Bloom Church Podcast

1. THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH

2. THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE

3. THE THIRD RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS Knowledge

4. THE FOURTH RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS self-control

5. THE fifth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS Perseverance

6. THE Sixth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS GODLINESS

7. THE seventh RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS BROTHERLY KINDNESS

8. THE Eighth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS LOVE

Eros- Love found in romantic relationships. Connected to falling or being in love.

Storge- Love between family members. A protective love that can withstand hardships & trials

PhilEO-Love between close friends. Describes the emotional feeling of a close friend.

When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself. 1 Samuel 18:1 CSB

Agape - Love that is unconditional and sacrificial. The love that God is and shows.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 NIV

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 ESV

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If you love [agape] me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15

WHAT HINDERS US FROM LOVE?

1. LABELS

Once you label me, you negate me. Soren Kierkegaard.

Definitions belong to the definers- not the defined. Toni Morrison

2. FEAR

Fear stifles the effects of love, this idea its us versus them, agreement or approval. True love challenges this fear, digs deep to uncover its roots, and replace it with an expansive and fearless love.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:17-19

Outrage is a double edged sword that initially feels gratifying but gradually corrodes one's being. Outrage is like a lot of other things that feel good but over times devour us from the inside out. Tim Kreider

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love[Agape] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:43-45

3. FALSE TRUTH

What hinders the love of God from us to others is when we compromise his Truth with our experiential truths and values. It produces confusion in hearts and minds.

WHAT HELPS US TO LOVE?

1. LISTENING

Listening is an expression of love. Reflecting our willingness to care, understand, and value others.

So much of what we think we know about one another could be radically changed by a willingness to simply listen.

2. PRESENCE

We can't love someone without Connection and that requires us to be PRESENT

Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy - Warren Wiersbe

"Technoference" - use of technological devices that interferes with or interrupts everyday normal family relations and interactions

Withness - being with people in all their complexities and contradictions.

The word became flesh and blood moving into our neighborhood. John 1:14 MSG

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 2 Cor 5:14-15 ESV

3. ACTION

LOVE=CHARITY=ACTION

SHARING WITH OTHERS OUR TIME, TALENTS, TREASURE, AND TESTIMONY IS THE BEGINNING OF PUTTING LOVE IN ACTION

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13 NLT

Selfless love transcends the boundaries of conditional affection and defies the notion that love is a quid-pro-quo exchange.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:9-16 NIV

1. THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH

2. THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE

3. THE THIRD RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS Knowledge

4. THE THIRD RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS self-control

5. THE fifth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS Perseverance

6. THE Sixth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS GODLINESS

Godliness is the reverent awareness of God's sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one's conduct.

"1 Tim 2:2b "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

2 Peter 3:11b "what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives" ).

Sanctification, separating oneself from sin & worldliness and growing in holiness & godliness through a conformity with the Holy Spirit.

THOUGHT We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

WORD The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21, Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6

DEED"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col 3:17

How do you know you are living a life of Godliness?

OUR FRUIT

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:7-8

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14 & 17

No instead Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13

"I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20b

Jude 1:3 tells us that contenders of faith labor tirelessly for goodness, righteousness, and holiness.

HOW do we do this?!

HOLY SPIRIT: Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Gal 3:3 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18

HIS WORD: Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

PRAYER: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Eph 6:18

MENTORS. "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."1 Corinthians 11:1

. But instead, it's more about the conformity to the character and very nature of God through obedience to His will (jerry Bridges)

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph 4:22-24.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Gal 5:22-23

Again.. Against growing a life of godliness with the help of His Spirit, which will bear good fruit.. There is no law. There is no requirement for perfection, b/c Jesus is the perfect sacrifice. Should we go on sinning, No.

Well then, should we keep on sinning so the God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace.Romans 6:1

REPENT-turn away from unhealthy thoughts/attitudes/actions that move us away from Jesus and to move toward Him. In our thoughts, words, and actions.

