828 Church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for Watching our Christmas series titled "Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum"!
-----
SERMON NOTES
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 ESV

I love Christmas because of who and what Christmas is about!

Gratitude and not comparison or competition should motivate our service to our Savior.

The best drumming goes largely unnoticed even though it’s critical to the on-point completion of the piece that’s being played.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly,
To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJV

It’s the everyday rhythms of faithful obedience that make for a life that resonates with redemption.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22 ESV

Redemption is a miracle that manifest itself more in the simplistic than the obviously supernatural.

God will take your hurt and redeem it in a song that provides healing for you and hope for others.
-----------------------------
Download the 828 Church app for Apple & Android phones by going to https://a3a.me/828church.

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://mailchi.mp/828church/december...

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here! www.828church.com/give

Tell us more about yourself by filling out a Connect Card at 828church.com/connect

STAY CONNECTED:

Website: 828church.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/828church
Instagram: Instagram.com/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for Watching our Gratitude Series!
-----
SERMON NOTES
It’s good and Godly to be grateful and moreover to show gratitude!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1 ESV

Unexpressed gratitude is experienced as ingratitude.

Be grateful and live like you are!

Gratitude and ingratitude are relationally determinative. Andy Stanley

Most Christians stand at a distance from a God who came to be near.

Gratitude aggressively diffuses division and creates closeness.

They knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. Romans 1:21-22 NLT

They traded the glory of God, who holds the whole world in his hands, for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand. Romans 1:23 MSG

When Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel 6:10 NLT

Be grateful and live like you are

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103:1-5 NLT

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He does not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins; nor deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Psalm 103:8-14 NLT

Let all that I am praise the LORD. Psalm 103:22 NLT

The greatest expression of gratefulness to God who’s given so much is to give our hearts completely to Him.
-----------------------------
Download the 828 Church app for Apple & Android phones by going to https://a3a.me/828church.

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://mailchi.mp/828church/november...

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here! www.828church.com/give

Tell us more about yourself by filling out a Connect Card at 828church.com/connect

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for Watching our Gratitude Series!
-----
SERMON NOTES
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” 2 Chronicles 20:1-2

The answer to your problem always starts with a Prayer.

What you focus on will determine the altitude of your attitude.

We follow God into battle but it is God who wins the battle.

God’s provision and protection follow obedience to His instruction and direction.

After talking it over with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed a choir for GOD; dressed in holy robes, they were to march ahead of the troops, singing, Give thanks to GOD, His love never quits.
2 Chronicles 20:21

Sometimes the enemy of Gratitude is letting go of what is familiar, common or comfortable.

Grateful praise will position even the feeble heart for a powerful victory.
-----------------------------
Download the 828 Church app for Apple & Android phones by going to https://a3a.me/828church.

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://mailchi.mp/828church/november172021

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here! www.828church.com/give

Tell us more about yourself by filling out a Connect Card at 828church.com/connect

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for Watching our Gratitude Series!
-----
SERMON NOTES
Brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. We urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 NLT

The life God has called us to is patently impossible without… God!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
Acts 16:25-26 NLT

God’s will without God centered gratitude and worship is hard work.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 136:1 NLT

Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV

Gratitude - the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Let every detail in your lives, words and actions, be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:17 MSG

God centered gratitude unlocks a grace strong enough for any fight we will ever face.

One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough and he was a Samaritan. Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you." Luke 17:15-19 MSG

A grateful heart is evidence of the deepest kind of hope and healing.

-----------------------------
Download the 828 Church app for Apple & Android phones by going to https://a3a.me/828church.

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://mailchi.mp/828church/november172021

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here! www.828church.com/give

Tell us more about yourself by filling out a Connect Card at 828church.com/connect

Generosity is a matter of the heart. We invest in what we value and believe in. As followers of Christ we are meant to care about what He cares about and to give and live like we do. Talk is cheap but action isn’t. Living our ourselves and our resources back to God is an unbelievable blessing. After all He gave all He had for us and we can never hope to out give our gracious God! (Proverbs 19:17)

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV

Acceptable worship is living and giving our lives back to the God who gave us life in the first place.
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. Mark 8:35

The more we try to hold on to what we have the less we have to hold on to.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24 ESV - - - The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT

We are called to be stewards not owners.

1) Together - Generous living and giving are how we operate as a family!

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. Acts 2:44-45 NLT

Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don't open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. Malachi 3:10 MSG -

The storehouse isn’t for hoarding but for helping.

2) Strategically

Remember this, a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT

3) Intentionally and Sacrificially

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16 NLT

We are called to give cheerfully not fearfully!

Generosity has little to do with finances and everything to do with our faith.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 NLT

4) Compassionately - Unless your heart is engaged in your giving you won’t give for long.

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17 NLT

True compassion always leads to generosity. - - Give out of compassion not compulsion!

5) Unconditionally - Surrender is the only path to true Christ-centered generosity.

God took our Hands full of broken and gave back hearts that were Healed!

At the end of it generosity is trusting God with who you are and what you have, completely, obediently…

This life I have isn’t mine anymore, if it ever was. I already gave it away, and I’m not asking for it back.

You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Haggai 1:6 NLT

Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT

Teach us to number our days (20,188), that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12 NKJV

Next Level Priorities

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV

What does the King care about?

Love - You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

Let neither misery nor the mundane rob you of the priceless moments Jesus gives everyday.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

Next Level Preparation

Listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. Proverbs 4:10-11 NLT

More than learning the instructions it’s time with the instructor that prepares us for living!

Next Level Protective

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:5-7 NLT

Next Level Passion

Jesus had and has an incredible passion for you!

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

Next level living / abundant life requires next level light!

Light is much more than a convenience, it’s a necessity for the existence of life itself.

Light, like no other physical phenomenon, is linked in a wide variety of ways with the biological phenomenon of life. - Michael Gross

The less of God‘s light we let in, the less abundant life we are able to live.

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Matthew 5:14 NLT

Spiritual Light - A revelation of, and provision for, what’s true, real, & right in the eyes of God.

God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God (and His will) in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. 2 Corinthians 4:6 MSG

Let the light of Jesus shine into every area of your heart.

Let who Jesus is and what He says impact every part of your home, habits, conversations and relationships.

And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not know will l guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16 ESV

Trusted closeness with God and the people He puts in our lives is a treasure.

Living in fear is no way to live.

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT


Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! Ephesians 5:11-14 MSG.

Check His history with the hurting and run to the light!

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3 KJV - (31,102 verses)

GOD formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive, a living soul! Genesis 2:7 MSG


The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

We were dead in our trespasses until Jesus the creator stepped in as Jesus our Savior.

Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 ESV

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:19-23 NLT

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25 NLT

The signs of life originate and are sustained by Jesus, the only source for real life.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5 NLT

The strongest evidence of spiritual life is a Heart that beats for Him.

Next Level Deep relationship will always lead to Higher goals for the gifts God has given.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

Next Level abundant living is gift you can only get from God.

Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:13-14 NLT

Jesus said, "I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. The Son,
Type to enter text though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. John 8:34-36 MSG

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:5-9 NLT

Jesus not only paid sins penalty, He broke sins power and paved the way to abundant life.

Jesus, I surrender my right to autonomously decide by deciding to follow you!

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:7-8 ESV

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will find it. Matthew 16:25 NLT

Give over Control to the one who’s in control!

The unexpected posture of power is palms up in surrender and submission.