Pacific Church

Numbers 20:9-12 NLT 

9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 

3 Myths Related to Anger and How We Can Offset Them in Our Life 

1. Anger is Automatic “You Can’t Control It” “Never in the history of calming down has anyone ever calmed down by being told to calm down.” - (Anonymous) 

Matthew 5:22 (NIV) 

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 

2. Anger is Always Bad “Righteous anger is simply energy channeled to defending something good from something bad.” 

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) 

26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 3. Anger Helps Me Get My Way 

Questions: 

1. Have you ever experienced a time or maybe even an entire season in your life where you believed that you couldn’t control your anger? What were the factors? How did you navigate those experiences? 

2. Not all anger is bad. Anger, if channeled correctly, can be used to bring about positive change. When you hear this idea, what thoughts or life experiences resonate with you? 

3. If anger is an issue in your life, what are the steps you are currently taking to help manage it?

1. NEIGHBORS AND ENEMIES 

Matthew 5:43-45a NIV 

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

Luke 10:25-29 NIV 

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Matthew 5:43-45 NIV 

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Romans 5:8 NIV 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Matthew 5:46-47 NIV 

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 

1. Neighbors and Enemies 

2. A 3rd Way 

Luke 6:27-29a NIV 

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. 

Luke 6:32-35 NIV 

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 

Matthew 5:46-48 NIV 

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

1. Neighbors and Enemies 

2. A 3rd Way 

3. Put on Perfect 

Matthew 5:48 NIV 

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV 

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Pray. Practice. No Repaying. 

Romans 12:9-14; 17a; 19-21 NIV 

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

1. Neighbors and Enemies 

2. A 3rd Way 

3. Put on Perfect 

Questions 

1) Who is our neighbor? Who is our enemy? How does Jesus instruct us to act toward them? How is this different than our own fleshly desires? 

2) What does it mean to turn the other cheek? How is this different from fight or flight and why does it matter? 

3) What are three steps you can take to help you with being more loving toward people you disagree with? Why might praying consistently for them (with similar prayers that you pray for yourself) help?

Emotional // Sources of Emotions 

1. Who is writing your playbook? 

Jeremiah 17:9a NIV 

The heart is deceitful above all things… 

Galatians 5:16-18 NIV 

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 

2. Do you see your role on the team? 

1 Corinthians 12:12;14;18-20 NIV 

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 

1 Corinthians 12:21-22 NIV 

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 NIV 

25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

3. Whose voice/opinion are you valuing most? 

Jeremiah 31:3 NIV 

3 The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 

Romans 5:6;8 NIV 

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

QUESTIONS: 

1) When you hear the word “emotional”, what thoughts automatically come to your mind? How do your feelings impact your daily life? 

2) Those of you who are Jesus Followers, describe your role on Jesus’ Team. How have your emotions impacted your contribution? 

3) Historically, whose voices or opinions have you valued the most in your decision making? How do you manage those voices in your life that bring little to no value to you?

When He Speaks // Recognizing God’s Voice 

John 10:3-5 NIV “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 

1 John 4:1a NIV Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God... 

Proverbs 14:12 NIV There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. 

1. Does it line up with the Bible? 

Matthew 19:3-6 NIV Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 

Luke 21:33 TLB And though all heaven and earth shall pass away, yet my words remain forever true. 

Proverbs 28:1 NLT The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. 

2. Will it make me more like Christ? 

Philippians 2:5 NCV In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. 

James 3:17-18 NIV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. 

3. Does Godly counsel agree? 

Proverbs 12:15 NIV The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. 

Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. 

Proverbs 24:6 NIV Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. 

4. Do I have peace? 

1 Corinthians 14:33a NKJV For God is not the author of confusion but of peace… 

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Questions: 

1) Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you thought God was speaking to you, but you weren’t sure? How did you navigate that experience? 

2) It’s important to use filters to help determine whether or not God is saying something. What is your first reaction when you feel a nudge from God? What filters have you applied in the past to help you differentiate God's voice versus something else? 

3) Have you ever walked through an open door you felt was from the Lord and experienced anxiety? How did you manage those emotions? What was the outcome of that experience?

“If God doesn’t speak today, then the greatest disservice we could ever do to people is to tell them that they could have a personal relationship with God.” - Dallas Willard

John 10:3-5 NIV

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Matthew 1:23 NIV

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

1. God speaks to facilitate friendship

Exodus 33:11a NIV

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

2. God speaks to give guidance

Proverbs 3:6 MSG

Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

3. God speaks to provide perspective

2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper

1. He whispers encouragement

Romans 8:16 NLT

16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

Isaiah 55:3 MSG

Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. I'm making a lasting covenant commitment with you, the same that I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love.