God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. In view of this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self control. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things and you will not fall away. 2 Peter 1:3,5,8,10 NLT

THE FIRST RUNG THAT - WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES FAITH

THE SECOND RUNG - THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE MORAL EXCELLENCE

THE THIRD RUNG - THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN KNOWLEDGE

…and moral excellence with knowledge… 2 Peter 1:5 NLT

THE FOURTH RUNG IS WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE SELF CONTROL

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… James 1:19

THE FIFTH RUNG IS WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE PERSEVERANCE

One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. "Where have you come from?" the Lord asked Satan.

Satan answered the Lord, "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on."

Then the Lord asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil."

Satan replied to the Lord, "Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. Job 1:6-12

You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face. All right, you may test him," the Lord said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." So Satan left the Lord's presence. Job 1:6-12

One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother's house, a messenger arrived at Job's home with this news: "Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you."While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: "The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: "Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: "Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother's home. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. Job 1:13-20

God may be giving you exactly what you need it just looks different than what you thought.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2nd Corinthians 12:8-10

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

Persevering through trials brings maturity to your relationship with God

MOST BELIEVERS NEVER WALK IN THE PROMISES OF GOD BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BYPASS THE REFINEMENT OF GOD!

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7

Then the Lord asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause."

Satan replied to the Lord, "Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!"

"All right, do with him as you please," the Lord said to Satan. "But spare his life." So Satan left the Lord's presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.

Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die."

But Job replied, "You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?" So in all this, Job said nothing wrong. Job 2:3-10

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalms 34:18

1. WE PERSEVERE NO MATTER OUR CIRCUMSTANCES

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

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Philippians 4:11-14

1. WE ARE FAITHFUL AND WE PERSEVERE WHEN NOTHING CHANGES

Hope means that we must trust and wait for what is still unseen. For why would we need to hope for something we already have? So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment. Romans 8:24-25 TPT

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

3. PERSEVERANCE STARTS SMALL AND BECOMES MONUMENTAL

Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees. Then he said to his servant, "Go and look out toward the sea." The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, "I didn't see anything." Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, "I saw a little cloud about the size of a man's hand rising from the sea." Then Elijah shouted, "Hurry to Ahab and tell him, 'Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don't hurry, the rain will stop you!'" And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm. 1 Kings 18:42-45

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

4. PERSEVERANCE LEADS TO RESTORATION

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. Job 42:10-11

• GOD DOESN'T EXPECT PERFECTION BUT HE DOES DESIRE PROGRESSION

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:26

When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you… Philippians 2:12-13 MSG

It's about persevering, one day at a time

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

GOD HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIVING A GODLY LIFE. IN VIEW OF

THIS, MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RESPOND TO GOD'S PROMISES. SUPPLEMENT YOUR

FAITH WITH A GENEROUS PROVISION OF MORAL EXCELLENCE, AND MORAL

EXCELLENCE WITH KNOWLEDGE, AND KNOWLEDGE, WITH SELF CONTROL. THE

MORE YOU GROW LIKE THIS, THE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND USEFUL YOU WILL BE IN

THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. SO DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

WORK HARD TO PROVE THAT YOU REALLY ARE AMONG THOSE GOD HAS CALLED

AND CHOSEN. DO THESE THINGS AND AND YOU WILL NOT FALL AWAY.

2 PETER 1: 3, 5, 6, 8, 10

1ST RUNG - FAITH

2ND RUNG - MORAL EXCELLENCE

3RD RUNG - KNOWLEDGE

4TH RUNG - SELF CONTROL

THE ABILITY TO CONTROL ONESELF, IN PARTICULAR, ONE'S EMOTIONS AND

DESIRES, OR THE EXPRESSION OF THEM IN ONE'S BEHAVIOR.

FAILURE TO EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL DEMONSTRATES THAT WE WORSHIP

OURSELVES MORE THAN GOD.

WHEN WE PUT THE WILL OF OURSELVES OVER THE WILL OF GOD WE ARE

ESSENTIALLY WORSHIPING OURSELVES.

WHEN WE FAIL TO EXERCISE CONTROL OVER OUR NEEDS, DESIRES, AND EMOTIONS,

WE WILL HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE AROUND US.

