for something completely different - a new way God would work with His people, filled with fresh spiritual realities. This new period, called the grace administration, began on Pentecost. Who Delivered These New Truths to Us? By Pentecost, Jesus had already ascended and taken his place at God's right hand. So how would believers learn about these new spiritual truths? God selected Paul as His messenger, just as He had chosen Moses to deliver the law and sent Jesus to teach during his earthly ministry. Look at Ephesians 3:1-3: "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation [administration] of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery ..." Paul's basically telling us, "God entrusted me with this incredible information about the grace administration to pass along to you." Through holy spirit, God showed Paul everything - all the truths believers would need to live powerfully in this new period. Paul faithfully recorded these revelations in seven letters, and today we hold those same truths in our hands! The Secret Finally Unveiled Verse 5 tells us: "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." This mystery was completely hidden throughout history. Not one detail was spoken or written before Pentecost. God kept this secret so well that even Jesus didn't know about it during his earthly ministry! The full revelation waited until God unveiled it to Paul. Want to know what this incredible mystery is? Colossians 1:27 reveals it: "...which is Christ in you , the hope of glory." Here's what this means: every single born-again believer has Christ living inside them and can do the same powerful works Jesus did. Let that sink in for a moment - you and I have the ability to do what Jesus did! Have you ever really considered what that means? Talk about a confidence booster! How This Changes Everything for Us The seven church epistles - Romans through Thessalonians - give us the blueprint for living out this amazing mystery. These letters deserve our focused attention because they show us exactly: The right way to believe How to get back on track when we stumble Why Jesus' accomplishments matter so much That we have the same spiritual power Jesus had How to use the nine manifestations of holy spirit That we're more than conquerors no matter what we face (Romans 8:37) That we already have every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) All we need to do is believe these truths and put them into practice! Living Up to Our Calling Ephesians 4:1-3 gives us the blueprint: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." This passage reveals the secret to spiritual living - approach life with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These qualities bind our hearts together and help us flourish spiritually. Colossians 2:10 adds this powerful truth: "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." You're already complete in Christ! Living in this completeness isn't about following a rulebook - it's about walking by God's spirit of life and love in our hearts. Two Ways to Walk Think back to Adam and Eve. They enjoyed perfect spiritual fellowship with God in the garden. But Eve got tricked into trusting her physical senses over God's word. Adam went along with her choice, and instantly their spiritual connection with God was severed. When God said they would die if they ate the forbidden fruit, He meant their spiritual connection would die - and it did. For thousands of years afterward, until Pentecost, humanity could only navigate life using their five senses, with no ability to perceive spiritual realities. But here's the good news - as born-again believers, we've got that spiritual connection back! We can perceive and understand spiritual truths again! Romans 8:1 declares: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." And verse 6 drives it home: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." The contrast couldn't be clearer! Relying only on our physical senses leads to spiritual death. But walking by God's spirit brings life and peace. That's an easy choice for me! Here's What It All Comes Down To Never before in history have believers had such incredible potential to demonstrate God's power as we do right now in the grace administration. What an amazing privilege to live in such a powerful time! So let me answer the big question: Are these scriptures written to you? If you find them in the seven church epistles, the answer is absolutely YES! They're written directly to you, to me, and to every believer living today. Romans through Thessalonians contains the complete truth for our time period - everything we need is right there. Let's commit to faithfully studying these letters written specifically to us. Don't neglect them or push them aside. Instead, let's focus on the "all truth" that Jesus promised would come - the truth Paul faithfully delivered in these seven powerful epistles. We have the ability to walk in perfect spiritual fellowship with God our Father. As we study and apply these truths written directly to us, we'll experience the fullness of this incredible mystery together. The Big Idea Not every part of the Bible is written TO you, but every part is written FOR you to learn from. Only 7 books in the Bible are actually addressed to people living today - and knowing which ones they are will totally change how you read the Bible. The Eye-Opening Truth: The Old Testament (Genesis through Malachi) and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) are like reading someone else's mail - super helpful to read, but not addressed to you Only 7 books are your personal letters from God: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians The Game-Changer Before Jesus left, He promised something new was coming. After He went to heaven, God gave Paul a special message - a "mystery" that had been kept secret forever. Ready for this? The secret is "God in Christ in you!" That means every believer has Christ living inside them and can do the same amazing things Jesus did. Two Ways to Live You can either: Walk by your five senses (what you see, hear, touch, taste, smell) - leads to nowhere good Walk by the spirit - brings life, joy, and peace Adam and Eve lost their spiritual connection when they chose door #1. But we get that connection back through Christ. The Bottom Line We're living in the most spiritually powerful time in history. Those 7 books are your instruction manual for life right now. Don't ignore them - they're literally written to you! When you understand this and start living by what they say, your spiritual life will explode with power and purpose. Pretty cool that out of 66 books in the Bible, God made sure 7 were specifically for you, right? Amen.

