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Here are the 8 Essentials to Strengthening Your Faith:
1) Join God's Team (understanding you are a part of a group)
2) Acknowledge God's Power (He is almighty and always with you)
3) Embrace Spiritual Training (This takes worth and it is so worth it!)
4) Communicate with God (Start your day with God, stay close with Him)
5) Study God's Playbook (Read to learn, to understand, to follow the plan)
6) Team Up with Others (Be a walker with warriors, watchmen and workmen)
7) Know Your Role (Be specific. What is your role right now among Christians?)
8) Share with Others (Nothing will help grow faster than preparing to teach)
Remember: Engage, Equip, and Engage.
This is for students, to help them get strong and to be leaders today.
This is for parents, trying to engage their kids in the world of Jesus.
This is for adults, who can sometimes lose their passion for the plan of God. -
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Phone: 813-380-8487
Here is some information on "The Core: 8 Essentials to Strengthening Your Faith"
Three Objectives regarding the Truth of Jesus Christ:
1) Engage - Get young people, and all people, thinking about spiritual things. Let's challenge our spiritual health and get involved in forming a direction.
2) Equip - We need to get into how to do better. What do we need to know, plan, and refine in order to be able to get closer to Christ and spread Truth.
3) Engage - The mission isn't just to be saved. The mission is to share the salvation of Jesus Christ with others! How do engage younger believers in this work?
In this episode we begin with four Crucial Steps to building a stronger faith core within our young people, and within us all.
1 - Join God's Team (what is the team element of faith?)
2 - Acknowledge God's Power (is He mighty to save and help you?)
3 - Embrace Spiritual Training (how specifically are you getting stronger?)
4 - Communicate with God (take all we learn today to God in prayer, honestly) -
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding Publishers
Video to describe the ESM Journal.
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Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
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Phone: 205-326-7364
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Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
Hilltops of Glory
Verse 1: Onward rejoicing I tread life’s way, Higher I’m climbing each passing day; Hilltops of Glory now rise in view, where all shall be made new.
Verse 2: Way down in Egypt mid burning sand, Moses has started for Canaan’s land; Never turn backward always ascend on to the journey’s end.
Verse 3: Footsteps of Jesus before us lead, We tread life’s journey, His warnings heed; Evil allurements cannot prevail, I’m on the upward trail.
Chorus: Hilltops of glory I now can see. O brother won’t you come go with me? Safe on the mountain I soon shall stand Hilltops of glory land.
What keeps people from the faithful trail?
- Lack of Understanding
- Fear of Loss/Failure
- Perceived Shortage of Resources
And what habits benefit people in their walk with God?
- Start Early
- Be Consistent
- Don't Panic! -
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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Video to describe the ESM Journal.
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Phone: 205-326-7364
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Phone: 813-380-8487
Shia LaBeouf has had a troubled past. He is still not aware of the fullness of God's saving grace in Christ. But he is on a journey that started with a dramatic turn. This turn is needed in the lives of many, even among our own fellowship. In some ways, abandoning my managerial skills to give God control, is something I need to renew and commit to as well. Maybe we can encourage one another.
Here is the section from his interview:
My opinion about God before my world had crumbled was – art, love and God – they all mean the same thing, they are synonymous.And I had also been told my whole life, your life is your life, you have to make with it what you can, you know. You’ve got to be a good guy, and then you got to get married, then you have to get a house and you have to get a job, and be good at your job – and like – your life is your life. And things will work out if you put the effort in, and I always really felt that.
And it made it hard to believe in God, because it felt like my managerial skills are what are going to amount to a fulfilled existence. When all of my designs failed, when all of my plans went out the window, when my life had led to serious infliction of pain and damage to other people – I threw up my hands like – my plans are garbage and I don’t want to be here anymore.
Pain made me willing to go about this in a different way than I had previously. The news that had come out is that I had been abusive to women, and I’ve been shooting dogs, and I’ve been willingly giving women STDs and like – it’s disgusting, it’s depraved. I felt deep shame, deep guilt, shame like I had never experienced before. The kind of shame where you forget how to breathe.