WHEN WE FAIL TO EXERCISE CONTROL OF OUR TEMPER WE BREAK THE SPIRITS OF

PEOPLE AROUND US.

YOU BECOME WHAT THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE SAY ABOUT YOU.

THE TONGUE HAS POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH, AND THOSE WHO LOVE IT WILL EAT

ITS FRUIT.

1. ALLOW GOD TO CHANGE YOUR HEART

2. PUT A FILTER ON WHAT I ALLOW IN MY HEART

3. DECIDE TO SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE

4. SPEAK WORDS OF AFFECTION

5. SPEAK WORDS OF PRAISE

6. SPEAK WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

7. SPEAK WORDS OF HEALING

8. SPEAK WORDS OF FAITH

BETTER A PATIENT PERSON THAN A WARRIOR, ONE WITH SELF CONTROL, THAN ONE

WHO TAKES A CITY.

LIKE A CITY WHOSE WALLS ARE BROKEN THROUGH IS A PERSON WHO LACKS SELF

CONTROL.

MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, TAKE NOTE OF THIS: EVERYONE SHOULD BE

QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK, AND SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY, BECAUSE

HUMAN ANGER DOES NOT PRODUCE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS GOD DESIRES.

THEREFORE, GET RID OF ALL MORAL FILTH AND THE EVIL THAT IS SO PREVALENT

AND HUMBLY ACCEPT THE WORD PLANTED IN YOU, WHICH CAN SAVE YOU.

'By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life… In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises… The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:3,5,8,10 NLT

THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH

FAITH IS SIMPLY STAYING SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD.

THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence… 2 Peter 1:5 NLT

' "If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15 NLT

Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. Judges 15:20 NIV

'The woman ran and told her husband, "A man of God appeared to me! He looked like osonne of God's angels, terrifying to see. I didn't ask where he was from, and he didn't tell me his name. But he told me, 'You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food. For your will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.'" Judges 13:6-7 NLT

One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. The people of Gaza were told, "Samson is here!" So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They made no move during the night, saying, "At dawn we'll kill him."Judges 16:1-2 NIV

RARELY DO WE GET TO THE WRONG PLACE IN LIFE BY ONE BAD CHOICE. WE GET THERE ONE STEP AT A TIME, ONE DAY AT A TIME, AND ONE BAD DECISION AT A TIME.

WE DON'T BELIEVE OUR BAD DECISIONS OR DISOBEDIENCE WILL COST US.

But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. Judges 16:3 NIV

Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. Judges 16:4 NIV

IThe rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, "See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver." So Delilah said to Samson, "Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued." Judges 16:5-6 NIV

After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. Judges 16:19-21 NIV

HOW DO YOU PURSUE MORAL EXCELLENCE?

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT

1. GIRD YOUR MINDS

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 NLT

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT

WE HAVE TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE YOU LOVE FREEDOM OVER THE CONVENIENCE OF YOUR TEMPTATION

So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you. James 1:21 GNB

2. GUARD YOUR HEARTS

So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. 1 Peter 1:14 NLT

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11 NIV

3. GUIDE YOUR LIFESTYLE

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 NLT

'And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO COMPROMISE

4 MAJOR TRIGGERS:

• PLACE

• TIME

• MOOD

Tremble and in your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. Psalms 4:4-5 NIV

• PEOPLE

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Do not be fooled. "Bad companions ruin good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE GOING THE DIRECTION YOU WANT TO GO

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

'The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11 NLT

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT

THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH

Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:1-5 NLT

FAITH IS SIMPLY STAYING SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD.

'These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT

'Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:2-5 NLT

TRAGEDY IS WHEN WE ALLOW OUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO BLIND US FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE.

'So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

'Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalms 1:1-3 NLT

'But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8 NLT

YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.

