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Once Again

The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. He said to his father, “My head! My head!” His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 2 Kings 4:18-20

When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me why.” “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”  Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. Don’t greet anyone you meet, and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy’s face.” 2 Kings 4:28-29

Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.” When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 2 Kings 4:31-32

Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. 2 Kings 4:34-35

1. God loves a Repeat Performance!

If He’ll do it then, He’ll do it now.

If He’ll use them, He’ll use me.

“Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” 2 Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” 1 Kings 17:19-20

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:2

2. God often uses momentum instead of a moment!
Stop asking if, and start asking how.

Small miracles lead to big miracles.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Discussion Questions:

What is something you said, “never again” to.

The woman still went to the man of God in her pain. What does that teach us about where to go when we’re hurting?

Elisha had to act more than once before the miracle happened. Why do you think God sometimes requires persistence?

What keeps people from trying again after disappointment? What practical step can you take this week to “try again”?

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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Give Them Courage

Joshua 1: 2b - 3 NKJV Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

Joshua 1: 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you.

Courage is not the absence of fear but obedience in the middle of it. 

Joshua 1:6–9
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[ shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Three Keys to Courage:

1.Go : Before You Feel Ready

Joshua 1:2 “Now therefore arise…”

2. Lean : Into His Presence, Not Your Power

Joshua 1:5 “I will be with you… I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

3. Listen : Let the Word Get Louder Than Fear

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night…

Fear rehearses disaster.   Faith rehearses truth.

There is this moment where GO —> LEAN —> LISTEN —> all collide into one decision:      Step!

Joshua 3:13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.

God always attaches miracles to movement! 

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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Sometimes People Suck – week 4 Two Faced People

Hypokrites: Stage actor—One who hides behind a mask.

Hypocrites: Do it and act like you don’t.

Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matt 23:28 NLT

1) They don’t know God  yet.

Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. I John 2:4

2) They don’t know Better yet.

…I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 1 Cor 3:1

3) They do know Both 
.

For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 1 Pet 2:16 NLv

1. Protect Them 
.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Gal 6:1

…if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. Gal 6:1 NLT

2)Protect Myself

…If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Gal 6:1

Pride comes before a fall! So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Cor 10:12

3)Check my Blindspot
-

Whenever you are most condemning is often a reflection of where you are most vulnerable.

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!" 2 Sam 12:5-7

If one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

Discussion Questions:

When you hear the word hypocrite, what comes to mind?

Why do you think hypocrisy is one of the biggest complaints people have about Christians?

The Greek word hypokrites refers to an actor wearing a mask. Where do you see people “wearing masks” today?

What makes loving “two-faced” or hypocritical people especially hard? Where might your strongest criticism of others actually reflect your own struggle?

Have you ever been the one who needed someone to bring you back?

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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Critical People

Option 1:
Don't respond.

He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 1 Peter 2:23

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Option 2:
Respond carefully.

Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us like this? Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian?” And they challenged him vigorously. But he answered them… Judges 8:1-2

When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided. Judges 8:3

When emotions are high , wisdom is low.

Option 3:
Listen and make a change.

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Proverbs 15:31-32

Always guard your heart

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18

So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:10

Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Romans 14:12-13

Discussion Questions:

• What is the most ridiculous criticism you’ve received?
• How long has it been since you were last criticized?
• Think of the most critical people you know. What do you think causes all their criticism?
• Pastor Sean said, don’t respond, respond carefully, listen and make a change, and guard your heart. What is your typical response?
• Which do you struggle with more? Being overly critical or overly sensitive to criticism? How can you do better this week?

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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Sometimes People Suck – week 3  Needy People

1. Give the best  Answer.

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Acts 3:3-5

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feel and angles became strong. Acts 3:6-7

2. Stay Full

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Mark 1:35

You can’t say “
” often if you don’t say “
” occasionally.

3. Don’t play God.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8

4. Grow my capacity .

But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:5

They aren’t projects in need, they’re people we love

My maturity level can limit my ability to help.

Discussion Questions:

When you hear “needy people,” what comes to mind immediately?

Have you ever been the “needy one” in a season? What did that look like?

Why do you think it’s so hard to love people who “take too much”?

What does “prayerful, strategic giving” look like in real life? What are signs that you are trying to pour from an empty cup? Where in your life do you need to say “no” so you can say a better “yes”?

Where might God be asking you to trust Him more with someone you love?

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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Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matthew 16:22

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

1. Your calling 
 makes things clear.

The loudest voice
 in your life will often determine your direction
.

2. It’s Deeper
 than you think.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23

3. Know when to draw a Line 
 in the Sand.
.

The relationships you have are a combination of what you’ve created
 and what you’ve allowed.
. 

If you don’t like what you have,  change what you expect
 and what you accept

People don’t respond to what you say 
,  but what you enforce

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

 

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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IT IS FINISHED, BUT IT’S NOT OVER

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary
Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been
removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon
Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said,
“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:1-2

 John 20:5

Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. John 20:10

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she
bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in
white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and
the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you
crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t
know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, John 20:11-14

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have
seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18

1. Remember the reason

Sin is the root cause of all  pain.

To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing
very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate
fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must
not eat from it,’ Cursed is the ground because of you; through
painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.                 Genesis 3:16-17

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans  3:23

Until you see yourself as a sinner 

you’ll never recognize your need for a savior

2. Remember the Cross

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and
through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things
on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Jesus didn’t just suffer; He suffered for us.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we
considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for
our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on
him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

3. Remember the empty tomb

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb… John 20:11

Learn to lean -in and look for Jesus

God is with us and working all things for good 

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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As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’” The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. Mark 11:4-7

Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Mark 11:8-10

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

God chooses the unlikely

to do the unbelievable

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,1 Corinthians 1:27

Lessons from the Donkey

1. Jesus knows
    Me.

Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Mark 11:1-2

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

He doesn’t cancel
 you,  He has compassion
 on you.

2. Jesus wants
 me.

The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. Mark 11:4-7

Jesus wants me free.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1

Jesus wants me close.

3.  Jesus wants me in community.

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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Are you bold about your faith
 in Jesus?

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. Acts 4:13 NLT

ἰδιῶται

idiotai - ordinary, untrained
,
, with no credentials, no religious status, and outside the traditional system.

… they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

More Time With Jesus

Boldness increases

Spiritual impact intensifies

Spiritual hunger grows 

Less Time With Jesus

Boldness decreases

Spiritual impact diminishes

Drift from Jesus

“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.” Acts 4:29 NLT

“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 NLT

[The religious leaders] arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. Acts 5:18

They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. Acts 5:18-19

When you walk in obedience to God, you wont be suprised
 by the miracles of God.

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. … Acts 5:20-21

Is your faith strong enough to believe
 in Jesus, but too timid to be bold
 for Him?

Discussion Questions:

What topics or things do you talk about boldly? Why are you bold about this thing?

Talk about a time when you had bold faith. How did your relationship with Jesus fuel your obedience to God?

On a scale of 1-10, how bold are you about your faith? How does your current relationship with Jesus impact your answer?

Share openly about your relationship with Jesus. Are there areas where you’re too timid to be bold for Him?

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 is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. Psalm 19:14

Tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Proverbs 26:18-19

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:3-5, 7-8

What is impossible
 for humans is possible for God!

How to TAME your tongue.

T –Think 
 before you  Speak.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

A – Ask God to purify
 your heart.

You snakes—how can you say good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Matthew 12:34

The condition
 of your heart will be revealed by the content
 of your speech

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

M – Meditate on God’s Word. 

Garbage in
, Garbage out

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Put God’s word in 
 now, so it will come out 
 when you need it.

E – Encounter God’s Presence.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1

Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6:5

Discussion Questions:

Think about a time when someone’s words deeply encouraged or discouraged you. What did they say, and why did it stick with you?

Psalm 19:14 asks that both our words and our thoughts be acceptable to God. Why do you think the writer includes both speech and meditation of the heart?

When do you most need a yellow light in your conversations?

What practical habits could help you fill your heart with God’s truth so that life-giving words come out naturally?

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