It was seeing other people who had sinned beyond anything I could even conceptualize also being found in Christ that made me feel like, okay well, that gives me hope. I started hearing experiences, of other depraved people who had found their way in this. The Gospel gave me this invite to just let go. I came from the school of – God helps those who help themselves. That’s not what I found. God comes to those who ask, that’s what I have experienced.
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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Phone: 205-326-7364
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Phone: 813-380-8487
I'd like to include the excerpts from the Q and A session by Dan Martell. He was asked, "What do you think about cutting out all distractions like social media, video games, and sugar? He responded, "Awesome question. Whatever you are not willing to give up is going to be the thing that slows you down from achieving your dreams. If that list is really long, it is improbable that you will ever achieve anything important." He went on to say, "People ask me: 'Dan, what did you do to become successful?'" "It's not what I did, it's what I don't do. I don't drink. I don't eat sugar. I don't sleep in... So if you just get rid of all of those vices that hold you back, that's what CREATES THE SPACE for you to become more." -
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding Publishers
Video to describe the ESM Journal.
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
For today's notes, let me share with you the four points with Bible passages:
What is God's Grace?
"Grace, Mercy and Peace" (I Tim. 1:2; II Tim. 1:2)
Grace Greater than All My Sin
"grace... more than abundant" (I Tim. 1:12-17)
Granted in Jesus Christ from all Eternity
"who abolished death and brought life and immortality through the gospel..." (II Tim. 8-12)
With You Always
"Grace be with you." (I Tim. 6:21; II Tim. 4:22) -
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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Video to describe the ESM Journal.
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
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Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
Idolatry is warned against throughout all of Scripture. As Christians, we see it all around us amongst unbelievers. It often looks like the pursuit of sinful behavior to bring fulfillment that can only be found in God. But among Christians, it can look a little different. Today we examine three different version of idolatry among believers.
For you and me, we have to beware of replacing God with three things: blessings, alternate pathways, and ourselves on His throne of judgment. The first one shows up when we need things and people in our lives, even those from God, more than God Himself. The second one is when God supposedly comes first, but His teachings and ways are placed with alternate paths that fit us better. And the third... oh the third, is when more mature Christians elevate themselves to taking on God's role of judge over others. If our conclusions about others are demanded from God, then that demand is the idol, replacing even God Himself.
I invite you today to some self examination on what it looks like to put God first in all things, and to flee from all forms of idolatry. -
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
I am blessed to be around a great number of highly impressive, faithful men. Glenn Hyde is one of those people, and today it is my please to share a story he told me recently. This week we are building upon this idea of drawing close to people who can help and listening to their stories and perspective.
Recently, Glenn met with a group of men and talked about the history of our church here in Lindale. He spoke of the progress he has perceived in broken down fences and constructed bridges. It was uplifting to hear. I'm wonderful if there are walls in your life where bridges should be. I hope this story will be as much of a help to you as it was to me. Jesus, the Carpenter, is ready to do some building, but he's in the bridge business. -
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Jim Spratlin was a great man. I don't mean that in a - say something nice because he has passed - sort of way. I mean I can specifically detail for you areas in his life where he impressed me greatly, specially his faith, marriage and relationship with his kids. I was drawn to him. And I have been changed by him. I needed him.
Do you have people in your life who impress you? I'm talking about people who are where you want to be, who are simply better at something important than you are? How do you approach them? Or do you keep your distance? The way we interact with impressive people says a lot about who we are, and a whole lot about what will happen in you future. Come explore that with me today. -
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Wes McAdams / Marcus Stenson Podcast:
"How to Create a Disciple-Making Culture"
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Jesus described four soils that represented the four types of human heart. Some are hard and refuse the truth. Some hear and get excited but aren't ready to stand up in the face of the work. Some get past that but are just so distracted with this world. And a few will receive the word, be changed by it, and produce for God.
Neither of us can say we are good and always good. But if you can determine where you've been lately in that spectrum and what it means you need to do next - then self evaluation can be of great benefit to you.
