In part one of The Blessing: It is Much More Than We Realize, Pastor Karin Conlee outlined some biblical principles to help align our hearts with truth as we enter this new series. God is a blesser and just as He blessed throughout the pages of Scripture, He wants to bless His children and give us the gift of being a blessing. When we believe the world’s views on blessings we will short change all that God wants to do in and through us. Focusing on God’s famous call to Abram to leave his home and “go to a land that I will show you” in Genesis 12, this message helps us see blessings that come through both relationship and obedience. 

Throughout this series, we will examine the many ways that God blessed His children and how that desire and opportunity is still as possible today as in Biblical times. Likewise, our steps of faith also give us the opportunity to be a conduit of God’s love by being His instrument to bless those in our midst.

Numbers 13:25-28a
At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. 26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 HOWEVER, 

Numbers 13:28
HOWEVER, the PEOPLE who dwell in the land are STRONG, and the CITIES are FORTIFIED and VERY LARGE. And besides, we saw the descendants of ANAK there.

What happens when you give a compliment?
You recognize value.
The ability to assign & affirm value is a very personal gift.
The ability to assign & affirm importance is a priceless gift. 

It’s important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people who’ve been criticized more than they’ve been complimented.
Everyone is made in the image of God.
Everyone is worth the life of God’s Son.

It’s normal to compliment honorable people, but it’s also normal to criticize dishonorable people.

What could happen if we complimented the criticized?
Luke 7:36
Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.

What are the THREE most powerful words in the world?
I LOVE you.
What are the FOUR most powerful words in the world?
I BELIEVE in you.
What are the FIVE most powerful words in the world?
I am PROUD of you.

In this series, Pastors Chris & William encourage us to become a people who are known for complimenting instead of criticizing.
In this second message, William dives deep into the story of the Widow’s Mite, and shows why Jesus’ focus on the seemingly insignificant is quite significant indeed.
Rich with context behind God’s own compliments, this message will help you to feel the weight of your words, hear the plea of Scripture for using our words differently, and hopefully to begin to see the unseen more regularly in your life.

What’s more powerful? A criticism or a compliment?
- Both are extremely powerful.
- Compliments are powerful for good. (God’s Voice)
- Criticisms are powerful for bad. (Liar’s Voice)
- Both significantly influence the direction and trajectory of your life.

The worst mistake a parent, teacher, or coach can make is to label a
kid. I beg you, never label people.
The difference between shame and guilt is the difference between “I
am bad” and “I did something bad.”

When you hear the word giving in church, what runs through your mind? 

Let’s pause for 30 seconds for all the giving stereotypes…
Someone might be here today who hasn’t been in church in a while and your like, “Seriously, is money all they ever talk about?”
I want to teach on giving in such a way that each person sees that you are the receiver first. 

Receiving is the Key to Giving.
The more you receive, the more you want to give.
The more you receive, the more you enjoy giving.
The more you receive, the more you make a difference with your giving.

What have we received from God?
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (NASB) (NIV) (NKJV)

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

1 Corinthians 13:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

In part two of Pants on Fire, Pastor Karin tackles the three most common lies that the enemy whispers about us. The enemy should not be given more credit than he deserves, but he is the father of lies, and we would be foolish not to have a plan to defeat his lies. Too many Christians and those on their journey towards Christ get derailed from fulfilling their God-given purpose when they accidentally agree with a lie of the enemy. Whether you are newer in your faith journey or a seasoned Christian, the enemy doesn't give up easily.

Focusing on 1 Peter 2:9-12, we are reminded of our position as sons and daughters of God that refutes the enemy's whispers. Empowered by God's word and three practical strategies, this sermon can help you be prepared to recognize the lies of the enemy, renounce the lies, and replace them with truth. Pants on Fire is a two-part series. And while most of us remember "Liar, liar, pants on fire" from childhood, it is time for followers of Christ to stop letting the enemy's lies about God and about us keep us from the fullness of life that God intends.

In part one of Pants on Fire: Extinguishing the Lies that Hinder Us,
Pastor Karin tackles the three most common lies that the enemy
whispers about God. The enemy should not be given more credit
than he deserves, but he is the father of lies, and we must have a
strategy to play both offense and defense. Whether you are newer
in your faith journey or a seasoned Christian, the enemy doesn’t
give up easily. Focusing on Psalm 103, where we are reminded of
God’s character, this message gives four strategies that will help
us keep an accurate view of God so that we can fulfill our divine
potential.

Pants on Fire is a two-part series. And while most of us remember
“Liar, liar, pants on fire” from childhood, it is time for followers of
Christ to stop letting the enemy’s lies about God and about us
keep us from the fullness of life that God intends.

This message is filled with encouragement for all believers to have hope that your city can turn to Jesus and see Revival come. We welcome our Two Wings Conference guest speakers, Steve and Ruth Moore as they share what God has put on their hearts for the city of Memphis as well as for One City Church.