828 Church

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 ESV

Distraction is a simple strategy the enemy uses to keep us from what God wills for us.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Distraction verses a Jesus focused faith.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2 ESV

Humanity

Indirect drama is a distraction the enemy uses to keep us from focusing on God what He wills for our own relationships and situations. (Facebook has become like going to priest)

Hobbies and Habits!

Good is no good if it’s not God

Money, Job, Career, Possessions

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:24-32 NLT

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-34 NLT

Let money rule you and it will rob you of the contentment you thought it would buy you.

Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me. 2 Timothy 4:10 ESV

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

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive. Revelation 2:8 NLT

Jesus was, is, and always will be the most relevant and transformative reality in the world.

I know about your suffering and your poverty, but you are rich! Revelation 2:9 NLT

In a culture driven by public perception and comparison, compromise is often the price we pay for acceptance.

I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Revelation 2:9 NLT

This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! Galatians 5:7-9 NLT

Deep relationship with Jesus requires an honest effort in believing and living the truth.

I know about your suffering and your poverty, but you are rich! Revelation 2:9 NLT

Even if you had all the money in the world, you couldn’t afford God’s blessings because they’re priceless!

To believe you’re destined to live as a spiritual pauper is to miss on the immeasurable value of God’s love and grace.

Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 NLT

What you gain by following God is always worth immeasurably more than anything you give up for Him.

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death. Revelation 2:11 NLT

You can lose everything the world calls wealth and still possess everything that makes you rich toward God.

-------------------------------------------------

Download the 828 Church app!

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

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. Revelation 2:1 NLT

The impact of Jesus on people and culture is incredible and is meant to exist in and through His church!

This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: Revelation 2:1 NLT

Jesus alone holds the power and authority to fulfill every purpose He has for His church and people.

I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you can’t tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. Revelation 2:2-3 CSB

Faithfulness to God worthy work and always more a blessing than a burden.

But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Revelation 2:4 CSB

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. Ephesians 1:15 NLT

Nothing in all the universe matters more to God than His love for us and our love for Him and others.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT

The only way to live in the strength of God’s love is live fully surrendered to it.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes, these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. Ephesians 5:3-11 NLT

Life in this lost world has a way of drawing our affection away from God and His love.

Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

Pride is a poisonous passion killer.

But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 CSB

Repentance is powerful, not only for the wrong we’ve done, but also for the right we’ve neglected to do.

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 NLT

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:1-2 NLT

A revelation from God is of immeasurable, immediate, and eternal worth.

It has always been God’s will to reveal Himself, His love, and His plans to man.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 19:1-4 NLT

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near. Revelation 1:3 CSB

This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:4-6 NLT

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8 NLT

There has never been nor will there ever be a moment when God isn’t present, personal, and powerful.

I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast. It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11 NLT

Choosing to draw near in worship even during times of difficulty provides a direct connection to God’s presence and power!

When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave “Write down what you have seen, both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. Revelation 1:12-19 NLT

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:31 NASB

If you leave it unfinished long enough you might forget it’s not finished.

The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 NLT

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Together - As Family

Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

Matthew 12:48-50 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Fight like Family

Fight for each other, not against each other

Mark 3:25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Forgive like Family

Ephesians 4:32 ESV Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

“We need to stop making what people did to us bigger than what Jesus did for us.” — Christine Caine

Do not let your hurt become larger than your hope.

Do not let offense become louder than grace.

- Even more than expecting everyone to act right, Determine to be unoffendable

- If you’re looking for something to be offended about, you’ll find it 1

● 7 x 70

John 13:35 NLT Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

Feast like Family

Acts 2:44 NLT And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had

Come to the table, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, Hebrews 10:25

Jesus led the way for us - fought for us, forgives us, prepares a feast for us.

Matthew 26:26-29 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

1 Cor 13 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

(Withholding forgiveness is like taking poison and expecting the other person to get sick)

-------------------------------------------------

Download the 828 Church app!

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

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19 CSB

In God’s Kingdom, things go better when we do what we do, together.

Church without Jesus is more a burden than a blessing!

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? James 4:1 NLT

We’re no good together without God!

Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. Matthew 12:25 CSB

So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household. built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 CSB

Any attempt to build the church without Jesus as the cornerstone will result in structural failure. (KJ)

Together with God

God is big enough to make us great together.

For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Colossians 2:9-10 CSB

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. John 15:5 CSB

A real life and relationship with Jesus has ever increasing positive impact on everything we are and do.

When you yoke up with the strongest ox even the heavy cart isn’t so hard to pull.

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 CSB

With God we can be whole even when life is hard, and kind even when others are not!

God always has time for you!

Working with each other is supernaturally easy when we’re each working together with God.

-------------------------------------------------

Download the 828 Church app!

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

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion, to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV

This is what the LORD says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea. Isaiah 48:17-18 NLT

Disobedience has an impact both personally and culturally but it’s impact is never greater than Redemptive Grace.

Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:14-21 NLT

The messiah can make the worst things work for our Good, our Growth, and His Glory.

1) Pursue

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT

Run to God, not from God!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NKJV

Don’t mistake difficulty or discipline as God’s disdain.

Don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT

2) Persist

Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 CSB

Even if you fall down, or get knocked down, that doesn’t mean you have to stay down.

The godly may fall seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. Proverbs 24:16 NLT

3) Praise

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! Job 19:25-27 NLT

True worship will open a door for redemption and freedom in your life like almost nothing else can.

-------------------------------------------------

Download the 828 Church app!

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