2. He whispers warnings

Acts 16:6b-7 NKJV

They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

3. He whispers direction

4. He whispers dreams

Job 33:14a;15a NLT

For God speaks again and again... He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night.

Acts 2:17 NIV

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

1 Samuel 3:9b NIV

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”

John 10:27 NIV

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Questions:

1) Have you ever considered that God speaks to us? How does that resonate with you? How have you heard His voice?

2) Describe experiences where you felt the “whisper of God” nudging you to do something. What were the outcomes in those situations?

3) Have you ever had a situation where the Lord’s warnings protected you from something? Describe one. How would you encourage someone else to hear God's voice?

John 10:3-5 NIV 

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Proverbs 3:6 MSG Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Luke 8:8b NIV “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 

Luke 8:5-8 NIV 

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” 

Luke 8:11 NIV 

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the WORD OF GOD.” 

Luke 8:12 NIV 

Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 

1. The polluted heart. 

James 1:21 NLT 

Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your soul. 

Luke 8:13 NLT 

“The rocky soil represents those who hear the message with joy. But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. They believe for a while, but they wilt when the hot winds of testing blow.” 

2. The distracted heart. 

Luke 8:14 

“The seed that fell among weeds stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they don’t mature.” 

3. The immature heart. 

Hebrews 12:1-2a GW 

Since we are surrounded by so many examples {of faith}, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus… 

Luke 8:15 NIV But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. 

4. The prepared heart. 

2 Corinthians 7:1b MSG Let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. 

QUESTIONS: 

1) God is always speaking, the condition of our heart makes all the difference in how we hear Him. What type of “soil” do you currently relate to the most in this season? 

2) In our culture today, distractions are everywhere. As a Believer, what are strategies you use to help filter out those distractions so that you can connect with God better? 

3) As Jesus followers, we all want to know God's will for our lives. In this new year, what specific things are you asking God for clarity on? How can we, as the Church, be praying for you?

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV 

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 

Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV 

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV 

For we walk by FAITH not by SIGHT. 

3 Ways to let Faith in: 

1. Accept that it’s in you 

Matthew 17:14-21 (NIV) 

14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” [21] 

1. Accept that it’s in you 

2. Move it through you If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” [21] 

James 2:17 NIV 

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 1. Accept that it’s in you 2. Move it through you 3. Grow it inside you 

Romans 10:17 NLT 

17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

Questions: 

1) Faith isn’t just believing that God is capable, it’s being confident that He is! Have you experienced this type of faith in your life? Describe a specific experience where this manifested in your life. 

2) Have you ever felt a lack of faith in your life? How did that experience affect you and or even change you? 

3) Jesus said it’s not about the quantity of your faith, it’s about the quality. No matter the size of your faith, God can use it. What are things you are doing now to share that faith with others?

Seasonal Sabbath // God’s “And then…” Opportunities 

1. There’s a whole lot of “truth” floating around out there? How can we be sure of what's true? 

John 8:32 NIV 

32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

John 8:31-32 NIV 

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 2. Who’s leading the way for the believer & What should we be doing? 

Matthew 28:18 

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

Matthew 28:17a; 19-20 

17 When they saw him, they worshiped him…19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 3. What have you done to stay focused on the win? Or what has been your experience in the struggle? 

Matthew 24:14 

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 

Matthew 24:13-14 

13 … the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

John 1:1-5;9;14a NIV 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 14a The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV 

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Matthew 1:18-23 

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[d]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[e] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”). 

“I used to think that God’s gifts were on shelves one above the other; and that the taller we grew in Christian character, the easier we could reach them. I now find that God’s gifts are on shelves one beneath the other. It is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower; that we have to go down, always down to get His best gifts.” - F.B. Meyer

1) Savior TO US 

Matthew 1:20b-21 NIV 

20b An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” John 1:9-10 NIV 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 

2) Savior WITH US 

Matthew 1:22-23 NIV 

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 

Luke 2:1;3-7 NIV 

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 

3) Savior FOR US 

Luke 19:10 NIV 

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 

Questions: 

1. Jesus came to us to rescue us. How does this reality resonate with you? How have you responded to this in your own life? 

2. Jesus not only came to us, but He is with us even now. Describe how you experience the presence of Christ in your daily life. How do you pass those experiences on to others? 

3. Before you experienced the true nature of God, what was your general idea of what He was like? What was your picture or assumptions of God?