"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully." 2 Corinthians 9:6
Examples of Generosity
- Exodus 35 & 36
- 1 Chronicles 29
- Mark 14
- Matthew 28
Impact of Generous Giving
- You will be given more
- God will be glorified
- Many others will give thanks to God
October 28, 2007
Pastor Tom Shirk
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
1 Timothy 6:6-10
want, love, longing
Contentment or Coveteousness
Luke 12:15
Philippians 4:10-13
Hebrews 13:5,6
1. God is the source and the owner of everything.
2. Life does not consist of money and stuff.
3. Letting stuff go develops our love for God.
Kingdom Assignment
Nov. 18
Sell a possession of more than $100.
Goal $500K
My Faith Is A Private Matter
Pastor Tom Shirk
October 14, 2007
"Through [Jesus Christ our Lord] we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name's sake." - Romans 1:5
1. Saving faith is obedient faith.
2. Obedient faith is God exalting.
3. Obedient faith is observable.
4. Obedient faith is experienced in community.
5. Obedient faith is contagious.
For Your LifeGroup:
1. Can you relate to the temptation to compartmentalize your faith? Explain. Which compartment of your life is the most challenging for you to integrate with your faith?
2. Why is there such a strong move in our culture to silence faith's expressions?
3. Take a look at these verses and explain how they relate to this week's message: Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
4. Read 2 Timothy 1:8-18. What are the reasons Paul gives to Timothy to not be ashamed of standing strong in his faith?
5. According to Matthew 5:16, how can your faith be seen by others? What can you do this week to glorify our Father in heaven?
Luke 12:29,30
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it."
Matthew 7:13,14
Luke 16:9
"Heaven " by Randy Alcorn
Rev. 14:13 - glimpse of Heaven
O we will rest
O we will work
O we will rule
O we will learn
O we will worship
"The American Dream Is The Christian Dream"
Pastor Tom Shirk
September 30, 2007
"And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things." -- Luke 12:29,30
What is the American Dream?
- Home ownership
- Financial security
- Material possessions
The American dream was once an attainment to pursue; it is now an entitlement to be received.
The American Dream has always required tremendous energy but has never delivered soul-satisfaction.
The American Dream is American, but not Christian.
Luke 12:29,30 - Three things about God...
- We seek a Kingdom, where God Rules
- We follow a Shepherd who provides for our needs
- We obey a Father who knows best and gives the best
Practical Applications:
Sell your possessions... Take something and sell it and give it away.
Understand how brief our life is.
"God helps those who help themselves"
Ben Franklin
1. God helps the helpless.
Isa. 25:4
Rom. 5:6,8
Eph. 2:8,9
2. God helps those who help the helpless.
Prov. 19:17
Prov. 21:13
Matt. 10:40
3. God helps those who humbly follow him.
1 Pet. 5:5,6
Come 5 minutes earlier
Give generously
Serve (Worship, Learn, Serve)
Adrian Boykin
September 9, 2007
There is a universal human longing for an Omni shepherd who is worthy of
our trust.
Omni = all encompassing or complete
We have an Omni Shepherd who meets our Omni Needs.
2 Samuel 15 - David flees from Absalom
Brennan Manning - "We need to develop a habit of Holy Loitering."
Practices to cultivate a relationship with God:
Journaling
Prayer
Fasting
Solitude
Etc.
Move it from your head to your heart.
A.W. Tozer - "The most important thing about us is what we think about
God."
For Your Life Group:
1. Do you have a favorite Psalm? If so, which one and why?
2. Why do you think Psalm 23 occurs so frequently in popular culture?
3. Re-read 2 Samuel 15 with special emphasis on vv. 1-6, 12-14, and
25-30. Summarize David's "Omni Need" in your own words.
4. In your life right now, is there an all-empowering "Omni Need" that
is dictating your thoughts? If so, talk about the Good Shepherd's
character, and how you can lean into Him for strength or protection this
week.
5. Pray over those needs for one another.
Knowing God and Making Him Known
Pastor Tom Shirk
September 2, 2007
Acts 17:24; 25
Seven Attributes of the "Unknown God"
1. Creator
2. Omnipresent
3. Self-sufficient
4. Sustainer of life
5. Sovereign
6. Revealer
Message: Repent
7. Judge
Three Repsonses
1. Rejection
2. Investigation
3. Acceptance
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