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. James 1:12 NLT

'So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:10 NLT

QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE WHERE YOUR FAITH IS AT

1. How do I respond when my faith is tested? Do I turn towards God or away from Him?

2. When circumstances seem uncertain or difficult how does that influence the way I view and treat others?

3. Do I feel peace and assurance because of my faith, even in tough times?

4. Am I open to God's guidance, even when it leads in unexpected directions?

5. Do I seek God regularly through prayer, reading Scripture, and worship?

HOW DO ADD DILIGENTLY TO YOUR FAITH?

'But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. James 1:22-24 NLT

READING THE BIBLE MUST BE A PRIORITY

'But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free… James 1:25 NLT

2. ACT ON WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

…and if you do what it says… James 1:25 NLT

3. MEMORIZE AND MEDITATE ON THE SCRIPTURES.

…and don't forget what you heard… James 1:25 NLT

4. RECIEVE GOD'S BLESSINGS

…then God will bless you for doing it… James 1:25 NLT

God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10 NLT

You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. Ephesians 2:19 NLT

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know him. 1 John 3:1 NLT

'But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Hebrews 3:6 NLT

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 NLT

The scriptures are very clear that church is not something you are intended just to attend and receive from, but something you are designed to contribute to for the well-being of others!

You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 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

Physical needs.

Safety needs.

Love needs.

Esteem needs.

Cognitive needs.

Aesthetic needs.

Self-actualization needs.

So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last. Matthew 20:16 NLT

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… Matthew 20:20 NLT

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NLT

'I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:15,17 NLT

'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 28:18-20 NLT

1. Self-Centered Discipleship

"It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'" "You won't die!" the serpent replied to the woman. "God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil." The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. Genesis 3:3-6 NLT

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you also going to leave?" Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. " John 6:66-69 NLT

According to Jesus, discipleship is not about self-actualization or self-preservation; it is about self-denial.

'Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." Matthew 16:24-25 NLT

2. Spiritual Apathy

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT

Ministry is the pathway to maturity and many Christians will never obtain maturity until they travel the path of ministry.

How Do I Make A Disciple?

Discipleship is not difficult; it's just proximity over an extended period of time with a purpose.

And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach…Mark 3:14 (NASB)

"There is simply NO substitute for getting with people and it is ridiculous to imagine that anything less, short of a miracle, can develop strong Christian leadership. After all, if Jesus, the Son of God, found it necessary to stay almost constantly with his few disciples for 3 yrs, and even one of them was lost, how can a church expect to do this job on an assembly line basis a few days out of the year?" Quote from The Master Plan Evangelism

You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…John 15:16 (NLT)

"When will we realize that evangelism is not done by something, but by someone? . . . It's not better methods, but better men and women who know their Redeemer from personal experience…who see his vision and feel his passion for the world…who are willing to be nothing so that he might be everything." Quote from The Master Plan Evangelism

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply"…Genesis 1:27-28 NLT

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

NEEDS TO BE MET BY MOTHERS

Safety

Nurture

Basic Trust

Belonging and Invitation

Someone to Love

"Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15 NLT

NEEDS TO BE MET BY FATHERS

Unconditional, expressed love

Security and Comfort

Praise and Affirmation

Provision

Purpose in Life

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." Romans 8:15 NLT

WE LET THE BIBLE LEAD & GUIDE US, NOT OUR EMOTIONS AND EXPERIENCES.

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

WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL APPROACH TO RAISING KIDS?

1. WE MUST TEACH OUR KIDS CHRIST-LOVE OVER SELF-LOVE

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things… Jeremiah 17:9 NLT

WE TEACH OUR KIDS THAT CHRIST'S LOVE IS A SACRIFICIAL LOVE

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NLT

'There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13 NLT

2. WE MUST TEACH OUR KIDS GODLY PRIORITIES

"Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.'" Matthew 4:10 NLT

" the only hope of a decreasing self is an increasing Christ." F.B. Meyer

Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40 NLT

3. WE MUST TEACH OUR KIDS THAT GODLY DISCIPLINE IS LOVE

'Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him. Proverbs 22:15 AMP

THE DISCIPLINE OF GODLY PARENTS FOCUSES ON THE HEART, NOT JUST THE RULES.

'And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord 's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." Hebrews 12:5-6 NLT

For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23 NLT