828 Church

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

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

God designed each one us to know and follow Him, that’s our destiny

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 CSB

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:29-30 NLT

Predestined means predesigned, not predetermined!

How do we steward well God’s will?

1) Believe - Gods plans for you are intentional and good!

Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you. Jeremiah 1:5 MSG

You are divinely designed to know and walk with God and to live a life of meaning not misery.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Psalm 139:15-18 NLT

God’s plans for you are intentional, not accidental, and they’re good!

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. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

2) Trust - Trust God with every decision, direction and outcome.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

The call isn’t to trust in God‘s plan, but rather to trust in God’s character!

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 NLT

God’s plan is not a guess, it’s a gift!

The LORD will work out his plans for my life, for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Psalm 138:8 NLT

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 12:2 NLT

Trust opens the door for God work out His will and purposes in our lives which are for our good.

May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT

Trust is always tested when trouble comes.

3) Persist - - Persist in pursuing God and His will in every season and situation and for the long haul.

Promise always comes with a process. - The process is not punishment, it’s preparation.

If you can’t steward the pit with faithfulness, you won’t steward the palace with humility.

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV

Impatience has a tendency to weaken our persistence and overrule our willingness to follow God’s process.

I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will. Isaiah 46:10 CSB

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

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Luke 16:13 ESV

Money cannot be allowed to compete with God for your heart.

The mastery of money starts with having the right attitude about money.

Money will make you more of what you already are. - - Dave Ramsey

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 CSB

Comparison is an ungodly attitude regarding money, positions and possessions.)

Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Luke 12:15 ESV

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

It’s not money, but the love of money that’s an issue.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 CSB

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 CSB

Don’t trust in riches, but rather in our God who richly blesses.

Honor the LORD with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest. Proverbs 3:9 CSB

If you don’t tell your money where to go, you’ll wonder where it went.

If you’re only offering God crumbs from your once full pie plate He gave you, that’s a problem.

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

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

If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11 NLT

Godly financial stewardship isn’t about how much you have, but what you do with what you have.

Generously steward according to God’s Kingdom Priorities

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

Generosity is stewardship based on obedience and faith, not you financial portfolio.

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

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!

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT

True generosity comes from the heart of God and lives in the hearts of those who love and follow Him.

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

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Stewards not owners

Stewardship: the careful, responsible use of God-given resources in a manner that honors God and accomplishes God-given goals

1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised

Talents and Time (gifts) Treasure (next week) Testimony (you words and speaking)

Temple (what you do with your strength)

THT: Bumps, delays and disappointments can cause us pause and consider how we are stewarding our life currency

Acts 9:1-6 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:20 NIV At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Testimony _____________________________________________________________________

THT: A testimony is any story that gives God glory

Examples of Testimonies

1 recent: stagnant on Bible reading - novel interesting - God’s stories - interleaved

Let me share one: Sunny day trip, Sarah, let’s plan, DR!

John 15:7 RRP (Ron’s Rough Paraphrase) If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you '’ll want what I want you to want and I’ll give you what you want, because I wanted you to want it! Leave this up a bit! People want to write it down

Time _____________________________________________________________________

“If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.”

― Elisabeth Elliot, Secure in the Everlasting Arms

Talent _____________________________________________________________________

Romans 12:6-8 NLT

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Not for screen: Ephesians 4:12 (leader’s) responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work

Marketplace, ministry, or missions - we are all called to use our giftings to empower and equip the gospel

Temple _____________________________________________________________________

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

THT: Our bodies are meant to be tended places of His presence, not neglected, polluted, or prized.

Closing

Matthew 25:21 NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things’

“When you steward what He’s already placed in your hands, He can trust you with more. Stay faithful. Steward well, Let God bring the increase.” - John Bevere

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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 --

Money isn’t a small thing, it’s a huge thing, but it’s certainly not the main thing.

For this reason, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. Colossians 1:9-12 CSB

Strong spiritual roots, rightly cared for, will produce miraculously Godly fruit.

When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:8 NLT

The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. Genesis 2:15 NLT

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV

God has entrusted each of us with gifts, grace, and blessings we are privileged to steward for Him.

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

Honor God’s heart by guarding yours.

Stewards not Owners

It’s all His, and we’re all His!

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD. Psalm 24:1 CSB

Owners are lost in an attitude of me-centric living, while stewards are surrendered to the sovereign right and will of God to lead, decide and direct.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

Our call to give our best comes from the God who gave his best.

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 NLT

Stewardship verses Ownership almost always comes down to who you love and trust most.

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? 1 John 3:17 ESV

Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:9-11 CSB

It is an incredible honor and blessing to give and live, to steward everything we are and have for God.

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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 --

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NASB

Rooted in the Word.

We live in a world sick from a counsel of confusion and wickedness that scoffs at truth and reason.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLT

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT

The Bible, when read rightly, brings humility that offers hope, not humiliation.

While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NLT

Truly loving the Word leads to loving the Author of the Word.

You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39 NLT

The written Word must connect us to the living Word or we’ve missed the point of knowing the Word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5 & 14 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 8:31-32 NRSV

The bible is more than a book you’re meant to get through, it’s a book that’s meant to get through you.

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:10-11 ESV

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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 --

Colossians 4:2 says – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

It’s not a suggestion—it’s a calling. We are commanded to pray.

Knowing about God isn’t the same as knowing God.

Prayer is what transforms knowledge about God into a relationship with God.

John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Prayer is the catalyst that turns information into intimacy.

James 4:8 says – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

I believe it is impossible to have a strong relationship with God without prayer.

Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Prayer is not just about talking to God; it is just as much — or even more — about listening to Him.

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”

That is how to be rooted in prayer: just as roots are always attached to the soil, prayer is how we stay connected to God.

If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask what you want, and I will give you what you want, because I wanted you to want it.

Prayer has the power to break strongholds, shift circumstances, and release God’s will on earth.

James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Our father knows what we need, but there is power in asking him.

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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 --

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: Mark 4:1-2 NLT

Not everyone who comes to hear the truth is there to actually listen.

Listen! A farmer (sower) went out to sow some seed. Mark 4:3 NLT

Without the Godly seed being sown we have no hope of having deep healthy roots that bear Godly fruit!

As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Mark 4:4-8 NLT

And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:9 ESV

Honestly and Intentionally listening will give the seed of God’s word an opportunity to take root in our lives.

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom, you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward a welcome awakening. These are people, Whose eyes are open but don’t see a thing, Whose ears are open but don’t understand a word, Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven.” Mark 4:10-12 MSG

Anyone who will lay down their deeply rooted previous perspectives, and truly wants to hear, will hear.

And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. Mark 4:13 ESV

Humility is a huge indicator of the condition of the soil of our hearts.

The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. Mark 4:14 NLT

The hard pre-decided heart will not receive the truth of God.

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. Mark 4:15-16 NLT

Shallow roots are the result of enthusiasm without a willingness to do the real work of going deep with God.

The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. Mark 4:17-18 NLT

The rocks deter the root, while the weeds the destroy the fruit.

Weeds hide and grow, even thrive in the un-surrendered places in our hearts.

Repentance isn’t just saying you’re sorry; it’s re-aligning your heart with God’s way, truth and life!

And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Mark 4:20 NLT

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart. Hebrews 4:7 CSB

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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 --

Pro. 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick…

( Act 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved) (Zero expectation that this situation would get better, and great expectation they were fixin to die!)

PAUL WAS HOPELESS!

I believe that since Paul was human, He took His eyes off of the promise God had given him, let the enemys voice influence his faith and gave up.

Have you heard that enemy voice whisper to you? THIS IS THE END…Its Over?

They wont ever serve Jesus

You will never get a better or another Job

You wont ever walk in freedom from this substance

Fear and Anxiety will always control you!

Your marriage wont survive

Your pain will never subside

Your ship is gonna sink and you gonna die!

If we continue to let this voice whisper, we too will become HOPELESS!

Jonah was running away from God, Paul was running towards God!

Both men encountered a terrible storm:

Hope from the root-Tikvaw To fasten/tie/attach

Now we know from what the bible says Heb. 6:19 that Jesus is our hope and…

that Jesus is our Hope

Hope is an attachment or tying yourself to Jesus in real everyday relationship.

This attachment births in your heart an expectation of something good that you cant see yet.

If you need hope, You fasten yourself to Jesus.

He is the only source of Hope that will never let you down.

Talk about rooted!

Now This is what you need to know about fastening to Jesus, Its Surrender!,

Its giving control of your life to Him,

You go where He goes,

You do what He does… knowing that He Loves you like crazy and has your best interest at heart,

If He takes you into a storm he is working it for your good ☺…

It takes FAITH to trust Him when You cant see the end of the storm!

Takeaway:

There are no deeper roots/no greater

But watch this…If true hope is being tied tight to Jesus, to become HOPE-LESS means that you have become unattached to that very same hope.

We see this in Both Jonah and Paul, they were both hopeless because either in their thought process or actions they became unattached to the source of Hope!

GOOD NEWS ALERT!

They each survived a terrible storm/a hopeless situation and went on to fulfill Gods call on their lives!

HOW? What was the common denominator that restored their hope?

Jonah 2:6,7

Jonah 2:6,7

7 “When my life was ebbing away(in hopelessness),    I remembered you, Lord,and my prayer rose to you,    to your holy temple.

6 and you, Lord my God,    brought my life up from the pit.

