Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.           2 Peter 3:8-9 MSG

     

GOD SPECIALIZES IN “DO-OVERS”

In the most important thing there is, our relationship with God, a “DO-OVER” is not a dream but a reality 

 

When do you need a “DO-OVER” ?

 

Why would God give us a “DO-OVER” ?

 

Why would someone not want a “DO-OVER”?

               

“But a wicked person who turns his back on that life of sin and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life, he’ll live, really live. He won’t die. I won’t keep a list of all the things he did wrong. He will live. Do you think I take any pleasure in the death of wicked men and women? Isn’t it my pleasure that they turn around, no longer living wrong but living right—really living?        Ezekiel 18:21-23 MSG

                

 

 

            

Soak and Share

Here are some practical ways you can apply today’s message and share them with others.

MEMORY VERSES: 1 Peter 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 

PRAYER:

Lord, You are full of grace and complete forgiveness. Help me to walk forward from this day. I thank you that right now I can enter into a new dawn, a fresh start, and a new freedom. Amen.

ASK & REFLECT:

• What areas of my life do I need to ask God for a “Do-Over” so I can improve my relationship with God? With my family? With my friends?
• How does thinking about Jesus’ resurrection give me hope about the future? 

NEXT STEPS:

• Continue with the 5-2-1 Challenge. See one of the volunteers for more information or call the church office.
• READ & Reflect: Mark 16: 1-20
• Invite someone to church with you as we start our new message series, OVERWHELMED

 

 

 

 

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”   Joshua 6: 2-5

     

The Big Question:

What is the purpose of Perseverance?

We learn more about OURSELVES

1. Exposes our weaknesses
2. Weeds out the imposters (Posers)
3. Highlights our true beliefs

 Something that stops me short of God’s promises is

I have a blocked VIEW

 It’s not what I see; it’s what God says that’s most important.

 Something that stops me short of God’s promises is

My PROGRESS  isn’t always obvious

 We learn to walk by Faith, not by SIGHT

 We learn more about God

1. Outcome is God’s responsibility, OBEDIENCE is our responsibility.

               

When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.                                                                               Joshua 6: 20

                

 

 

            

Soak and Share

Here are some practical ways you can apply today’s message and share them with others.

MEMORY VERSES: James 1: 12

            Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 PRAY:

             Pray to remain steadfast in trusting and obeying God and His overall plan for your life. Pray not to be    shaken and remain firmly grounded as you overcome daily obstacles.

 ASK & REFLECT:

            What are some things that you can be doing to prepare yourself for the work God has in store for you?

            How can you help others as well as yourself to keep obeying God directions when progress isn’t obvious?

NEXT STEPS:

• Continue with the 5-2-1 Challenge. For more information call the church office 912-536-2955
• READ: Romans 5: 1-11
• Invite someone to church with you next Sunday

 

 

 

 

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’      Matthew 25: 21      

                                        

R.O.G.I.     Return on ________ Investment

1)      God has given us ______________ over His          belongings

2)      We all have the _________ to do God’s will

3)      We are _____________ to God for how we   manage God’s belongings

4)      Expansion or improvement of God’s      belongings brings God happiness

5)      Yielding to the fear of failure can cause us to not do God’s will.

6)      Knowing God without doing what God desires, will lead to _________________

7)      Obedience to God’s will ___________ to our personal growth and improvement

 

 

“Then the man who had received one talent of gold came.

‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your money in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.  Matthew 25:24-27

            

Soak and Share

Here are some practical ways you can apply today’s message and share them with others.

• MEMORY VERSES: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

• PRAY: Pray for God’s guidance as you seek to increase and improve on the valuable things that God is entrusting to you.

•  ASK & REFLECT: What things, that are valuable to God, has God already entrusted to me? How can I use the abilities I have to increase or improve what God has entrusted me with?

•  NEXT STEPS:

  • Take the 5-2-1 Challenge

  • Invite someone to help you with your 5-2-1 challenge

  • Pray for my pastor, his family, and the leaders of our church.