Last fellowship, we learned about how we're all on God's team, with God as our coach and Jesus Christ as our captain. In this article, I want to talk about what every winning team does: they huddle up , get on the same page, and move that ball down the field together toward the goal line. Turn to Philippians 2. You know, in football, before every play, the team comes together in a huddle. They look each other in the eye, they get the plan from their captain, and then they break that huddle with one purpose – move the ball forward. They're not worried about individual stats. They're focused on one thing: reaching that end zone. Let's all turn to Philippians 2:2. Let's read this together: "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." That's huddle talk right there! Same mind, same love, one accord. Turn to Romans 12:4-5: For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. We come together, even though we all don’t play the same position, we’re members in one team, we get our hearts aligned, and then we move forward together. Turn to 1 Corinthians 12.  Now, here's what makes our team so powerful – we don't all have the same strengths, and that's beautiful! Different positions, different strengths. Turn to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. Let's read: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." And I love that phrase 'diversities of operations.' When you dig into the original language using Strong’s Concordance, that word 'operations' points directly to “ the working”  or “the effect in operation” of holy spirit. So Paul is saying God gives each of us a distinct, particular, different way that holy spirit works through us. It's the same holy spirit, but it operates differently through each person on the team. Turn to Matthew 16. I'm not strong at speaking in tongues with interpretation, but others in our fellowship are. Maybe you’re good at making people feel good—you heal people with your words and actions. Perhaps you’re good at believing—you always know the right thing to say. Someone else might be great at knowing what to do—they're ready to help make the best decision out of love. Think about it – even Jesus picked disciples who were different types of people who work differently with different strengths. Let’s turn to and read Matthew 16:16 - here's Peter being bold: "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Peter spoke up when others were quiet. Now turn to John 13:23 - here's John: "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."  John had that close, quiet relationship with Jesus. And look at John 20:25 - here's Thomas making the difficult decisions: "The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." Each one had their own particular way... So what happens when a team full of different players decides to truly  huddle up and get on the same page? Well, the Bible gives us the greatest huddle story of all time. Turn with me to Acts 1. This is right after Jesus rose from the dead and Peter had just had his worst game ever – denied Jesus three times. But look what the team did. Let's read in Acts 1:14: "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." They huddled up! All their different strengths came together in one accord. Now turn to Acts 2. Let's see what happened when they stayed in that huddle. Let’s read in Acts 2:1-4: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." The coach… sent in… the play! The Holy Spirit came because they stayed together with one accord, each ready for their particular operation of the spirit. Now look at Acts 2:14. Peter – the same guy who fumbled three times by denying Jesus – look what he does in Acts 2:14: "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words." Peter's particular operation resulted in boldness and speaking out, and he used it while standing with his teammates. And look what happened – turn to Acts 2:41: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." That's what happens when a team with different members work together as a team.  But here's the thing about our team – we're playing for something even bigger. Turn to Ephesians 1:9-10. This is our ultimate goal line: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might… gather together… in one… all things… in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him." That's our touchdown! When the time comes, we'll all be gathered together in one – heaven and earth, all together in Christ. That’s the glory. That’s the hope of glory. That’s God.. in Christ… in you. The hope of glory, when we all are perfected in one.  John 17:22-23 reads: "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one..." But you know what? God's been planning this team victory from the very beginning. Turn to Isaiah 40:5 - let's read this together: "And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." See that word "together"? God's glory – God’s touchdown celebration – that happens when we all see it together! Not individually, but as a team. And turn to 1 Corinthians 15:28. This is what that ultimate glory looks like: "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all… in all." That's the final score! When God becomes all in all – that's His glory fully revealed. And it happens when we're all together as His team. Turn to First Corinthians 1:10 – let's read this together: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Perfectly joined together – that's what a huddle does, bringing all our different operations of holy spirit into one unified team. So here's my encouragement for you: Celebrate the distinct, particular ways holy spirit works through each person in your huddle. Use your operation to help move the ball forward. Stay in that huddle with your fellow believers. Keep that one accord. And remember – we're all moving toward that ultimate touchdown when God's glory will be revealed and we'll all be gathered together in Christ. Amen?

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. So I was thinking—you know what dads REALLY want for Father's Day? Forget the funny tie. Forget the "World's Best Dad" coffee mug. Nope. You know what makes a dad really happy? When his kids actually LISTEN to what he says!   Please turn to Ephesian 6. I mean, think about it. When a dad says "please clean your room" and his kid actually cleans his bedroom? That's pure gold right there! When a dad says “Oh, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Maybe we should hold off on doing that right now” and his kid actually changes their way of thinking? That's awesome, right? Well, guess what? Our Heavenly Father is the same way. He's all around us, and inside us, saying, "Please, just listen to me. Do what I tell you. I know what I'm talking about!" In fact, God thought this was so important, He wrote it down in. Let’s read Ephesians 6:1.  It says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Notice it doesn't say "obey your parents when you feel like it" or "when it makes sense to you." It just says this is RIGHT. Period.  Please turn to Mathew 7. God as Our Loving Father Let’s read Matthew 7:11 . It says: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Basically, Jesus is saying, "Look, you knucklehead dads, if you know how to be decent parents, imagine how awesome God is at being a parent." That’s what that verse means. God gives us advice all the time, tips, solutions, and yes, sometimes those "thou shalt not" commandments that keep us from doing some really dumb stuff. Who has Psalm 32:8?  It says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." That's God saying, "I've got my eye on you, and I'm gonna help you. Listen to what I’m saying." Good dads say that same thing too.  Let’s turn to and read John 16:13. Jesus here is teaching people about receiving God’s gift of holy spirit when being born again. It says, "Howbeit when he (Strong’s Concordance, in Greek, ek-i'-nos, a neuter pronoun, meaning “that” or “it”), the Spirit of truth, is come, he (it) will guide you (like a leader or teacher) into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he (you) shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." That spirit of truth, that gift of holy sprit that you received when you were born again (Romans 10:9-10) is God in Christ in you (Colossians 1:27, Ephesians 3:16-17). That's God's still small voice talking to you. Telling you, guiding you, on which way you should go. Dads do the same thing. Just as a good dad guides his kids with gentle instruction, so does God's spirit provide internal direction. Holy spirit within is like your internal guidance system.  And who has Proverbs 23:26 ? This verse is like God's ultimate Father's Day wish. It says, "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." That’s God saying, "Just watch what I do. Watch what happens. This really works." Dads say the same thing.  What Do Good Dads Tell Their Kids? Now, let's look at stuff every-dads say and see how God says the exact same things. Coincidence? I think not! 1. "I Love You, Kid." Every good dad says this (even if it's sometimes when his kid is not doing his best). And God? Well, he's been saying that forever! Who has Jeremiah 31:3?  It says, "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." (Everlasting. That's like an infinite "I love you.”) 1 John 3:1 says, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God" (We're not just random people—we're HIS KIDS!) Okay, #2. What good dads say… 2. "Watch Out! That's Dangerous!" You know how dads have that keen sense about danger? They say, "Don't do that!" Well, God's got that same protective instinct: Who has 2 Corinthians 6:14-18?  It says, "Don’t be yoked together with unbelievers. Come out from among them, and be separate." (That's God saying, "Stay away from bad people and bad influences, kid.") 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (God's basically saying, "Heads up! Watch out. Look around. Bad guy alert!") Another thing good dads say is… 3. "Don't Quit. Don't Give Up. Keep Going." You know when a kid is struggling through a brutal final exam or trying to bring up those grades, a dad’s NOT gonna let his kid give up, right? God's the same way: Who has Colossians 3:23?  It reads, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." (Give it your all, even if it's just doing the dishes.) Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (That’s God saying to hang in there—your goal is within reach!) What else do good dads say?  4. "Be Nice to Your Sisters" You know how a dad can be a referee between siblings? Well, God loves peace in the family too: Who has Ephesians 4:32?  