I cried out to the Lord in my affliction, from sheol(the grave)

I was a goner, but I repented(re-attached) myself to God, he heard me- delivered me and restored my hope!

God met Paul in the belly of a great ship—Quiet possibly the darkest most hopeless night of his life, hungry/wet/seasick/…HOW DID HE OVERCOME THIS?

AND an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve(A physical representation of Jesus) stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; 

You are going to make it through…

In a moment(with one encounter) He went from Hopeless to rooted in Hope for himself and those around him!

In both cases Hope returned when they re-attached themselves with expectancy to God through FAITH!

Both men found out that:

Takeaway:

Hope is not found in the absence of Storms but in Jesus who may not calm the storm but will walk with us through our darkest hour, through our wildest storms.

Jesus will love you even in the midst of your mess, even if you created the mess-- but He is committed to doing whatever it takes to not leave you there in a hopeless situation!

If we will Root down into Jesus… An expectancy will sprout and begin to grow whispering …

*The storm wont last forever,

*Change is coming,

*That you won’t always be stuck on a ship that is about to sink

*You wont always be imprisoned in something that your disobedience produced

You wont always be in bondage to hurts, habits, Anxieties, fears, disappointments!

Philippians 1:6 He(Jesus) who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!

Here is a scripture you probably don’t know but its found in Romans 8:28 He works all things for good…to those who are attached to Him! Even in a storm

Jer. 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

That word “expected” is Tikvaw(Hope that comes from attachment)

The purpose of your storms is Tikvaw—

To bring you to a place of Surrender and Trust as you attach yourself to Jesus!

Rooted in Hope!

Fastened to Jesus/Anchored in Hope/Rooted

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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 --

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 ESV

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

In order to thrive and bear fruit in any season or weather what matters most is where you’re planted!

The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they thrive in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare, “The LORD is just; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:13-15 CSB

Christ-followers who are planted in a life giving, God following community are more fruitful and resilient than they would ever be if they were trying to live life on their own.

Though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV

Friendship divides your sorrows and doubles your joys. - Anonymous

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. Ephesians 2:19-21 ESV

God is more than enough to make us great together!

When we are rooted in the love of God true family becomes our reality.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV

Only God and us get to decide for us who we get to become together. Just a suggestion

Planted in the house of the LORD, they thrive in the courts of our God. Psalm 92:13 CSB

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

How happy are those who reside in your house, who praise you continually. Selah. Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of spring water; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings. They go from strength to strength; each appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:4-7 CSB

Christ-centered community is the right covering and comfort for crisis.

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

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Colossians 2:6-7

6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Daniel 1:1-2

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah

The Lord gave Nebuchadnezzar victory???

Messes with my theology. Ever feel like God is giving all the victory to your enemies?

When we are rooted in him, we can trust God to strategically use bad situations to bring about profound good.

He did it here, He’ll do it for you.

Daniel 1:3-5

4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.” 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service.

Daniel 1:6-7

6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names:

Daniel (God is my judge) → Belteshazzar (Bel favors him)

Hananiah (gracious is Yahweh) → Shadrach (Ishtar)

Mishael (who is like Elohim) → Meshach (Marduk)

Azariah (he hears Yahweh) → Abednego (Nego)

-iah, yah for Yahweh. -el for Elohim. Mesopotamian Gods Marduk, Ishtar, Nego

First thing they did: they changed their names.

Some names given to us, the Church:

Dove (So and Psa)

God’s building (1Co 3:9)

God’s heritage (1Pe 5:3)

Pillar of truth - 1Ti 3:15

Free (Gal 4:26)

Righteous (Heb 12)

Faithful (Heb 13)

Peace and mercy-givers (Gal)

Being rooted into our name/title… We have these names from God. We need to lean into them by the way we live day-to-day.

To be rooted in God means to know, believe, and live out our God-given identity.

Daniel 1:8-10

9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.

“Both respect and affection” - this is what we call favor.

Pray for us, for favor

When we are rooted in Christ, his life flowing in us bears the fruits of respect and favor.

Daniel 1:12-16

12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days.

15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.

“So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine” that was given to everyone else.

If we’re going to stand for Jesus through the winds and storms of life, we must be deeply rooted in Him.

We won’t stand for long if we don’t have deep roots.

The deeper our roots, the more solid we will stand.

Colossians 2:6-7

6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Coming back to this - “Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught”

We might have to wait on a miracle but we don’t have to wait to be free.

When we are deeply rooted, our loyalty to God is not determined by our circumstances.

Colossians 2:8

8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Closing, altar invitation for those who want to be set free from “empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense”

Babylon: Your paycheck is enough.

Jesus: I am enough.

Babylon: This is too hard. You should give up.

Jesus: You can do all things when your roots draw strength from me.

Babylon: Your identity is in…

Jesus: Your identity is in me. God loved you so much that He sent me to die for you.

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