  • READ: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

  • Invite someone to church with you next Sunday

 

 

 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.  Matthew 4: 18-22 

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 3:18

            

 

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

READ & REFLECT    2 Timothy 3: 1-17

• What is your initial response to this passage?
• What is the problem Paul is pointing to in this passage?
• What is the main action Paul is calling for from Timothy?
• What is the meaning of these evil godless acts? How do these things happen today in our world?
• What are some ways people exploit weak willed women (or men) today?
• How do Christians face persecution today throughout the world? What about persecution in our country?
• READ 3:12 – what do you think this verse means for you today?
• READ 3:14-15. What impact did Christian teaching have in your childhood?
• Verses 16-17 say the Scripture thoroughly equips a Christian. How does it do this?
• What things are important in the teaching in our churches today?

 

 

 

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.                                             James 2: 14-17                             

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10            

 

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

READ & REFLECT     James 2: 14-26

• What’s wrong with having faith without deeds?
• Give a modern example of the situation described in verses James 2:15-16. 6.
• In your own words, explain the meaning of James 2:18.
• What is one way to tell if a person has a real, living faith? Try to think of more than one example.
• What do the demons believe about God? How does it affect them?
• Name a Biblical command that is hard for you to live out. Why is this?
• If God has forgiven us and promised us eternal life, what motivation do we have to live in obedience to him today?
• Which is easier for you: talking about your faith with others or demonstrating your love toward them? Why is that?
• In what areas of your life can you begin to act more like a Christian? Be specific.

 

 

In 2008,

We articulated LifeSpring’s Purpose for the 1^st time…

To increase God’s Kingdom by helping others begin, grow & develop personal relationships with Jesus Christ that result in creating bold disciples who actively seek to love others as God loves us.

 

 

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.    Jeremiah 29:11

 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”   Jeremiah 29: 12-14               

God is A_____________ involved

God wants us to make lemonade

This isn’t H_________

It’s only a S_________

God K_________ (even when we don’t)

God G_________ (we don’t earn)

Get to the H________of the matter

Don’t get comfortable, this isn’t your H________

                                                             

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

ICEBREAKER

*What animal do you associate with patience? Why?

*Do you think that patience comes naturally or is it something that you learn as you get older and more mature?

READ & REFLECT   James 1: 2-12

• What does the passage say about perseverance? In the Bible, perseverance is often mentioned in the same verse as patience. Why do these two traits go hand in hand? What is the difference between them?

•  What is God’s response when you ask for wisdom?

•  What effect does doubt have on you when you pray?

•  Does today’s society and way of living encourage one to be patient?

•  In what situations is it most difficult to exercise patience? Have you experienced impatience? How do you think those situations could have been avoided?

 

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

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.     Ephesians 4: 2-3

 

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.         Romans 8:28

 

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you              who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”  Matthew 2:1-6

                                                                             

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

READ & REFLECT   Ecclesiastes 3: 1-14

• What does the Preacher say about everything under heaven?
• How has God made “everything appropriate in its time” in your life? What expressions of this have you seen recently?
• How have I seen 3:11 proven true in your life and the lives of others?
• What does the Preacher conclude is best for people to do? Why? (vs. 12-13)
• How does it make me feel to know that God is ultimately in charge of all the events in my life? How would you live your life differently if you believed God had no control?
• How do you struggle with the tension of knowing God is in control and yet seeing wickedness in control?
• What season of time are you in right now? Have you ever felt controlled by your season? How can you stop this from happening?

 

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 said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.                         John 14:26-27

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness   from that time on and forever.              Isaiah 9:6-7

                                                                             

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

READ & REFLECT                    Philippians 4: 4-9

• Do you tend to worry? What about?
• What exceptions do you usually make for your worries?
• Do you think worry is a problem in our society?
• Take a close look at verse 6. Do you think there is any place for worries? Why or why not? What does the passage say?
• How do you personally respond to this challenge, “Be anxious for nothing”?
• How can we best describe God’s peace? In verse 7 name four aspects of God’s peace from this verse.
• What part of the prayer for peace is the hardest?

READ & REFLECT                 Ephesians 4: 1-16

• When you think of Christ’s gift of peace, what difference does it make for you as an individual when you are facing stresses or conflicts?
• What difference have you observed Christ’s peace making among believers who have had serious differences of opinion or conflicts?
• What kinds of things have you observed that occasionally sabotage Christ’s peace among believers? What do you think are effective ways of preventing or addressing these peace-robbing attitudes or actions?
• If, as Paul says, living fully in Christ’s power and peace is a matter of “growing up,” what are some habits or patterns of communication that we as growing Christians could let go of or “grow out of” for the sake of a greater witness?
• What might you do to strengthen the bond of peace in your group, in your local church or with people of other faith communities?

Think together for a few minutes about the power of peace as a witness to the reality of Jesus Christ. Name or imagine situations in which authentic peace has reflected or might reflect the power and promise of the Good News in Jesus Christ.

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness   from that time on and forever.                           Isaiah 9:6-7

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.             John 1:9-14

                                                                             

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

READ & REFLECT    Psalm 130

• The psalm begins with a cry to the Lord from “out of the depths”. What pictures come to mind as you read this phrase?
• How can guilt lead to hopelessness?
• Verses 3 and 4 tell us that God forgives. How does the promise of forgiveness contribute to hope?
• Verse 5 says, “I wait,… my soul waits.” What is the relationship between waiting and hope?
• What area of life is it difficult for you to be hopeful about?
• What reasons do you have for hoping in the Lord?

READ & REFLECT     Lamentations 3: 19-24

• Share with your group how your life has been touched by tragedy. Did you respond in hope, despair or a mixture of both?Read Psalm 86:15, Zephaniah 3: 17 and Ephesians 2: 4-5 and discuss what these verses teach us about God’s love. How does our understanding of God’s love help form the basis for hope even in the midst of difficult times? Is it possible to have hope separate from God’s love? Why or why not?
• What does Romans 15:13 teach us that hope produces? Why are these things important to us as we deal with tragedy in our lives or even everyday circumstances? Share with your group how you have seen hope change you or your perspective on something difficult.
• In this passage in Lamentations 3, Jeremiah tells the people that understanding was not enough because they also needed a resolve to hope in the Lord. How is that resolve present or missing in your own life? What is one thing you can do to strengthen the resolve to hope in God regardless of circumstances? Read Psalm 71:5 and Psalm 33:20-21. Pray together as a group using these verses to ask God to help you hope in Him.

 But if a person has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need and that person doesn’t care—how can the love of God remain in him? Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth                     1 John 3:17-18

Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. 16 What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? 17 In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.                                                                     James 2: 15-17

So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!     2 Corinthians 5:17

                                                                             

Soak and Share

Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.

 The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.

• READ & REFLECT    Romans 12: 8-12
• What is the difference between Jesus’ style of leadership and that of so many leaders today? How can a leader be a servant? Have you ever thought of yourself as a leader? What difference does that awareness make for you?
• Why do you think people are afraid or reluctant to help others today? How can a choice help make you look more like Jesus?
• Do you remember a time when you did not know Christ? How can recalling your own hungry days help you reach out to those who are starving spiritually?
• Have you begun to find true significance through serving? If so, how can your experience encourage others to do the same?
• Why do you think so many of us shy away from groups? What can you do to plug yourself into ministry and encourage others to do so as well, in spite of past issues?
• Have you ever received a blessing that went on to bless others as well, or do you know a story like the ones in this chapter? Share it briefly as an encouragement to invest in others.

READ & REFLECT     John 13: 1-17

• What important lesson do you think Jesus was trying to teach his disciples?Why do you think Peter didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet?
• Which takes greater humility: to give help to someone, or to accept help from someone?
• What does Jesus mean when he says that “a servant is not greater than his master”?
• In our society today, what could be the equivalent of washing someone’s feet?