828 Church

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:1-10 NLT

Normal is not a defense for doing what is wrong.

A dissenting voice can wreck a revolution, especially when the voice comes from from within.

You can’t hurt others and not hurt yourself, and you can’t help others and not help yourself.

Justifying the rude treatment of others requires a disregard for the kindness Jesus has shown us.

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 ESV

Encouraging others is a sure way lift our own spirits and strengthen our resolve for the fight.

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 NIV

Our voice should never be used as an instrument of destruction, when it was given to us by God for good.


A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 NKJV

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

Worship is the most powerful weapon the revolutionary could ever hope to wield!

Revolution - the overthrow or renunciation of one governmental system or ruler with the replacement of another by the governed for the sake of freedom or safety.

Our spiritual revolution is about making sure God occupies the God spot in our lives.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ… James 1:1a ESV

It’s critical to the revolution that we commit to following closely Jesus as Lord in the fight!

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 ESV

TA: Personal Revolution requires a decision to act on God’s life changing Grace.


What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17 ESV

Life - characterized by metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction.

Faith is taking action on what you Believe.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31 NKJV (Believing Faith)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:10 ESV

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe in the one God; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? James 2:19-20 ESV

The demons believed Jesus existed but they didn’t believe in Him, look to Him as Lord.

Botched believing will keep you bound.

Faith is ACTING like it is so, even when it’s not so, in order that it might be so, because God said so. Tony Evans

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ESV

The revolution starts with believing, but only advances with faith fueled action.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17 ESV

Unless faith hit’s your feet it’s not faith.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV

Hearing God’s word without acting in faith is like getting directions for a trip you never take.

Faith isn’t an intellectual accent to a concept, but rather acting on what God says is possible.

A failure to live by and live out our faith is an accusation against the power and compassion of God.

Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Romans 4:3 ESV

Because of God’s grace, anyone can choose to act in Faith.

The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. John 4:49-50 ESV

TA: A revolution requires someone who reckons freedom worth whatever the price required.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 ESV

THT: Our personal revolution is about making sure God occupies the God spot in our lives.

Revolution - the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the replacement of another by the governed.

Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46 ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

For not even his brothers believed in him. John 7:5 ESV

He presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. 1 Corinthians 15:6-8 MSG

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. James 1:1 ESV

It’s critical to the revolution that we commit to following closely Jesus as Lord in the fight!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV - - - DO THE MATH

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 ESV

IT: Every great Revolution requires great Resolve!

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:12-18 NLT

TTC: Personal Revolution requires Personal Responsibility.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25 ESV

TTA: Personal Revolution isn’t an exercise in passivity but a decision to act on the Grace to overcome.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Look back to learn, move forward to grow.

The Altar is a pathway to God’s presence that should only be approached in humility.

The Altar will always alter your ego.

The decision to go deeper requires a change in attitude and action.

The value of a treasure isn’t diminished while it’s lost, but it can only be redeemed once it’s found.

We can love or hate but never hold on to our past…

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Philippians 3:13b NLT

Learning well from 2018 will help us live well in 2019.

Good, Healthy, and Growing are the Goals!

A close relationship with Jesus is both the path and the prize!

The choices we make now to listen to and apply God’s word and wisdom determine how the next seasons of our lives will live!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

One thing we know about our future, He’s already there!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.. Hebrews 13:8 NLT

A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. John 3:27 ESV

TA: We are made in the image of the most generous being in the universe.

Show media from Davis Center Christmas giveaway and say thanks! - - Beautiful Blessing

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 ESV

TA: Purpose is Gift we can only receive from the God who created us for it, and it for us.

I have been deemed and I believe justly, one of fortunes favorites. Yet as I look back on life I cannot recall more than three weeks of positive happiness on the whole. - Von Goeth

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 ESV

BTT: Jesus, the meaning of Christmas lived His life with purpose on purpose.

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Luke 2:41-52 NLT

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

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 MSG

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for 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 again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” Matthew 26:26-28 ESV

We are made in the image of the most generous being in the universe.

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
John 3:27

Jesus, the God of creation came for us, to live for us, die for us, and to be with us.

His very name speaks that truth loudly and clearly!

700 years before Isaiah prophesied - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 NIV

Josephs dilemma: As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:20-23 NLT

God with us in our Walking.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30 ESV

God with us in our Wandering

Never mistake God’s presence for His approval but rather consider it a gift of Grace.

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. Psalm 139:7-10 NLT

Whether we are faithfully following or failing at following He never abandons us.
God with us in our Waiting.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESV

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 ESV

God with us in our Hurting.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 ESV

God with us in our Helping.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. Mark 10:45 ESV

It is a huge blessing to be the hands and represent the heart of God in our world.

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14 ESV

The Gift of Hope

The 3 Components of Hope
1. Future
2. Desirable
3. Certain

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The hope God gives is literally the gift that keeps on giving.

Romans 8:23 – We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children.

Hope fuels patience. We don’t give up on something worth the wait.

2 Corinthians 1:20 – For in Christ all the promises of God are “Yes!”, and in Him “Amen!”, to the glory of God through us.

When God has said something will happen, we can live differently than if He had not said it.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and powerful, and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing between soul and spirit, between joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.



II Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is inspired by God, God-breathed, and is useful for doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness.



The word of God ----- All Scripture



The Bible is true and relevant – Ron Barnard



Alive ----- Inspired by God, God-breathed



God’s word is alive because it comes from Him; and because His word is alive, it produces life in us.



Powerful ----- Useful



The amazing word of God works!



Sharp...piercing between soul and spirit, between joints and marrow…a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart



God uses His word to clear up our confusion and show us right from wrong, good from bad, life from death.



For doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness



Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no vision, the people perish; but the one who keeps the law is happy.

Compassion is love in action.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 NLT

We are made for and called to show the compassion Jesus has shown to us.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1-2 MSG

Compassion is living in and living out the limitless love of God.

I don’t think you can know God’s love in an impactful way and not love loving others.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:7-12 NLT

Compassion makes it hard to have enemies!

Common experience should move our hearts to a compassionate response.

Compassion should motivate us to Generous Living and Giving!

Compassion’s most obvious and sincere expression is real Generosity. (adjectives)

Our giving and our serving should be motivated by our compassion!

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? I John 3:17 ESV

There’s a story in Mark 12 that was one of my favorites as a kid…

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44 NLT

Generosity - the quality of being kind and giving more of something, (time/money) than is expected.

We are made in the image of the most generous being in the universe.

Every resource we have is His anyway.

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. John 3:27 ESV

Owners have Rights, Stewards have Responsibilities.

Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:24 NLT

God directed generosity is a wise and compassionate response to the need that exist in this world that we are called to love with Jesus.

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints, and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ESV

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV