Impact Church Menifee

Key Scripture: Colossians 3:11-17

According to research, 40% of families in the U.S. are blended families, and more than 60% of them will ultimately fail. While the stepfamily isn’t God's original design, it can still become a family according to God’s design. Just like most blended families, the early Church was made up of very different people who had very different behaviors and backgrounds. These differences created conflict and tensions that were difficult to overcome. Still, God called His children to come together as one spiritual family. Even today, the Church serves as conclusive proof that every family can experience health, healing and wholeness in Christ.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Matthew 19:3-9

• Psalm 32:1-2, 5

• Colossians 3:11-17

• Matthew 1:16

Key Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Typically, the parent - child relationship can be one of the most challenging we have, yet it is also one of the most rewarding. We read in the Psalms “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Yet so often it can feel more like a curse. So what do we need to do to experience the blessings of this relationship? God’s Atypical plan instructs us how!

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Proverbs 22:6

• Psalm 127:3-5

• Deuteronomy 6:2

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7

• “Being a parent is dirty and scary and beautiful and hard and miraculous and exhausting and thankless and joyful and frustrating all at once.” - Jill Smokler

Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33

The typical marriage is a daily tug-of-war between two people trying to get their needs met. At first, attraction and infatuation cloak the selfishness in our hearts. Inevitably, however, unmet expectations pile up and the avalanche of disappointment crushes any hope of a “happily ever after.” God designed marriage to expose and uproot the selfishness that is destructive to our lives and relationships. He gives us marriage roles and responsibilities that point to His example of self-sacrificial Love. Do you want a better marriage? It’s time to follow His atypical example.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• 1 Philippians 2:5-8

• 2 Matthew 20:25-28

• 3 2 Corinthians 5:15

• 4 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Key Scripture: Genesis 2:22-24

In today's world there are endless sources of advice and tips for the dating scene. Some of the advice may be good, but it’s typically geared toward finding “the right one,” and based on a worldly, cultural philosophy. All of it falls woefully short when compared to God's Word, and when God’s Word is used to build a foundation, it produces relationships that endure for the long haul.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Proverbs 16:25
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

We all want more than the typical family. We want an extraordinary family that's marked by unconditional love, respect and fighting for each other. So, why do we end up with the same old family that's marred by unmet expectations, regret and fighting with each other? God has a different plan for your life and for your family, and His plan is anything but typical. Just as He is holy, He has made us holy in Christ. He wants to make your family an exception, so that He can make it exceptional. Do you know what He wants to change today?

Scripture References and Quotes:

• “Modern Christians hope to save the world by being like it, but it will never work. The Church's power over the world springs out of her unlikeness to it, never from her integration into it." - A.W. Tozer

• Corinthians 6:17

• John 17:15-17

• Revelation 4:8

• 1 Peter 1:15-16

Key Scripture: Acts 17:1-34

Like it or not, we all have to make decisions. Do you ever wish you could find a way to always make the right one? Life is composed of a series of decisions, which is why it’s so important to have a plan for making wise choices. This is something many people never consider, yet the Bible isn’t a story book but a guide. If we follow a plan based on God’s Word, we’ll make decisions wisely and avoid the difficulties and heartaches that come from wrong choices.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Joshua 24:15

• 2 Corinthians 9:7

• Psalm 25:12

• Psalm 119:105

• Proverbs 3:5-6

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• 1 Thessalonians 2:13

• Joshua 1:8

• Matthew 4:4

• 2 Timothy 2:15

Key Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Life isn’t fair. This world can beat us up and hold us captive. Our natural tendency when we go through trials is to focus more on ourselves, but peace comes from fixing our eyes on Christ. Peace comes when we worship. Peace comes when we're no longer trying to escape our trouble, but finally discover the true freedom that only God can bring.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Hebrews 12:26-29

• 2 Corinthians 3:17

• James 1:2

• Psalm 23:4

• 1 Peter 1:6-7

Key Scripture: Acts 15

It’s easy to lose sight of what’s most important. We tend to make minor issues major and miss the major issues entirely. We get caught up in our rights as Christians and concerned with everything others are doing wrong. What’s most important to Jesus? The unity of His Church. As we face disagreements and potentially divisive issues with other believers, we must do everything possible to avoid both legalism and lawlessness and to pursue love. Don’t judge, don’t stumble, and do all for the glory of God.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Matthew 23:24

• 1 Corinthians 9:12

• Romans 14:13-19

• John 17:22-23

Key Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

As followers of Jesus, we are all called to share the good news of the gospel. However, it is not always easy and isn’t always well-received. During those times, we can get discouraged and want to quit. God’s Word reminds us that we’re not alone in our discouragement. Even though the apostles and early Church believers accomplished incredible things for Christ, they were very much human and experienced many of the same frustrations we do. But when faced with trouble they continued to share the gospel and live the life God called them to.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Matthew 28:18-20
• Acts 1:8
• Luke 9:62
• Galatians 6:9
• 2 Corinthians 11:25
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
• “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” – Francis Chan
• Matthew 6:33
• Luke 9:23
• Luke 14:27-28
• “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” – Max Lucado

Key Scripture: Acts 13

The only life without limits is the one God has called you to live. His calling will never be first and foremost about you and will always serve to accomplish His purpose of redeeming the world to Himself. As you live out this calling, you’ll run into conflict from those who oppose the gospel and try to dilute Truth with disobedience. But this conflict can clarify God’s calling on your life. He uses opposition to give us direction. Do you know the life He’s called you to? Are you living it?  

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Acts 9:15-16

• Romans 8:28

• Matthew 3:3-8

• Luke 10:21

• 1 Corinthians 2:4-20

• 2 Timothy 3:5