828 Church

Soft hearts are easier to redeem.

We love stories that redeem because they are an echo of the story Jesus has written for us.

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. Psalm 111:9 NRSV

Jesus saves or redeems us by paying our sin debt and in the process He restores His will for us to better than before condition.

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. Jeremiah 18:1-3 ESV

And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:4-6 ESV

A surrendered heart is a soft heart.

The composition or condition of the clay determines whether the sun will make it hard or soft.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up but rather giving over your history, hopes and heart to Him.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalms 9:9-10 ESV

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 ESV

Today’s big idea: It’s never a waste to give your heart to God! (What a Waste)

Spiritual Heart - The decision making, living and loving, passion powered center of the soul.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
Matthew 22;37 NLT ( Bring Heart / Sports, Work. Friendship, Marriage, Ministry, Church.)

Commitment is the bridge between purpose and passion. John Maxwell

If you’re asking how long you should stay committed, I’m not sure you really are committed.

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT



Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. Matthew 26:6-7 NLT

Like a gift that’s never given, perfume kept in the bottle is a fragrance that never fills the room.

The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” Matthew 26:8 NLT

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. John 12:4-6 NLT

Judas was along for the ride not the relationship. (What a Waste)

Parasitic relationships never satisfy the soul.

But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Matthew 26:10-13 NLT (Bordon,

Your life is a resource God has given to you. The passionate obedient way you live it is a gift give back to Him.

Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 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 1:3-6

What a waste when the things that matter a little keep us from giving our hearts to the things that matter a lo

What a waste when the church is full of people who know God, without a concern for a world full of people who don’t.

People who don’t surrender their heart to God rarely understand people who do. (Roland Ebel)

A heart for His house comes from having a heart for God and the things that matter to Him.

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Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28 NIV

The Gospel is the hope of the world and the Church is the hope of the Gospel.

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:7-8 NIV

My First and Best for Him - I want to live and give my best for God.

Every good and perfect gift is from above… James 1:17 NIV

Our Father gave the most and best when He sent His son for us. (Jn 3:16 & Rm 8:32)

We’re not meant to give out of compulsion or comparison but rather God inspired compassion.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce. Proverbs 3:9 ESV
(Ex. 23:16–19; Lev. 23:9–14)

Time - Talent - Treasure - Trust

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” 1 Kings 17:8-9 NLT

So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” 1 Kings 17:10-11 NLT

The widows opportunity to give to Elijah was actually a gift from God!

But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die. 1 Kings 17:12 NLT

It’s not the last fruit that’s the hardest to give, but the first fruit that requires the most faith.

But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” 1 Kings 17:13-14 NLT

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15-16 NLT

If you will give God what you have, He will give you what you need.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV

If you only have a little Joy, Hope, or Patience, etc left in the Jar, share it and watch it grow.

The best way to multiply what you’ve got whether it’s a little or a lot is to give it to God.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38 NLT

When you have a heart for the house you’ll give the first and best you have for Him.

Time - Talent - Treasure

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Psalm 122:1 ESV

Rarely are we able to give our best to God if we give what we give alone.

At 828 Church we’re all about using our hearts and hands for Him!

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4 ESV

Living and giving your best to God is always worth it because He’s always worthy!

God loves His church because He loves His children.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 ESV

The mystery of God is revealed in Jesus and the mystery of Jesus is revealed through His church.

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:18-19 ESV


So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18019 NLT

Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 ESV

Having a heart for His house is more than attending, it’s participating in what God has called His church to be.

Freedom is found and maintained in an everyday relationship with Jesus!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 ESV

The real Jesus changes people.

We were created for a real deal right and tight relationship with Jesus. (Lost without Him)

Jesus is our true north, our guiding light, our moral compass, our constant help...

There is a way that seems right to a man but it only brings him death… Proverbs 14:12

If you seek me you will find me… Jeremiah 29:13

I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God! Ezekiel 36:26-28 MSG

Nothing can satisfy the soul except living in the love of the God.

We need Jesus like a fish needs water, all the time.

In Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28 ESV

Don’t let your life be so full of the trivial that you have no room for the eternal. (Junk vs Jesus)

Never allow shame to rob you of the freedom God can give for you.


So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 NLT

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:12-16 NLT

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. John 26:26-28 NKJV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 ESV

Today’s chain breaking choice is Selflessness!


Choosing selflessness is a little like trying to fold a fitted sheet, it’s hard to know where to start but you just have to go for it.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Our culture says you better look out for #1, but Jesus is #1 and ironically He’s looking out for us!

Selflessness means dying to our rights in the same way Jesus did when He died for our wrongs.

Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through you. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 MSG

We defeat ourselves when we don’t surrender ourselves to Him.

My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 ESV

Follow Jesus example of Selflessness and you’ll be following Him to Freedom!

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 NLT

Fighting against God, His voice and instruction, is fighting against your own freedom!

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29 ESV

Selflessness is a liberating choice to surrender it all to God.

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Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. I Peter 2:16 ESV

Jesus came to free us from sin’s penalty and power, to give us life now and forever.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 NLT

Jesus didn’t set us free to do whatever we feel or think, in fact self-rule is the worst sort of spiritual slavery.

All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV

Chain Breaking Choice #1 - Praise

Chain Breaking Choice #2 -Follow

Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” John 8:31-32 MSG

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

Obedience disarms the temptation or attack.

In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. 2 Samuel 11:1-4 NLT

But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. Genesis 39:8-12 NLT

The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best. Genesis 39:22-23 MSG

If you faithfully follow Jesus His freedom and favor will faithfully follow you.

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. I Peter 2:16 ESV

When I look at my biggest issues what I discover is that most of the time I am my biggest issue.

Don’t give up on freedom!

Jesus was always healing, helping and liberating the too far gone crowd and He still is!

When we give up on freedom we often shift our energy to defending, justifying or even glorifying our chains.

Morgan Freeman (Red)- Shawshank Redemption: These walls are kind of funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, gets so you depend on them. That’s institutionalized. They send you here for life, that's exactly what they take. The part that counts, anyways.

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. John 5:5-9 ESV

God has always been about liberty.

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 8:21-32 NRSV

Bondage doesn’t stand a chance against the Jesus!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

One of the first and most obvious chain breakers we can choose is Praise.

Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose. Acts 16:25-26 MSG

Praise is the place where our need and God’s provision collide in an incredible release of breakthrough.

He gives us more grace. James 4:6 NIV

Grace is the unmerited favor and supernatural ability of God displayed in the life of the person who chooses to follow him.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

Grace is divine provision.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way.
James 4:1-4 MSG

More will never be enough if the more we want and get doesn’t come from God.

Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? James 4:5 NIV

Grace is meant to draw out the destiny God has set inside your soul.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 ESV


Pride closes the door on Grace whereas Humility holds it wide open.

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
James 4:7-10 MSG

Grace is the real and ready provision of God given in love for every season and circumstance.