• Message: “Does the Bible Really Say That? — Scriptures We Often Misinterpret” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Does the Bible Really Say That? — Scriptures We Often Misinterpret Theme: Understanding Scripture in its proper context Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15 Lesson Goal By the end of the lesson, students should understand that a Bible verse can be completely true and still be misused when it is removed from its context. The goal is not simply to ask: “What does this verse mean to me?” We should first ask: “What did this verse mean when it was written?” Only then should we ask how it applies to us today. ________________________________________ 1. Opening Discussion Begin by asking Have you ever heard someone quote a Bible verse and thought, “I don't think that's what that verse means”? Then ask: Can someone quote the Bible accurately but still teach something incorrectly? The answer is yes. The words may be quoted perfectly, but the meaning can be misunderstood because the verse has been separated from its context. Read 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.” Explain: Paul reminds Timothy that handling God's Word correctly requires care. We should not simply find a verse that sounds like it supports something we already believe. Four questions to remember today Whenever we study a Bible verse, ask: 1. Who is speaking? 2. Who are they speaking to? 3. What is happening around the verse? 4. What did the writer intend to communicate? Let's use those questions with some familiar Scriptures. ________________________________________ 2. Philippians 4:13 — “I Can Do All Things” — 6 minutes Read Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Ask the class: What do people sometimes think this verse means? Possible answers: “I can accomplish anything.” “I can achieve any goal.” “If I have enough faith, I will succeed.” But now read Philippians 4:11–13. Paul says he has learned to be content whether he has little or much, whether he is hungry or well fed. That changes our understanding. Paul isn't saying: “Christ will help me accomplish anything I decide to do.” He is saying something closer to: “Whatever circumstances I face, Christ gives me the strength to remain faithful.” Application This verse isn't primarily about achievement. It is about contentment and endurance. Discussion question Which requires more spiritual strength: achieving something we desperately want, or remaining faithful when we don't get what we want? Allow several answers. ________________________________________ 3. Matthew 7:1 — “Judge Not” “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” This may be one of the most frequently quoted verses in the Bible. Someone confronts another person's behavior, and the response is: “The Bible says don't judge!” Ask: Did Jesus teach that Christians should never determine whether something is right or wrong? Now continue reading Matthew 7:2–5. Jesus talks about someone noticing a speck in another person's eye while having a beam in his own eye. Notice something important. Jesus does not say: “Ignore the speck.” He says: First remove the beam from your own eye. Then you can see clearly to help your brother. The issue is hypocritical judgment, not moral discernment. Important distinction There is a difference between: Condemning a person and recognizing that an action is wrong. Jesus teaches us to examine ourselves before correcting others. Discussion question How can we correct another Christian without becoming judgmental or hypocritical? Possible answers include humility, love, examining ourselves first, listening, and speaking privately rather than embarrassing someone. ________________________________________ 4. Jeremiah 29:11 — “I Know the Plans I Have for You” — 6 minutes Read Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil…” This verse appears on cards, posters, graduation gifts, and social media. It is often understood to mean: “God has a wonderful plan for my life, and everything will soon work out the way I hope.” But ask our questions: Who was God speaking to? Read Jeremiah 29:4 and 29:10–11. God was speaking through Jeremiah to Jewish exiles in Babylon. And there is an important detail. They were going to remain there for seventy years. Imagine receiving this message: “God has good plans for you—but you're staying in Babylon.” Some of the people hearing Jeremiah's message would probably never personally return to Jerusalem. The promise concerned God's faithfulness to His covenant people despite their present suffering and exile. Application Jeremiah 29:11 doesn't teach that believers will avoid hardship. Quite the opposite. God's people were already experiencing hardship. The larger message is: Difficult circumstances do not mean God has abandoned His purposes. Discussion question Why is that message perhaps more encouraging than simply saying, “Everything will work out the way I want”? ________________________________________ 5. Romans 8:28 — “All Things Work Together for Good” Read Romans 8:28. Ask: Does this verse say everything that happens is good? No. There are terrible things in this world. Loss is painful. Sickness is painful. Betrayal is