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August 14, 2022                                                                                                 Solid Ground Week 3

The Bible Tour

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-27

1. Get a  translation I like. 

Formal equivalency - KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV 

Functional equivalency - NLT, Good News, TEV, and NIV 

Paraphrase - Living Bible, and The Message 

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (MSG)

1. Get a Study Bible. 
2. Get a Small Group.

Understanding the Bible

It was written over a period of 1600 years in over a dozen countries on three continents by 40 people in three different languages. 

The Bible was written by poets, prophets, farmers, kings, soldiers, shepherds, princes, priests, historians, fisherman, tax collectors, scholars, businessmen and doctors. 

The Bible was written in caves, ships, palaces, prisons, and deserts. How did they come up with the same story?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Law Books (5)                                                                    Genesis – Deuteronomy 

History Books (12)                                                                 Joshua – Esther 

Poetry Books (5)
 Job – Song of Solomon 

Prophecy Books (17)
 5 Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel
 12 Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi 

The Gospels (4)
 Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John 

The Book of Acts
 The historical record of the first Church 

The Epistles (21) Romans – Jude 

The Revelation
 Prophecy of the last days and eternity 

The Plot - The Mirror Image

The Subject of the Bible is Jesus. 

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”  John 5:39 (NLT)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

The Verb of the Bible is Give. 

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.                               1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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1. Love the Word of God. 

1. Learn the Word of God. 

1. Live the Word of God. 

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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July 31, 2022                                                                                                 Solid Ground Week 1

Your foundation determines the 

stability and sustainability of your life.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

The Bible is the only Solid Ground 

worth building your life on.

S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method.

1. Start with Scripture. 

Man shall not liv eon bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  Matthew 4:4

Read the Bible regularly and systematically. 

Make an appointment with God every day.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15  

1.  Make Observations. 

 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 

It’s not how much of the Word you go through, 

It’s how much it goes through you.

1. Apply the Bible.  

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  Matthew 7:24-27

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  James 1:22

We do not change the Bible to match our lifestyle.

We change our lifestyle to match the Bible.

1. Pray the Bible.

But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.         John 14:26

Scripture – One or two verses that stood out to you

Observation – What is the passage saying? 

Application – How can I apply it Today?

Prayer – My conversation with God about the passage.

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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1. The season of Calling. 

1. The season of Separation. 

1.  The season of Training. 

1. The season of Fulfillment.  

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Best Summer Ever | Seven

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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This week, we talk about Deborah, a prophet and judge who led Israel back to God after a period of rebellion. After Joshua died, the following generation of Israelites turned away from God, so God allowed their enemies to take control of them and oppress them. When Deborah became the leader of the Israelites, she encouraged Balak, the commander of the Israelite army, to fight against their oppressors, confident that God would bring them victory. Balak was intimidated, but because Deborah was willing to walk into battle with him, the Israelites defeated their enemies and were liberated. If Deborah were here today, she would tell us, “Encouragement makes all the difference.” God will use us if we are willing to be the biggest cheerleaders for the people around us. We must take our eyes off the negative and encourage others in every step they take in the right direction, building their confidence and belief that by God’s power, they can overcome. In addition to encouragement, Deborah would challenge us to “Be brave.” We live in a time that desperately needs brave men and women to step up and lead. We can be brave because we know who we are: fully loved children of the Most High King. We can also be brave because we know that Heaven is our home. We are citizens and ambassadors of Heaven, and we have the full support of Heaven’s armies ready fight on our behalf. And we can be brave because we know that God causes all things to work together for good. In the face of difficulty, let’s be people who are encouraging and brave. Our willingness to act might be the difference between oppression and victory.

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take .’” – Joshua 1:9 MSG

Discussion Questions

•  Talk about a time when God used someone’s encouragement to help you overcome an obstacle. What did they do to encourage you? Why was their encouragement effective?

•  Discuss the concept of “everyday bravery.” It takes bravery to forgive. Turning the other cheek requires bravery. What daily deci- sions are you facing in which you need to be brave? What will empower you to take those brave steps?