It says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Be nice when your sister borrows your dress without asking. Forgive her and move on.) Luke 6:31 says, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Dads know the original Golden Rule: "Treat other people the way you want to be treated." This works great with siblings too.) 5. "I'll Always Be Here for You, No Questions Asked." You know how a dad can give his kid a ride home late at night? Maybe the party got weird, or a ride from a friend didn’t happen, or things just didn't go as planned. A good Dad says, "Call me anytime, I'll come get you." God's got that same promise: Who has Deuteronomy 31:6? It says, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (God's always ready to bring you home.) Matthew 28:20 - "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (He's not just a text away—He's already there with you in every situation.) What else do good dads say to their kids? 6. "Everybody Makes Mistakes. Don't Worry About It?" We all make mistakes. We all have done something completely opposite of what we were told to do. Even right after we’re told not to do that. Dads forgive. And God's got the same forgiving spirit: Who has 1 John 1:9?  It says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (Since we have "God in Christ in us" through the holy spirit, when we mess up, we can talk directly to God about it. He's faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. The "cleansing from all unrighteousness" is like that internal spiritual renewal - God's spirit working in us to restore and purify, from the inside out. No complicated religious rituals are needed. Just an honest conversation with God, who already dwells within you through His spirit. That's the beautiful simplicity of having God in Christ in you. Get it? Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." (God does not hold a grudge. Did a mistake? You’re righteous. You’re forgiven. Move on.) Two more things good dads say… 7. "Oh, Good Job, Kid!" You know when a child does something really good, and dad is so proud? God's got that same proud papa thing going on: Who has Romans 8:16-17?  It says, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (We're not just kids—we're heirs to the family business!) 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, "And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (God claims us as His own children in His own family. Wow!) Last but not least… 8. "Just Listen to Me—Trust Me on This One" Sometimes a dad can get that serious look and say, "Look, I need you to listen. You may think I’m too old to fully understand what's going on here. But trust me. Just do what I'm telling you, and it'll all work out." God does the exact same thing: Who has Proverbs 3:5-6?  It says, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (God's saying, "I can see the whole picture—trust me!") Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways." (God knows stuff we don't—that's why we should just listen.) The Ultimate Instruction Manual God knew we would need clear instructions for life, so He gave us His Word. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the child of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. God is saying, "Here's the manual. Read it. Do it.” When We Don't Listen to Dad Sometimes we simply choose not to read the Word or follow God’s commandments. Think about baking a cake. The recipe calls for specific measurements, exact temperatures, and precise timing. But maybe we think we know better. We add a little extra of this, skip that step, or change the temperature because we're in a hurry. The result? A cake that doesn't rise, or burns on the outside while staying raw in the middle. The recipe was perfect—we just didn't follow it. This is exactly what happens when we don't know or follow the Word. In Romans 1:21-22, it says, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." Paul is describing people who knew the right way, but they chose their own path instead, thinking that they could do it on their own. The good news is that God doesn't give up on us when we mess up. Just like an earthly father continues to love and guide his children through their mistakes, God remains faithful to us. His love doesn't depend on us being perfect, but instead depends on us learning, listening, and doing His Word. Apply This Today Alright, so what do we do with all this? Here's your Father's Day action plan. 3 steps: Do What You’ve Learned . (James 1:22) Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Don't just nod your head and then do whatever you want. Learn what dad is trying to teach you. Trust the Process . (Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Sometimes, a father knows best. Be Thankful.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Dads love to hear, “Thanks.” And so does your Heavenly Father. They both need to hear it. Closing So, the best Father's Day gift isn't a new grill or another "dad joke" book (although those are fun too). It's letting your father know you actually heard what he had to say, and you're trying your best to do it. The same goes for God. He's not looking for perfect kids—He's looking for people who listen, who try, who get back up when they fall, and, who know, that they’re never alone. Let's be thankful for our Heavenly Father on this Father’s Day. For always loving us, being there for us in every situation, telling us what to look for and what to do, and celebrating when we do good. We sure are thankful.  Happy Father's Day.  Amen? Amen.

