Impact Church Menifee

Key Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

John the Baptist isn't included in the nativity, but he's a big part of the Christmas story. He was chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus in the world. He did this so well, Jesus called him the greatest man who ever lived. Today, you and I are called to prepare the way for Christ in the lives of others. We represent Him in the way we live and in how we love. Is this the kind of greatness you're pursuing?

Scripture References and Quotes:

• 1 Corinthians 1:27-28
• Mark 3:21
• John 1:46
• Matthew 11:7-11
• John 1:29-31

Key Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

We often miss out on God's plans for us because we feel unworthy or we're simply unwilling. When an angel appeared to Mary, telling her she was chosen to bring Christ into the world, she was stunned. How could God choose a nobody like her to do such an incredible thing? While Mary knew her inadequacies, she also knew the greatness of God. While she knew the road ahead would be difficult, she also knew it would be worth it. Are you willing to allow God to use your life according to His will?

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Luke 1:28-29
• Hebrews 13:5
• Matthew 1:23
• Ephesians 3:20
• 1 Corinthians 4:1
• 1 Peter 2:16
• Galatians 1:10

Key Scripture: Mark 3:13-19

Description: Christmas is the perfect holiday. Lights shining, music playing, and everyone looking so jolly in those well-staged social media posts. With everything and everyone around us so perfect, is it any wonder we feel like we don’t fit in? Our fears, faults and failures make us feel defective - like an outsider, a reject, a misfit. The Christmas story is all about misfits. Jesus came into this world as a Misfit and called other misfits to follow Him and gave them a place to belong. He’s still calling misfits today. Will you answer?

Scripture References and Quotes:

• James 2:5
• 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
• 1 Samuel 16:6-7
• Isaiah 66:2
• 1 Peter 5:5
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
• John 15:19

Key Scripture: Acts 28:23-31

One day, we will stand in the company of the great men and women of faith who have gone before us. Theirs is an example of what it means to follow Jesus with uncompromising conviction and unwavering devotion. It’s easy for us to let the cares and concerns of this life distract us from following Him with our whole heart. We pursue lesser goals and waste too much time chasing after things that don’t ultimately matter. God is still writing His Story in this world through the Church. Will you be a part of it?

Scripture References and Quotes:

“In Acts, we see Christianity, the real thing, in action for the first time in human history. Here we are seeing the Church in its first youth, valiant and unspoiled - a body of ordinary men and women joined in an unconquerable fellowship never before seen on this earth. This surely is the Church as it was meant to be. These people did not make ‘acts of faith,’ they believed, they did not ‘say their prayers,’ they really prayed. They did not hold conferences on psychosomatic medicine, they simply healed the sick. But if they were uncomplicated and naive by modern standards we have ruefully to admit that they were open on the God-ward side in a way that is almost unknown today.” - J.B. Phillips

• Acts 9:15
• 2 Corinthians 11:24-28
• Hebrews 11:35-38
• Hebrews 12:1-2
• Luke 8:14
• Matthew 10:37-39
• 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Key Scripture: Acts 27

Life is full of storms. We sail along with clear and sunny skies until the wind suddenly changes and we find ourselves holding on for dear life. When seasons of hardship come, how do we keep our lives from falling apart? How can we hear and trust God’s voice in the midst of trial and difficulty? Even when we can’t understand, His promises and purpose never fail. While storms aren’t optional, shipwreck is.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• John 16:33
• Matthew 7:24-27
• 1 Peter 3:17
• Matthew 7:13-14
• Hebrews 6:17-18
• James 1:2
• Philippians 1:21

Key Scripture: Acts 21:1-14

We all want to make sense of suffering. When things get hard, we want to know why. Why would God allow something so horrible to happen to me? There's a common fatal flaw in our thinking that God would never want us to suffer, yet Paul's life and words indicate He isn't nearly as concerned with our comfort as we think He should be. God's priorities are His glory and our maturity, and suffering often brings these things about. Are you going through a trial today? Trust His will for your life!

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Luke 22:42
• Philippians 2:5-8
• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
• Romans 8:18
• Philippians 3:10

“If you seek God as the nonnegotiable good of your life, you will get happiness thrown in. If, however, you aim mainly at personal happiness, you will get neither.” ― Timothy Keller

Key Scripture: Acts 20:17-38

The need for Christ-like leaders in the Church has never been greater. Too many of us come to church, we listen and learn, but we don't grow. We need leaders of character who are willing to live as an example of what it means to follow Jesus every day. We tend to celebrate spiritual gifts and spectacular exploits more than simple acts of service and obedience, yet Jesus told us that we’ll know them by their fruits not by their gifts. Leadership in its simplest form is influence, and each of us has influence in the lives of others. Who are you leading? Are you leading well?

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Matthew 23:3
• 2 Corinthians 5:20
• 1 Corinthians 11:1
• Matthew 7:15-23
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Hebrews 1:3

“Do you not know that there comes a midnight hour when every one has to throw off his mask? Do you think you can slip away a little before midnight in order to avoid this? Or are you not terrified by it?” - Soren Kierkegaard

"People will always hit the ceiling that their character makeup dictates. Who a person is will ultimately determine if their brains, talents, competencies, energy, effort, and abilities will succeed.” - Dr. Henry Cloud

Key Scripture: Acts 19:21-27

We’ve done away with the statues, but idols remain a significant part of our lives. We devote ourselves to people and things, seeking from them what only God can give. Money is one idol that remains firmly entrenched in our society, as well as our hearts. Greed and covetousness are the new normal in a country that celebrates success and riches. Yet, Jesus warned us more about the dangers of riches than the dangers of lust, pride or anger. Could it be that greed is a bigger problem in our hearts than we might realize?

Scripture References and Quotes:

• 1 Corinthians 8:4-6
• Exodus 20:4
• Colossians 3:5
• Matthew 6:24
• Luke 12:15
• Colossians 3:1-4
• Matthew 6:19-20
• 2 Corinthians 8:8-9

"Anything can be an idol, and everything has been an idol…An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give." - Tim Keller

Key Scripture: Acts 19:11-20

We all face problems that make us feel powerless: financial hardship, physical struggles, family issues, fear, and an uncertain future. So many things in life seem beyond our control. We are also spiritual beings who fight against a spiritual enemy who daily wreaks havoc in our lives. While we should be aware, we have nothing to fear. Jesus has given us His authority over every evil in this world. This authority doesn’t come from religiousness or spirituality, but from an intimate relationship with Him. Stop living as a victim. There’s victory in His Name!

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Ephesians 6:10-12
• Philippians 2:9-11
• Luke 4:36
• 2 Peter 2:19
• 1 Corinthians 15:57

Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33

God has a plan for your family that is anything but typical and far better than anything you can design yourself. While every person's circumstance is unique, His Word provides us with answers to every question and strength for every situation. No matter what you're going through or what challenges you're facing, you and your family don't need to settle for typical!