GCC Newton sermon audio

What’s True in the Bible?

What Christians Need for Ministry

1. We need a collaborative spirit. (John 3:27 / Luke 9:49–50)

2. We need a proper understanding. (John 3:28 / Luke 9:23 / 1 Corinthians 12:5 / 2 Timothy 4:5 / Colossians 4:17)

3. We need a joyful perspective. (John 3:29 / Philippians 4:4 / 1 Thessalonians 5:16)

4. We need a humble attitude. (John 3:30 / Proverbs 22:4 / Luke 14:7–11 / Philippians 2:3 / 1 Peter 5:5–7)

5. We need to believe AND obey. (John 3:31–36 / James 1:22–25, 2:14–20)

What’s Real in my life?

• In what ways have I served in Christian ministry?

• What is my heart attitude while serving and working with others?

• What is my true motivation for serving others?

• How am I weaving ministry into my everyday life and work?

What’s Next?

• How is God calling me to join Jesus’ mission right now?

What’s True in the Bible?

1. Reject unfair treatment. (Acts 10:25–27 / 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 / James 2:1–4)

2. Acknowledge the problem. (Acts 10:28 / James 2:8–9)

3. Give a listening ear. (Acts 10:29–33 / James 1:19–20)

4. Overcome with Gospel living. (Acts 10:34–48)

What’s Real in my life?

• Have I ever been treated unfairly? How did it make me feel?

• How do I address prejudice?

• How do I help the unsafe, unheard, or unwanted?

What’s Next?

• How can I be a godly voice and presence in my circles of influence? How can I personally overcome prejudice?

What’s True in the Bible?

An Interview about Faith and Salvation

1. Believing in Jesus changes you. (John 3:8)

2. Believing in Jesus saves you. (John 3:13–17)

3. We reject the truth because we don’t want to change. (John 3:19)

4. We avoid the truth because we don’t want to be exposed. (John 3:20)

5. We come to the truth because we want to be changed. (John 3:21 / 1 Peter 2:9 / Isaiah 9:2 / 1 John 1:6 / Psalm 139:23–24)

What’s Real in my life?

• How has faith in Jesus influenced or changed the way I live?

• When have the social ramifications or personal implications made it hard for me to follow God’s direction in the Bible?

• When have I been “exposed” and received healing and grace from God?

What’s Next?

• Expose one area of your life that needs to change: confess it before God, then commit to a plan to change it.

1. Peace challenged. (Why we need Peace)

2. Peace contrasted. (Where not to get Peace)

3. Peace confirmed. (Who gives real Peace)

a. Peace with God

b. Peace of God

Why is Mister Rogers having a moment right now?

- We desperately need him and what he stood for.

• Question from Mister Rogers: Who has loved you into being?

• Brilliant question:

- We are NOT self-made!

- Fronts love.

- Being > Doing

• Big Idea: No one has loved you into being more than Jesus.

Colossians 1:15–22

• Jesus...

- Created you into being

- Holds you into being

- Leads you into being

- Reconciles you into being

- ... all because of love.

What’s True in the Bible?

Continue in Prayer (v. 2)

• Being steadfast

• Being watchful

• Being thankful

Share Your Faith (vv. 3–6)

• Pray purposefully
- For open doors (v. 3)
- For gospel clarity (v. 4)

• Walk wisely (v. 5)

• Speak graciously (v. 6)

What’s Real in my life?

• In what ways am I growing in my habit of prayer?

• Do my actions and my words work together to testify to God’s grace? Am I relying too heavily on one or the other (actions or words)?

What’s Next?

• Who will I commit to pray for, asking God for an open door to share my faith?

What’s True in the Bible?

If Jesus Inspected Your Life

1. What would He find? (John 2:13–14)

2. What would He remove? (John 2:15–17)

3. How much power does He have? (John 2:18–22)

What’s Real in my life?

• What do I think about Jesus aggressively clearing out the temple?

• What would Jesus remove if He visited my “home”?

• What authority does Jesus have in my day-to-day living?

What’s Next?

• What do I need to drive out of my life to clear the way for God’s plan?

What’s True in the Bible?

How to Receive God’s Best for Your Life

1. Recognize your need, and bring it to Jesus. (John 2:1–3)

2. Listen to His direction, and put it into action. (John 2:4–8)

3. See God move, and grow in your faith. (John 2:9–11)

What’s Real in my life?

• Where do I go when the “wine” runs out?

• Have I been dragging my feet on something that God has asked me to do? Why?

• In what special ways have I seen God move, and how did that impact my faith?

What’s Next?

• What need can I bring to Jesus?

What’s True in the Bible

Jacob’s Dream (Genesis 28:10–19)

Jesus’ Disciples (John 1:35–51)

Connecting the Two Stories

1. Jesus still makes Himself known. (John 1:35, 47–49 / Genesis 28:12–13, 16–19)

2. Jesus still calls us to follow. (John 1:38–39, 42–43 / Genesis 28:14–15)

3. Jesus still bridges the gap. (John 1:50–51 / Genesis 28:12 & 15)

What’s Real in my life?

• How has God shown Himself to me recently?

• How do I personally stay connected with God, despite all the noise and distraction around me?

What’s Next?

• In what ways is He calling me to follow Him today?

• Who can I “bring” to Jesus this week? (John 1:42, 46)