•  Talk about the fact that God works all things together for good. How do you go about releasing fear and trusting God in your life? How can you choose joy in the midst of the unknown?

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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June 19, 2022                                                                                        Best Summer Ever   Week 3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

To finish your race, must have a Faith Perspective.

Perspective: A point of view from which something is evaluated

The Perspective of Self-Focus.

After this the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”   But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son?  Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.  You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” Genesis 15:1-3

The “Self-focused” perspective takes power from God and gives it our problem.

“This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.”   He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  Genesis 15:3-6

The Perspective of Comparison.

“This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.”   He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  Genesis 15:3-6

When you are wishing for someone else’s life you are wasting yours.

The Perspective of Reason.

Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?”  Genesis 17:17

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.           Philippians 3:13

How do we shift our Perspective to Faith

Surround yourself with people of faith.

 Engage in worship.

Keep looking to eternity.

Discussion Questions:

What kind of likes and dislikes do you share with your family members?  

How about areas that you have different preferences?  

Can you think of a time when no one shared your perspective?

How can we recognize when we are too focused on ourselves?

When are you most tempted to compare yourself to others?

Are there areas that you need to trust God in that don’t make sense yet?

What steps can you take to start having a perspective of Faith?

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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sermon starts at 24 minutes 

Best Summer Ever 

Week 2 / Esther “Such a time as This”

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

When you can’t TRACE God you have to TRUST God!

Esther 1:1-18 Scripture Verses - The Message Version ___________________________________________________________

What would Esther say to Encourage Us through her story?

1. God Opportunities are often disguised as OBSTACLES.

What are your obstacles?

1. _________________ 2. __________________ 3. _______________

Esther 2:8 -11 Scripture Verses - The Message Version

2. God Opportunities are delivered through PEOPLE.

The ALIGNMENT is always a part of the ASSIGNMENT!

3. God Opportunities require PATIENCE to prepare them.

It’s not our ability to wait, but ability to wait with the right ATTITUDE!

4. God Opportunities are always bigger than YOU.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV VERSION)

No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined the things

that God has prepared for those who love him

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV VERSION)

We’re called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s

grace.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV VERSION)

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but to the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Esther Sermon Discussion Questions

1. When you walk through various trials or find yourself facing

obstacles, in what ways do you connect best with God?

What promises do you lean on?

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces

perseverance.

2. In this sermon we see God bring people into Esther’s story in an

unordinary way to do extraordinary things for the kingdom. When

have you experienced God placing someone in your life that you can

see a clear path to a God purpose through that relationship?

Ecclesiaestes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every

matter under heaven

3. In life we often find ourselves feeling like we are always waiting.

Yet, we know God’s timing is perfect in how he leads the direction

of our lives. When do you find yourself struggling with having

patience in your every day?

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

4. We learned in the message about Esther that God brings about

good opportunities to our lives. To learn to look for the God

Opportunity that lies within. When is a time you discovered you

made a huge impact to the kingdom through an opportunity that

you would not have expected?

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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June 5, 2022                                                                                                 Best Summer EverWeek 1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

You can be blind without losing your eyes

1. Blind to God’s purpose for your life.

“You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb.  He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Judges 13:5

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint. Proverbs 29:18

When I can’t see God’s vision, I’ll settle for a counterfeit.

1. Blind to the power of relationships.

When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”  His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”  But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” Judges 14:2-3

Don’t trade your calling for your comfort.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”                            1 Corinthians 15:33

1. Blind to the nature of God.

After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison.  Judges 16:19-21

Samson’s Words of Encouragement 

1.  “Protect the presence of God.” 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

1.  “Choose your relationships carefully.” 

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  Hebrews 10:25

1.  “Failure is never final.” 

Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more...” Judges 16:28

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you have any loved ones that have joined that great crowd of witnesses described in Hebrews 12:1?
2. Name something you prefer to be name brand over off brand.
3. Have you ever felt blind to God’s purpose for your life?
4. Can you remember a time when loved ones warned you of your actions?
5. What does the fear of the Lord mean to you? (humble respect)
6. Is there a part of your life that you would like God to revive?

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved