People's Church

Own your Relationship with God

Philippians 2:12–13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (NIV)

6 Ways To Own Your Relationship With God

1. You have to own your sin

Psalms 51:3-4 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (NIV)

Psalms 51:9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (NIV)

Psalms 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

2. You have to own repenting before God

Psalms 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (NIV)

Psalms 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (NIV)

3. You have to own prayer

4. You have to own your desperation for the presence of God

Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (NIV)

5. You have to own worshiping God

Psalms 51:14-15 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. (NIV)

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)

6. You have to own your spiritual growth

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NIV)

Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (NIV)

For One Year Run The Spiritual Play

1. Faithfully pray and read God’s word

2. Worship in God’s house faithfully

3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully

4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully

Psalms 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways so that sinners will turn back to you. (NIV)

Own your Relationship with God

Philippians 2:12–13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (NIV)

6 Ways To Own Your Relationship With God

1. You have to own your sin

Psalms 51:3-4 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (NIV)

Psalms 51:9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (NIV)

Psalms 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

2. You have to own repenting before God

Psalms 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (NIV)

Psalms 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (NIV)

3. You have to own prayer

4. You have to own your desperation for the presence of God

Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (NIV)

5. You have to own worshiping God

Psalms 51:14-15 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. (NIV)

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)

6. You have to own your spiritual growth

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NIV)

Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (NIV)

For One Year Run The Spiritual Play

1. Faithfully pray and read God’s word

2. Worship in God’s house faithfully

3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully

4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully

Psalms 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways so that sinners will turn back to you. (NIV)

Own It: I Will Own My Life

Genesis 3:11–13 “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (NIV) 

Matthew 11:12 from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (NKJV)

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)

Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (NASB)

3 Common Excuses That Will Keep From Owning it

1. Complaining 

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)

2. Arguing  

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)

3. Blaming 

Philippians 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”  Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (NIV)

Own It: I Will Own My Life

Genesis 3:11–13 “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (NIV) 

Matthew 11:12 from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (NKJV)

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)

Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (NASB)

3 Common Excuses That Will Keep From Owning it

1. Complaining 

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)

2. Arguing  

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)

3. Blaming 

Philippians 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”  Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (NIV)

Mark 9:28-29 - 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

NIV

Top 10 Reasons to make prayer a priority in 2024

1. It’s the basis of our relationship with God.

Romans 10:9-10, 13 - 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved…13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” NIV

2. It brings forgiveness of sin.

1 John 1:9 - 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  NLT

3. It helps you discern God’s will.

Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." NIV

4. It strengthens you.

Psalm 105:4 - Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. NIV

5. It gives you peace.

Psalm 34:4-5 - I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; NLT

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

6. It gives you victory over temptation.

Matthew 26:41 - Jesus told his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” NIV

7. Makes you wiser.

James 1:5 - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. NIV

8. Brings God’s healing.

James 5:13-15 - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. NIV

9. It brings spiritual Intervention

Daniel 9:23 - 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you NIV

10. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV

Why don’t we prioritize prayer?

1. We don’t know what to say.

2. We don’t think God will answer.

3. We get busy.

1 Thess. 5:17 - Pray continually.

Mark 9:28-29 - 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

NIV

Top 10 Reasons to make prayer a priority in 2024

1. It’s the basis of our relationship with God.

Romans 10:9-10, 13 - 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved…13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” NIV

2. It brings forgiveness of sin.

1 John 1:9 - 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  NLT

3. It helps you discern God’s will.

Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." NIV

4. It strengthens you.

Psalm 105:4 - Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. NIV

5. It gives you peace.

Psalm 34:4-5 - I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; NLT

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

6. It gives you victory over temptation.

Matthew 26:41 - Jesus told his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” NIV

7. Makes you wiser.

James 1:5 - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. NIV

8. Brings God’s healing.

James 5:13-15 - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. NIV

9. It brings spiritual Intervention

Daniel 9:23 - 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you NIV

10. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV

Why don’t we prioritize prayer?

1. We don’t know what to say.

2. We don’t think God will answer.

3. We get busy.

1 Thess. 5:17 - Pray continually.

John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV)

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

1. Light invades darkness

John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," (NIV)

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)

2. Light pushes back the darkness

John 8:11-12 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

3. Light brings life

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)

1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

(NIV)

John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV)

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

1. Light invades darkness

John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," (NIV)

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)

2. Light pushes back the darkness

John 8:11-12 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

3. Light brings life

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)

1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

(NIV)

John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV)

1. People love darkness

4 Things You Need To Understand About Darkness

1a. Darkness can be fun

1b. Darkness can be deceptive

James 1:14-16 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (NIV)

1c. Darkness can create fear

John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (NIV)

2. Run to the the light

John 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (NIV)

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)

John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV)

1. People love darkness

4 Things You Need To Understand About Darkness

1a. Darkness can be fun

1b. Darkness can be deceptive

James 1:14-16 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (NIV)

1c. Darkness can create fear

John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (NIV)

2. Run to the the light

John 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (NIV)

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)