The church has always been "under fire" - but Jesus continues to build his church and all the powers of hell can't stop him!

When we're under fire,

- we shouldn't be surprised - Jesus told us there would be trouble!

- we shouldn't be discouraged - Jesus has overcome the world!

- we should stand strong - Jesus has all authority and is completely trustworthy!

- we should stand together - we are stronger when we are in regular, healthy fellowship.

Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:45-47, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 11:19-21, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5, Philippians 1:12-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14, John 16:33, Hebrews 10:23-25

The Bible teaches us that we CAN overcome evil:

- by refusing to repay evil with evil

- by seeking peace

- by leaving justice and punishment to God

- by doing good to those who do us evil

- by shining light into darkness by our good deeds

We overcome evil with good!

Luke 6:27-28, Romans 12:17-21, Luke 22:41-44, Matthew 5:14-16

We can learn a lot about how to correctly handle sin from Jesus - and how not to from the religious leaders who constantly challenged him:

The religious leaders:

 - were self-righteous, judgemental & condemning

 - had a biased, incomplete view of righteousness

Jesus demonstrated:

 - understanding

 - compassion

 - forgiveness

 - the pursuit of true righteousness

John 8:2-11, Leviticus 20:10, Matthew 5:17-20

Church unity is beautiful and powerful! Everyone inside the community benefits - and those outside the community are drawn to this demonstration of the life of Jesus.

Our unity grows as our devotion to Jesus leads to greater love for one another - and we grow stronger together. It glorifies Jesus and draws people to Jesus!

Romans 1:8-12, John 17:22-24, Romans 12:10, John 13:34, 1 John 1:3, Philippians 2:1-2, Acts 2:43-47, 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to those who follow him. The Holy Spirit transforms our character and lives and also imparts supernatural gifts to us. He is a gift from God that is available to anyone who believes! 

Jesus encouraged us to ask for this gift, so let's ask! And let's keep in step with him as he leads us! 

John 16:7-15, Acts 1:7-8, Acts 2:36-39, Galatians 5:22-25, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Acts 9:1-6, Luke 11:11-13, Galatians 5:25 

Just as little children learn to walk and run with practice and exercise, we mature spiritually as we practice and exercise spiritually. We start with "baby steps", but develop into maturity as we practice the new ways of the Kingdom of God. As we invest time and effort into things like prayer, Bible reading, obedience and persistence, we "build spiritual muscle" and mature as disciples of Jesus.

God also gives us tasks, opportunities and spiritual gifts. As we serve him faithfully, he entrusts us with more. We grow!

Hebrews 5:11-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Matthew 25:14-27, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Acts 6:1-5, Acts 8:4-8

When we first put our faith in Jesus, we began a new life - as spiritual babies. But God intends for us to grow up into mature men and women of God who live the way that Jesus lived.

Because Jesus is the source of our spiritual life, we need to live in a close relationship with him. 

To do this, we need to

- spend regular, significant time in his presence;

- learn his words and ways and obey them;

- persist when things get hard (God is "pruning" us).

Ephesians4:11-16, Hebrews 5:11-14, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, John 15:1-5, Matthew 11:28-30

God chose Noah to rescue his family and all created animals from the flood that covered the whole earth. The only way to be rescued was to get on board the ark.

A pivotal moment was when the flood began, but the door was still open. This exposed them to the flood. But God closed the door and they were secure.

When God gives us something to do, we need to trust him and "leave the door open" - for his surprising work. We should not try to do his job for him, but simply do what he tells us to do and trust him with the rest! We are not in control of the mission, he is!

Genesis 7:11-16, Isaiah 55:9, 1 Peter 5:6-11, 1 John 4:4, Matthew 6:33

Jesus is like a farmer and the world is his field. Jesus plants his people as good seed (wheat) - but the devil also plants his people as bad seed (weeds).

Jesus has intentionally planted us where we are, to bear fruit where we are.

We are planted, not buried!

When we are "sleepy", the devil can sow his seed in our field!

Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43, Matthew 4:3-4, Song of Solomon 2:15

The battle recorded in 2 Chronicles 20 teaches some invaluable lessons for the battles we face in life:

-Seek the Lord

-Remember what God has done before

-Realise that the Battle belongs to the Lord

-Have faith and allow God’s strength to work through you

-Praise and worship the Lord

2 Chronicles 20:1-24, Ephesians 6:12, Luke 18:27, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 6:33