This is also true of the term Growing and Going. Right now there are four options for where you are in your walk: not growing or going, growing but not going, going but not growing, or both growing and going! We look at each of those in today's episode, and how we can move in the right direction no matter where you are starting today. -
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Here is a link to Phil Wickham's Song: The Jesus Way
(Note - It is new to me, but I see it's been out for a year!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fhv4arL3yk
If you curse me, then I will bless you
If you hurt me, I will forgive
And if you hate me, then I will love you
I choose the Jesus wayIf you're helpless, I will defend you
And if you're burdened, I'll share the weight
And if you're hopeless, then let me show you
There's hope in the Jesus wayI follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I'll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus wayIf you strike me, I will embrace you
And if you chain me, I'll sing His praise
And if you kill me, my home is heaven
For I choose the Jesus wayI follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I'll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus wayAnd I choose surrender
I choose to love
Oh, God my Savior, You'll always be enough
I choose forgiveness
I choose grace
I choose to worship, no matter what I faceI choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus wayI follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I'll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus wayI follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I'll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus way
Oh, I choose the Jesus way -
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https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487 -
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Click link for ESM Journal Page:
Excel Still More Journal on Amazon.
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Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
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Phone: 205-326-7364
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https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone - "What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don't have in life... He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him."
"I credit all that I do to God. He's given me a gift. He's given me a drive to just want to continue to improve myself. I have a platform and I want to use it to glorify Him, and so whenever I step on the track, it's always the prayer of 'God let me be the vessel in which you're glorified' whatever the result is, how I conduct myself, how I carry myself, not just how I perform."
"I feel like I was running from God for years. That's when I was like, 'God, I surrender it to You. I don't know what this looks like I don't know what it means. Just show me what you're trying to show me.'"
"For a long time, my identity was in track and field. But I realized that first and foremost, I'm a child of God. It set me free to run th race God has set out for me to run." -
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Phone: 813-380-8487
Below is a link to each of the four songs mentioned.
As well as the lyrics to "Altars over Stages"
Garden in Manhattan
I am Barabbas
The Prodigal
Altars over Stages
"Sir, they've all gone off to him, " I said to that baptizer
We watched as all his friends left him in the dust
"It's a cold world, and we all just need the Son"
He said with a smileI choose altars over stages 'cause Heaven is my wages
I don't need the spotlight, so make me a silhouette
And I won't fret, I don't care
You can take me anywhere
Heaven is my wages, I choose altars over stagesEven angels in the sky can fall down to the depths
Clip their wings with their pride, and rot what's in their chest
The funny thing about pride is that you have it all your life
But the moment you think you don't, it's gotten in your eyesWhoa-oh
Has it gotten in my eyes?
WhoaI choose altars over stages 'cause Heaven is my wages
I don't need the spotlight, so make me a silhouette
And I won't fret, I don't care
You can take me anywhere
Heaven is my wages, I choose altars over stagesWhoa-oh
I choose altars over stages 'cause Heaven is my wages
I don't need the spotlight, so make me a silhouette
I won't fret, I don't care
You can take me anywhere
'Cause Heaven is my wages, I choose altars over stages -
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Every decision you and I make that we hope or contend involves God is to be a FAITH DECISION. That is, it must come from knowledge of His nearness and be made to reflect our trust in Him. Anything, any decision, that refuses to do that, is FOOLISHNESS. That sounds simple. But it is not. Because we often rationalize and justify our choices. We look at circumstances and people and what is needful in the moment. And while it may not be what God said, or what we know is right, it becomes right to us. And this is deception and foolishness.
We need to learn from Saul in I Samuel 13. He had all the reasons in the world, and felt like he'd acted in faith. But God rejected him and called his heart into question. Saul's son Jonathan, on the other hand, did incredible things, God's way, because he knew God was with him. In the end, life isn't about doing the wise thing or the foolish thing, as our own reasoning will often conflate the two. The question is - does this decision in my home, work, life, church... does it trust God. Is it patient, humble and willing to wait? And if I choose any of the 99 other roads, can I stop and call that what it is? Foolishness. God's way is always right. Choose faith. -
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Phone: 813-380-8487
II Samuel 24
David:
God is angry with the people.
