Paul does not leave believers with a simple list of religious duties to perform. Rather, he calls us to a noble purpose, to a higher life. He now explains the theological foundation and eternal motivation for living the Christian life and taking the Gospel to the entire world. Motivated by grace, authentic Jesus-followers do amazing things!1. Authenticity of a Follower (vv. 9-10)2. Announcement of Salvation (v. 11)3. Application of Grace (v. 12)4. Anticipation of Return (v. 13)5. Ambition of Redemption (v. 14)6. Authority of God's Word (v. 15)

Having identified both elders (biblical leaders) and enemies (dangerous influencers). Paul now describes what regular church members ought to look like. emphasizing seasons of life, he shows how individual spiritual maturity is designed to have positive impact on the entire family of faith. At Evergreen, it's called "sharing life."1. Truth Delivered A. Convincing Message (v. 1) B. Compelling Model (v. 7)2. Truth Displayed A. Older/Younger Men (vv. 2, 6) B. Older/Younger Women (vv. 3-5) Godly Character Godly Mentoring3. Impact of a Credible Witness (v. 8)

Considering Eternity - Luke 14:12-35

Paul next explains why the selection of godly elders is so necessary for a healthy church—because there are always individuals with ungodly agendas who masquerade as devout believers. This challenge demands careful confrontation by the pastors as well as Spirit-filled discernment by the church family

Paul begins this training manual for the Christian life by pointing to God’s standards for leadership in the church, a crucial truth ignored by many churches today. The selection of good leaders is necessary because, in church life, there often exist ungodly agendas masquerading as pious devotion. Churches need members with Spirit-filled discernment.

What does genuine faith look like? In this passage, James reminds us that while we are saved by grace through faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone. It will always produce a transformed life. There is a difference between simply professing faith and possessing a faith that is alive, active, and evident through obedience.1. Faith is More Than Words (James 2:14-17)A. Genuine Faith is more than a professionB. Genuine faith produces compassion

1. Call to Consecration (Joel 2:15)A. What Evergreen Must Not Be• A Careful Church• A Careless Church• A Carefree ChurchB. What Evergreen Must Be• A Committed Church• An Authentic Church• An Impact full Church2. Repentance for the Church (2 Chronicles 7:14)Guided Prayer:• Spiritual apathy• Divisions• Ungodly language/witness• Judgmental spirit• Self-righteousness3. Intercession for the Nation (1 Timothy 2:1-4)Guided prayer:• Government leaders• Cultural healing• Next generation4. Commitment to Our Moment (Joshua 24:14,15; Matthew 5:15-16)Guided Prayer:• Loyalty• Influence

Identifies as the “Amen,” Jesus speaks to this church as the indisputable witness of their condition. His glory is not at all reflected in this congregation, and He is disgusted by their pride. Yet, even now, He offers hope.1. Problem: Spiritual Lethargy (vv.14-16) 2. Product: Self-Sufficiency (vv.17, 18) 3. Promise: Divine Discipline (vv.19-22)

With perfect judgment, Jesus evaluates the church in Philadelphia and finds no complaint there. This congregation of saints provides a solid model of a healthy church. Divine praises for the present always come with divine promises for the future.

The downward spiral beginning with the Ephesian church’s loss of its first love for Jesus and continuing with Pergamum’s worldliness and Thyatira’s toleration of sin, reaches a new low at Sardis. Christ here declares the hope and plan for revival to a dying church.