If you have a bible, please turn to Ephesians 1. I'm happy to be sharing with you today, because it’s my happy birthday. Birthdays naturally make me think about my life—where I’ve been and where I’m going. I think about how as a believer, I actually experienced two births (two birthdays): my physical birth into this world and my spiritual rebirth  by confession and believing (as we know from Romans 10:9-10). Having two birthdays helps me understand a short prayer that Apostle Paul wrote down a couple thousand years ago. The prayer was written to me and you, and every believer, for us to read and apply to our lives today. Paul's powerful prayer is in Ephesians 1:15-19 . Let’s read and study this prayer. In these verses, Paul reveals three types of knowledge that can change our understanding of what's available to us through our 2nd birthday, our spiritual rebirth. The Source of True Knowledge John 10:10 says that we can live a more than abundant life. But to do that, we have to know what makes that abundant life available. To find out what is available to us, we have to know what God has promised us. There’s only one primary source for this information. There’s only one place where we can possibly go to find out what God has made available to us and for us, so that we can live an abundant life. We must go to the Word. We go to the Word because, (as II Peter 1:3 explains), God's Word contains "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." This means we can go to the Word, read the Word with confidence, learn from it, and know that it provides everything we need, in relation to how we should think, speak, act, and live. The Prayer for Enlightenment Let's go to the Word. Let’s look at Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1. And let’s discover what God wants us to know.  Let’s read Ephesians 1:15-19. It says, "15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and  revelation  in the  knowledge  of him. 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling , and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance  in the saints. 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe , according to the working of his mighty power.” Paul is praying for spiritual illumination, mental enlightenment, so that believers can receive "the spirit of wisdom  and revelation  in the knowledge  of God." This isn't merely intellectually understanding. Like, “Oh, yeah, I understand. I got it.” No. It’s much more than that. It’s about divine enlightenment, where "the eyes of our understanding [our hearts]" will be flooded   richly  with spiritual light . That’s really cool.  My Two Births As I think about my birthday today, I'm reminded that my physical birth was just the beginning of my story. When I was born on this day, many, many, many years ago, I entered the world as a physical being with certain physical characteristics and abilities, and also limitations. But when I was born again, and experienced a spiritual rebirth —being "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever" (like I Peter 1:23 says)—I received a new nature, became like a new person, with new potential, and new unlimited resources. Born again believers, can tap into unlimited spiritual truths and resources, to live a more than abundant life. Because that’s what is promised to us in the Word. Just as my physical birth  was only the start of discovering who I would become naturally, my spiritual birth  began a lifelong journey of discovering what God has made available to me spiritually.  Paul is praying to God here in Ephesians 1 to give us something really cool - a special kind of wisdom . Paul wants you to know   God  in a special way - not just know about Him, but really know Him personally.  Paul talks about the "eyes of our hearts." This means the part deep inside each of us that truly understands things. Paul is praying that God will turn on a super bright light inside you and me, so that we can see things we couldn't see before (with wisdom  and revelation  by knowing  God.) When this light comes on, we’ll understand three amazing things: We’ll understand (1) the hope that God has given us - that's like a special promise, from God, that we can count on. (2) You'll see how rich God's inheritance is. Inheritance is like when someone leaves you a treasure in their will after they die, except God's treasure is for all His people, for us. And it's better than any treasure on earth. And (3) We’ll begin to understand God's power - and this isn't just any power, it's HUGE power. The same incredible strength that God used when He did His mightiest works. It’s the very same power that's works within you, when you believe in Him. Three Categories of Divine Knowledge Let’s look again at the three things that Paul mentions in his prayer: First Thing: The Hope of His Calling Paul prays that we would know "what is the hope of his calling" (Ephesians 1:18b). Hope mentioned in the Word here is NOT uncertain wishful thinking, but instead, confident expectation. It relates to something available and definitely coming in the future. For believers, this hope centers on Christ's return , when we will be gathered together , receive new bodies  (physically reborn again), and be forever with the Lord . As I John 3:2 promises, "Beloved, now are we the sons and daughters of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that, when he appears, we shall be like him. For we shall see him as he is." While my physical birthday makes me think about the years that have passed, my spiritual birth gives me reason to look forward with anticipation of what is yet to come. 2nd Thing Paul Prays for Is God’s Inheritance in the Saints The second thing Paul prays for believers to know is "what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18c). This truth is amazing—we are God's inheritance. The Creator of the universe has claimed us as His treasured possession. He inherited us. As born-again believers, we have God’s gift of holy spirit. God has put an incorruptible seed in us, and we are His beloved and precious (inherited) children forevermore. This verse is saying that God has this incredibly valuable, amazingly wonderful treasure - and that treasure is actually us, His people, the saints. And at the same time, we get to share in all the wonderful things God has prepared for those who love Him. It's like God is saying, "You are my special treasure, and I have amazing gifts for you." Colossians 1:27 tells us we have "Christ in us, the hope of glory," while I John 3:2 says that "now, we are the children of God." God values us so deeply that He considers us His inheritance. Third Thing Paul Prays for Is the Exceeding Greatness of God’s Power The third thing that Paul prays for us believers to know is "what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe , according to the working of his mighty power" (Ephesians 1:19). The power given to believers  is described as having "exceeding, surpassing, and superabundant greatness." Believing  is the greatest principle in all of life, and believing is the greatest law in the Word. Believing makes things happen. Believing brings the promises of God into reality.  This super power (believing) is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. And that power is available to us who manifest it through believing. Jesus promised in John 14:12, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, She that believeth on me, the works that I do, shall she do also. And greater works than these shall she do, because I go unto my Father." The Connection Between Birth and Knowledge Just as a newborn kid gradually discovers and develops physical capabilities, we – as spiritually reborn believers – we must grow in our understanding of what's been made available to us. When I was born physically, I couldn't immediately walk, talk, or feed myself. Similarly, spiritual growth requires development. The knowledge that Paul prays for isn't automatically operational in our lives—we must grow in the understanding and application of these spiritual realities. The difference between my physical development and spiritual development is that physical abilities develop naturally with time, while spiritual understanding requires intentional believing and action, like studying the Word, and going to fellowship.  A Birthday Reflection Today, as I celebrate another year of physical life, I'm more grateful than ever for the gift of a spiritual life. While my physical birth gave me a temporary existence in this world, my spiritual rebirth has given me an eternal life with God. Let’s walk with confidence because we know . Our confidence isn't based on feelings or circumstances, but on divine knowledge  of what God has made available to us. My birthday wish is for all of us is to grow in our understanding of these three vital areas of knowledge: The certain hope of Christ's return and our future with Him. Our valued position as God's own inheritance. The exceeding greatness of God's power available to us through believing. As we understand and apply these truths, we can experience the abundant life Jesus promised—not just on special days like birthdays, but every day of our lives. I am thankful for the gift of a physical life. I’m even more thankful for the gift of a spiritual life by being born again. Let’s believe God to continue to give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation we need in our lives. Let’s enlighten the eyes of our hearts to understand the hope of our calling, the riches of our inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward us who believe. Let’s walk with confidence because we know these truths. Amen?

Hey, grab your Bible and flip over to 1 Timothy 2. So prayer... it's way more than just asking God for stuff. It's really about responding to what God has already promised us. Let me say that again because it's super important - prayer is basically us believing what God already said He'd do. Praying is more than asking for things. It’s a believing response to God's promises. When we pray (and throw in some thankfulness too), we're acting like what we're praying for has already happened. And from God's view, it actually has! Pretty cool, right? When we pray (with thanksgiving), we're acting like it's already done—because from God’s perspective, it is. Think of prayer as this awesome bridge connecting our believing with our receiving. Prayer is a helpful bridge between believing and receiving. While we're pouring our hearts out to God, we can pray both spiritually and with our regular thoughts too. As we share our hearts to God, we can pray in the spirit and with understanding. We can pray for others. And we watch for open doors, so truth can be heard. Praying for Everyone Let’s begin with 1 Timothy 2:1–2 , and learn about praying for everyone. It says: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men and women; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Paul wrote this in a letter that is addressed to Timothy. It tells him how to lead, teach, and shepherd the believers in Ephesus. It tells us to put praying “first of all.” And not just praying for ourselves, but for everyone. Prayer is not just a moment of being mindful of others — it’s an act of believing, trusting, and helping. That’s what this teaching is about: how prayer connects our believing to God's power, so the Word can move freely in our lives and in the lives of others. Let’s turn to Philippians 4:6 and learn a little about pouring out our hearts in trust. It says: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” According to the BlueLetterBible.org and Strong’s Concordance, the word “careful”  is from the Greek merimnaō, which means to be “anxious” or “mentally pulled in different directions.” Have you ever felt like that, pulled apart, when thinking about a certain situation, or a friend group, or a life decision you need to make?  The Word says the solution isn’t to bury your feelings, suppress them, or cover them up. But rather, pray. And not just praying casually. Look at this word “supplication.” “ By prayer and supplication.” Supplication means to ask earnestly or plead with someone, usually from an urgent heart. It’s not just a casual request, but a deep, sincere, and heartfelt “ask.” “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known.” And here's the key in Philippians 4:6 (just like in 1 Timothy 2:1), we pray with thanksgiving. Why? Because thanksgiving is how believing works. It’s how we talk. When I pray and thank God, I am believing (I am trusting) He’s already working on it. For example, when my daughters started to think about going to college, they started to talk about needing transportation, and they came to me and Alicia, and started this conversation about getting to class and events. Guess what? By the time they came to me, I'd already been working on the solution. As a man, as a provider, as a father, I’m excited to tell my family, “I got it. Trust me. I have a solution, and it’s right here.” That’s my job for my family. And that’s God’s job for us. How does God know what we need? Well, we can help him out by praying.  Let’s turn to and read Hebrews 11:1 (KJV ) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” That word “faith” is the Greek word “pistis,” and that means believing. So feel free to use a pencil and write in “believing” where it says “faith” here. And the word “substance” is the Greek word “hypostasis,” and that means “that which actually exists.” If I go on Amazon.com and buy something, I believe that I own that thing which actually exists, even though I have not yet seen it (because it hasn’t yet been delivered to my door). In the same way, spiritually, believing is possessing something that actually exists. “I believe I am healthy. I believe I am peaceful. I believe I am surrounded by love. I believe in God. I believe I can do all things.” And thanksgiving is the natural response to receiving what I believe. “... with thanksgiving let your requests be made known.” And prayer is that helpful bridge between believing and receiving. So my prayer might go something like this: “ Thank You, God, my heavenly Father, for handling this already.” That’s not blind hope—it’s believing with confidence and trusting in God that it shall be done or has been done already.  And this ties right into Psalm 62. Please turn to, and let’s read Psalms 62:8 .  “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Let’s not wait to thank God until after we see the results. Let’s thank God now, because we believe now. My prayer with thanksgiving is an expression of trust. I trust God will provide. At all times. My prayer is not a question mark. I open and pour out, of my heart, and my mind, a thankful expression of believing and trust.  Praying in the Spirit and with Understanding Let’s turn to and read 1 Corinthians 14:15: “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also…” This is about our full engagement in prayer—both mind and spirit, natural and supernatural. As born-again believers, we’ve been given the gift of holy spirit, and we can manifest it through speaking in tongues, which is praying in the spirit. That’s perfect “intercession.” That “intercession” listed in 1 Timothy 2:1. The word “intercession” suggests standing in the gap for another person—bringing someone else’s needs before God, as though you are their advocate. Intercession is when we pray not  for ourselves, but for others. Maybe even when they can’t, won’t, or don’t know how to believe for themselves. We pray in tongues when, we don’t need know the full picture of what’s going on, or the details of what someone needs. But, we can follow up, in our understanding, with verses, names, specific needs—and always, with thanksgiving. We can pray in the spirit. And we can pray with understanding—using our hearts and minds, making requests for specific people and situations.  Back in 1 Timothy 2:1 , Paul gives us a pattern to keep in mind: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men and women.” Supplications – praying deeply and sincerely Prayers – talking with God Intercessions – spiritually stepping in on someone else’s behalf Thanksgiving – our response of believing and trust When we pray for others and thank God in the same breath, we’re showing our confident believing—not begging for results, but believing we have received them. This is in alignment with 1 John 5. Let’s read in 1 John 5:14–15 : “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” We have full confidence that whatsoever we ask, for ourselves or for others, he hears us.  Prayer That Opens Doors and Moves the Word Let’s wrap this up with one more verse. Let’s read Colossians 4:2–3: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance...” Paul, who is writing this letter from house arrest, isn’t asking for an open door to be released from imprisonment—he’s asking for  open doors to speak  God’s word to people, and he knows prayer is the key that unlocks those doors. In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, it says to pray for kings and people in authority. Believing prayer isn’t just for leaders—it’s for all believers . But ministers have a unique calling to pray on behalf of those they serve. This reminds me of something Reverend Koetteritz once said. He shared that he lived out Ephesians 1:16 as a daily part of his service. And Ephesians 1:16 says: “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” That’s something spiritual leaders do. They remember people by name, to give thanks for them continually. I want to pray like that—for others, with thanks, because I believe God is already working on it.  Paul repeats this again in Colossians 1:9: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you…” And in 1 Thessalonians 1:2: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” We can pray like this. And when we do, God opens doors. We’re part of a ministry that prays for boldness to speak, open doors to speak to, and open hearts that hear the Word.  A STORY So, just before we conclude this teaching, I want to tell you a story that proves to me (and will hopefully prove to you) that praying works. A long time ago, in a faraway place, there was a man who lived with his family in the Rocky Mountains. This man was a good man, but he was struggling with his work and his money. Every day, for about a year, this man would climb a nearby mountain, called Mount Sanitas, and he’d sit on a rock, under an old pine tree, and he’d pray. It was more like a conversation with God. You should have heard some of that conversation. At times, it was pretty frank and to the point, without any filters. This mountain man asked God for help. He wanted to be the best at what he does so that he could provide for his family. Many years later, this man has received everything that he believed in, and even more than what he could ever ask or think. Praying works. Give it a try. Just do it. Trust God. Let go, and let God do all the work.  CONCLUSION Let’s put this all together. Believing and praying change everything. It opens doors. We don’t have to be worried about anything. We can pray in the spirit. And we can pray with specific requests. We trust that God is already working on it, so we can have a quiet and peaceable life. And we’re thankful that we already have what is needed, for ourselves and others.  Thank you. That’s what I wanted to share.