How do we inspire people to follow Jesus? We must give people opportunities to EXPLORE faith, Jesus, and Christianity. We must understand the starting point is different for everyone. We must understand the skepticism is probably higher than ever before. We must remember that Jesus and the Bible are more than big enough to withstand the doubts or questions of people.

Pastor Chris Cleveland starts this series off by sharing the hopes and dreams we have, through Jesus, for the future of EPAG. Encouraging us to Dream Big and to unleash our potential as a church.

Eternity will come for all of us, at any time... In light of that thought, how should we live this life? We should be dwelling, abiding, remaining in and be following Jesus. We should always be seeking godly wisdom to do the Lord’s work in our individual lives.

Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV — “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Armor of God = Defense + Offense, all engaged in the truth of God. Defending what you know is already true and combating the lies against the enemy. What practical way can we increase the role of the Word of God in your life?

Much of the battle with the enemy takes place in the mind. God wants to equip us to stand firm and to fight against these. We win this battle by being anchored to the Truth of God.

We have a real enemy leading an organized attack against God’s plans and God’s people. We are not strong enough to defeat the enemy on our own. Jesus is the only source for victory in our lives. We must depend on God’s strength to win our battles against the enemy.

We have a real enemy leading an organized attack against God’s plans and God’s people. How do we see this play out in our world today?

While the Bible doesn’t give every detail about the spiritual world, the Bible does instruct us to be aware of the spiritual war. Everyone is a part of this war in some way, realized or not. Our role as Jesus followers is to be aware, and to respond by the instruction God has given us.

It’s all about the “likes” – they are what manipulate algorithms, attract advertisers and for many provide a feeling of self-worth. People's opinions matter to us. BUT whether we’re a people-pleaser personality or not, all of us need to be reminded that God’s opinion of us is what matters. We need to live for the Audience of One, as Jesus did. 

Speaker: Worship Pastor Nick Larson