Perseverance- Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement;continue steadfastly. 

Hebrews 6:9-12

Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The prophet spoke to the people of Judah in a time of tremendous transition. They had had to get used to the notion that their homeland was no more; Judah had been taken, Jerusalem had been destroyed, the Temple had been pulled down, and they were going to have to live in exile in Babylon. It was not a happy time. They were tempted to sit down and bathe themselves in a nostalgic frenzy – how good

Experts say that when the time has come for a young eaglet to learn to fly, the parent bird at first tries to coax the youngster into flight. If this method fails, the mother then resorts to what seems to be much harsher treatment. The mother bird will force her offspring off the nest out into the air. By this discipline of disturbance, she accomplishes her desire and design, the first flight of the eaglet. Now Moses, laying hold of this wonderful picture, shows that this is how God has acted toward His people. When they were settled down in Egypt, God stirred their nest through persecution until they were ready to leave for the Promised Land. Let’s look together at this preparation of disruption.

In this story Jesus left the Jewish area of Galilee for the seaport of Tyre, a pagan Gentile area. This was a very un-Jewish and un-rabbinical thing to do, but He knew there was a desperate mother there. Notice the verbs describing her: she heard about Him, came, fell at his feet, and begged His help. Yet Jesus answered her not a word. Her response to His non-response was to keep crying for mercy. Desperate people do desperate things. When you’re desperate you don’t care what people think, you don’t give up easily. Jesus finally said, in summary, “I’ve been sent to the lost sheep of Israel. My mission is the Jews. Why take the food of children and give it to dogs?” The word dog would be better translated, little dog or puppy. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their puppy.” Jesus was not being unkind, but making a theological point—His first priority was the Jewish people. “Yes, Lord,” the woman replied, “but even the puppies under the table get some crumbs.” In other words, “What you’re saying is true, but I don’t need the full meal. Just a few crumbs will be sufficient.” Can you sense this woman’s faith? Jesus did. “Woman,” He said, “you have great faith!” The Greek word is μεγας(megˊ-as), source of the English prefix mega. This woman had mega-faith! From this story, notice the characteristics of this impressive faith.

I wonder how many people we turn off to the gospel by arguing about religious concepts rather than sharing the truth of Jesus Christ’s love and mercy to save us from the wrath we deserve. 

I wonder how many people got ready for church without so much as a thought of who they were coming to worship. 

Mark 2:18–3:6 highlights the difference between religion and a relationship in three encounters Jesus had with a group of Pharisees. 

There is all the difference in the world between religion and relationship.

Surveys continually show that education is among the issues of most concern to Americans. We want well-educated children in quality learning environments. Jesus, the “Master Teacher,” wants to develop us to our full potential, and He masterfully uses whatever learning environment is available at any given time.

The Greek text of the Gospel calls Jesus teacher 45 times

That which Jesus did is called teaching 45 times

Those who followed Him were called disciples (Learners) 215 times

Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is described as when Jesus taught the people

With Peter, Jesus turned the Sea of Galilee into a classroom, and an old boat into a student’s desk. Peter no doubt looked every part the fisherman. He was rough and rugged with the jaws of a fighter and tough leather skin. However, through several encounters recorded in the Gospels, he became a big-hearted individual—a rock with a soft heart. Peter was a son of the sea, and from his encounters with the sea Jesus taught him great lessons, turning him from clay to rock.

Using a common everyday plant pot and some soil to help draw a parallel to how our faith should be growing. 

Most people live their lives in obscurity. Few become famous during their lifetime, and fewer remain famous after they are gone. After all, God has called us to be faithful, not famous. After Nehemiah rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem, his next task was to convince people to move inside the walls, into the “inner city.” What took place in Nehemiah 11 was the first “urban development plan” in history. Nehemiah 11 is a listing of names of people who were necessary for the success of the city, but unknown to anyone else. Three groups moved into the city: (1) Leaders (v. 1). (2) Draftees (v. 1). (3) Volunteers (v. 2). This last group deserves attention. The Hebrew word volunteered means to impel, or to incite from within. These volunteers symbolize God’s army of the great unknowns, the kind of solid people who fill every good and thriving church, people who toil behind the scenes without any credit, with no other desire than to serve. These volunteers teach us a simple truth: God calls us to be faithful, not famous.Five unknowns from Nehemiah 11 serve as our example.

Conflict Happens

Christians can Wound each other If . . . ? It’s fairly sure you’ll be hurt eventually,  We’re not immune from hurt in Church,  in marriage, family, or friendships either.

It hurts more to be hurt by ones you love, These stings hurt most and longest,  These hurts go the deepest

Hurts Break relationships. Our response to pain is to withdraw.  Over time we become isolated & alone

As love unites, sin (hurt) divides. The fruit of love is unity.  The fruit of sin is division. Unless we deal with hurt, division remains

This is Serious stuff This is about what it is to be Church. Church membership – agreement - Church requires relational unity

The Bottom Line: We will love Enough to Confront each other in Loving ways

Clay in the Hand of God

Jeremiah 18:1–6, "As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand. (nkjv)" God can take your messed-up life in His hand and say to you, “I want to give you another chance.” I thank God for a hand like that, because all of us have messed up at some point. All of us have ruined something in our lives. Maybe you’ve ruined everything. I want to show you several examples Of God’s remolding hand from Scripture.