The BIG Idea: We should be ready for the Lord’s return, because when He comes He will judge everyone. The lost are judged for their unbelief (wchih is the source of all sin). The saved are judged, not for sin - which was paid for by Christ, but for accountability of how we lived for and served Christ.

The BIG Idea: If we pursue possessions and comfort but neglect the pursuit of God, Jesus calls us fools. Money and much of what money buys is neither good nor evil. Loving them leads to all kinds of evil, but there is a way to use money in ways that please and honor God.

The BIG Idea: Let your inside match your outside. Fear God but don’t fear man. And, if you’re afraid you’ve committed the unpardonable sin, you probably haven’t. If you are ever threatened or persecuted for following Jesus, trust that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say in that moment.

The Great Commission: The Christian’s Charge

The BIG Idea: Legalism is an unhelpful preoccupation with outward compliance to religious rules, traditions, and ceremonies. Its hope is it will please God and make one acceptable to Him. Jesus unequivocally rejected legalism and calls us to the work of God in changing our hearts, knowing the external behaviors which please the Lord will flow from a new heart.

The BIG Idea: Jesus continues to teach that people must make a decision about who He is and whether they will believe in Him or reject Him. He presents to us the two options: we will live in the darkness of sin and unbelief or in the light of faith and His righteousness.

The BIG Idea: Jesus declared that there is a spiritual war between the Lord and Satan. Through the Cross and Resurrection the final outcome is already settled, there are still battles raging. The souls and eternities of people are what is at stake. Neutrality is not an option. Each must choose which side they are on.

The BIG Idea: God desires that our prayers are bold and persistent - not proud in the sense that we think He owes us. However, Jesus teaches us that if a reluctant neighbor or an imperfect dad can give us good things, how much more will our perfect and loving Heavenly Father respond to the prayers of His children?

The BIG Idea: From the beginning, humans have worried about what others think of them. Concern about others’ opinions becomes a sin when pleasing them is more important to us than obeying God. Freedom in Christ includes setting aside the acceptance of others as a primary goal, knowing that my acceptance in Christ demands my obedience to anything He asks of me.

The BIG Idea: God’s angels (messengers) commonly told people, “Don’t be afraid.” Fear paralyzes us and distorts our judgement and is a signal that we are not trusting God in that moment. The promise of a Savior was meant to assure us that God can be trusted - whatever He asks of us.