David responds with his own sin.
Davis is sorry for what he's done.
God punishes him and the people.
David feels sorrow for the people.
David pays a cost in his offerings.
God relents on the deadly plague.
Me:
People around me sin.
I sometimes respond in sin.
I need to be sorrowful for that.
There are often big consequences.
I need to fell compassion about that.
I must willingly pay a cost to God.
God may relent on punishment.
KING JESUS:
God was angry at mankind's sin.
Christ responds in righteousness.
He is sorry for what we have done.
He takes the stripes in our place.
He is ever yearning to save others.
He paid with His own offered life.
God's wrath is satisfied in His death. -
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Which is it? Do we do well by the grace and power of God? Or do we grow and excel as the result of our own effort? I've really struggled with this balance for much of my life. It feels like something that is never quite right, like a pendulum. Some days I want to take it all on, chock progress up to grit, and make it happen. God is nowhere to be found. Other times I give it all to God in my fatigue and just wait for Him to do it. Neither of these work! A balanced view is needed.
Maybe balanced isn't the right word. A - grace first, God is amazing... now lets go out in His name and do our very best - approach is what we need! This episode leans into the idea of grit, fight, discipline, and effort. But we try desperately to keep those attached to God. After all, God uses discipline to accomplish great things in you. So with Him at work first in that way, our discipline should naturally be present to accompany and compliment His.
Do you want freedom? Chances are God wants that for you to. Let's go get it. But let's do it with Him and by Him. The sooner you accept this the better: Discipline Equals Freedom. -
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Here is the layout for the slide I found in January 2020 and used in the sermon and podcast episode. I'll add in a few verse references as well.
Jesus is our Only Perfect and Eternal King (Revelation 1:16-17)
Jesus is Lord over All the Earth and Every Nation (Colossians 1:15-17)
Jesus is Coming and it will just be Souls and the Word
Submission to Civil Government is God's Will (Roman 13:1-7; I Peter 2:11-17)
Pray for All People Involved (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Vote for Protectors of the Innocent (Romans 13:1-7)
Apply Ephesians 4:29 to Every Comment
Use Time like These to Carry out the Mission (II Timothy 2:20-26) -
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Tucked deep within the book of judges is a sad little story about people who looked out for themselves over others. Micah starts it off by admitting he stole from his momma. And it just kind of goes downward from there. I ran across it this week and learned some things I wanted to share with you.
This event services the truth of Galatians 6: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, what a man sows this he will also reap." This is a life principle that is true for all of us, whether we believe it or not. Micah's story in Judges will help us see it.
The takeaway from Judges 17 and 18 are these:
1) What Goes Around Comes Around
2) Enablers Are Often Part Of The Problem
3) Our Will In God's Name Won't Last
4) You Can't Win The Self Service Battle
5) God Is Still In The Right Place -
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Phone: 813-380-8487
I had the most amazing experience. I got to attend a graduation ceremony for the Hwy 80 Mission / Triumph Village rehabilitation program. 7 men were graduating the 10-12 month program. One of whom, Ike, is a member at our local work.
Adam Bradley was there. He is a deacon at our church, is 14 years sober himself, and is really the guy who got all of the things started we've been able to join into with the programs. Especially once a great catalyst, Kyle Berry, came to town.
Adam presented a lesson with this opening line "Addiction is addiction." It was AWESOME. Sobering, a little scary, but so on the nose, right to the heart, true that I wish all could hear it. I took notes as quickly as I could and want to share it with you.
In summery, here are some bullet points to consider:
- Addiction is addiction not matter what you are facing.
- So you are not alone in the fight.
- But you also must not exchange one addiction for another.
- There is one solution for all addiction: Jesus Christ.
- But you have to admit the problem is internal. It is yours.
- Christ renovates hearts and mind, the inside, and then lives.
- He can do this for anyone who submits to HIm.
- But deliverance to freedom is the beginning, not the end.
- You MUST deepen your relationship with Christ daily and always. - Se mer