painful. Persecution is painful. Paul isn't calling evil good. Look at the surrounding chapter. Romans 8 speaks about suffering, weakness, groaning, persecution and hardship. Yet in the middle of those circumstances Paul declares that God remains at work. The distinction is important: The Bible does not say: Everything is good. It teaches: God can work through everything for His purposes and the ultimate good of those who love Him. Discussion question Can you think of a difficult experience that God eventually used to teach or strengthen someone? This can generate some meaningful personal discussion. ________________________________________ 6. “God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle” — Ask the class: How many of you have heard this statement? “God will never give you more than you can handle.” Then ask: Where does the Bible say that? Usually people point to 1 Corinthians 10:13. Read it. But notice the subject: temptation. Paul says God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear without providing a way to endure it. The verse is not promising that life's burdens will never overwhelm us. In fact, Paul says something quite different elsewhere. Read 2 Corinthians 1:8–9. Paul describes being: “pressed out of measure, above strength…” Why? So that they would: “not trust in ourselves, but in God…” That's fascinating. Sometimes life does give us more than we can handle by ourselves. And those situations teach us to depend upon God rather than our own strength. Discussion question What is the danger of telling a suffering person, “God won't give you more than you can handle”? It can make someone think: “Then why can't I handle this? Is something wrong with my faith?” A better biblical message is: You may face something you cannot carry alone—but you do not have to carry it alone. ________________________________________ 7. Matthew 18:20 — “Where Two or Three Are Gathered” — Read: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We often hear this at prayer meetings or small church gatherings. Someone might say: “We only have five people tonight, but where two or three are gathered, Jesus is here.” There is nothing wrong with remembering Christ's presence. But is that the main point of this verse? Read Matthew 18:15–20. The surrounding passage concerns a brother who sins and the process of confronting and restoring him. Jesus discusses witnesses and church discipline. The “two or three” language also echoes the biblical requirement for witnesses. So the verse isn't primarily teaching: “If at least two Christians meet together, Jesus shows up.” After all, Christ is with the individual believer too. The context concerns Christ's authority and presence as His people faithfully deal with serious matters in the church. ________________________________________ 8. Revelation 3:20 — “I Stand at the Door and Knock” — Read Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…” This verse is frequently used in evangelism: “Jesus is standing at the door of your heart waiting for you to invite Him in.” That may communicate a broader spiritual truth, but let's examine the context. Ask: Who is Jesus speaking to? Read Revelation 3:14–20. Jesus is speaking to the church at Laodicea. These people considered themselves rich and self-sufficient, but Jesus described them as spiritually poor. The striking picture isn't primarily Jesus standing outside an unbeliever's heart. It is: Christ standing outside a complacent church that claims His name. That makes the passage especially challenging for Christians. Discussion question Can a church become so comfortable with its programs, traditions and success that it effectively leaves Jesus outside? ________________________________________ 9. Bringing It Together Return to the central question: How do we avoid misinterpreting Scripture? Give the class these five simple rules: 1. Never build a doctrine from an isolated verse. 2. Read what comes before and after the verse. 3. Ask who originally spoke or wrote the words and who received them. 4. Consider the historical situation. 5. Compare the interpretation with the rest of Scripture. Then add one especially important principle: The question isn't first, “What does this verse mean to me?” The first question is, “What does this verse mean?” Once we understand that, we can ask: “How should this truth change my life?” Closing Challenge Return to 2 Timothy 2:15. God has entrusted us with His Word. That means we have a responsibility not merely to read Scripture, but to handle Scripture faithfully. Sometimes the most dangerous biblical misunderstanding isn't someone denying the Bible. It is someone saying: “The Bible says…” and then giving the Bible a meaning its author never intended. Final Discussion Question Ask the class: Which Scripture we studied today surprised you the most, and why? Let several people answer. Then finish with this challenge for the coming week: Choose one familiar Bible verse. Don't read only that verse. Read the entire chapter. Ask who wrote it, who received it, what was happening, and what the verse means in that context. You may discover that a verse you have known for years is even richer when you understand what it actually means.

• Message: “Foundations of Faith” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Sunday Lesson: Foundations of Faith – Build Your Life on Christ the Rock • Key Scriptures: Hebrews 6:1–2 (Primary NT), Matthew 7:24–27, Hebrews 11:6, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 8:17, John 5:28–29, Revelation 20:11–15; Old Testament Supporting Scriptures: Joel 2:12–13, Genesis 15:6, Exodus 30:18–21, Numbers 27:18–20, Job 19:25–26, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 • Lesson Goal: Help believers master the six elementary foundational doctrines of Christ from Hebrews 6:1–2, understand that solid faith starts with correct biblical basics, and learn to build mature, unshakable spiritual lives by standing firmly on these core foundations and advancing toward spiritual maturity. • Central Theme: True faith maturity is built upon the six unshakable biblical foundations listed in Hebrews 6:1–2; we must master these basics and move forward in faith instead of repeating elementary truths endlessly. What is the first thing you do when a storm (difficulty, pressure, failure) comes in life? Many people rely on money, relationships, abilities or luck to get through hard times. But these things are all “sand foundations” that will collapse easily. Today we will learn how to build our life on the unshakable foundation of Christian faith. Lead-in Scripture Core Lead-in Scripture: Hebrews 6:1–2 (NIV) “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Key Point: God calls believers to build faith on six clear, biblical foundational truths. These are not childish lessons but the solid bedrock of all Christian growth. Only when we firmly grasp these foundations can we walk into spiritual maturity and stand firm in life’s storms. – Six Biblical Foundations of Faith from Hebrews 6:1–2 The Holy Spirit through the Book of Hebrews clearly defines the six elementary, non-negotiable foundations of Christian faith. These six truths are the starting point of all spiritual life. They are simple yet profound: every mature faith is built on these solid basics, and shaky faith always comes from missing or misunderstanding these core doctrines. Foundation 1: Repentance from Dead Works Core Truth & Old Testament Foundation (Joel 2:12–13): “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Repentance is not mere regret or apology, but a deliberate turn away from “dead works”—sinful, self-centered, worldly deeds that cannot bring spiritual life or please God. It is a complete change of mind and direction toward God. The Old Testament establishes true repentance as wholehearted return to Yahweh, not outward religious performance. Explanation: Dead works include not only obvious sins but also self-righteous deeds done apart from faith and for human glory. Repentance is the first step of faith: we cannot walk with God while clinging to worldly and self-pleasing lifestyles. True repentance breaks the bondage of sin and clears the way for spiritual growth. Application: Daily examine your heart and actions, confess dead works that grieve God, turn away from habitual sin, and live a life separated from worldly corruption. Foundation 2: Faith Toward God Core Scriptures: Old Testament Foundation (Genesis 15:6) “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” New Testament Clarification: Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Explanation: Saving faith is deliberate, personal trust in the living God, not mere intellectual knowledge or religious ritual. This foundation means we fully rely on God’s nature, promises and sovereignty, abandoning self-reliance, human wisdom and worldly security. All spiritual growth begins with a sincere, trusting relationship with God. Application: Choose to trust God in uncertainties, replace worry with faith-filled prayer, and anchor your life decisions in God’s will rather than personal feelings or circumstances. Foundation 3: Instruction About Baptisms Old Testament Background (Exodus 30:18–21): God commanded ceremonial washings for priests to cleanse themselves before serving in the tabernacle, symbolizing purification from uncleanness and dedication to God. These OT ritual washings foreshadow the NT baptismal ordinance. New Testament Explanation: This foundational teaching covers the biblical truth of Christian water baptism, which fulfills and transcends OT ceremonial washings. It symbolizes our union with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is not a work of salvation but a public confession of faith, declaring our old sinful self has died and new life in Christ has begun. It marks our official entry into the fellowship of God’s family. Application: Understand the spiritual meaning of baptism, honor this biblical ordinance, and live out the baptismal identity—dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Foundation 4: The Laying on of Hands Old Testament Foundation (Numbers 27:18–20): God instructed Moses to lay hands on Joshua to commission him, impart spiritual authority, and publicly affirm his leadership before all Israel. This OT practice establishes the biblical pattern of laying on of hands for commissioning, blessing, and spiritual impartation. New Testament Explanation: Laying on of hands is a biblical spiritual ordinance inherited from OT biblical pattern, expanded in the New Testament for blessing, commissioning, affirming spiritual gifts, and receiving the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It represents corporate spiritual identification, prayerful impartation, and submission to God’s spiritual order in the church. This foundation teaches us to honor church fellowship, spiritual authority and the work of the Holy Spirit among believers. Application: Learn to receive spiritual blessing through corporate prayer, respect God-ordained spiritual leadership, and actively walk in the spiritual gifts and calling God has placed on your life. Foundation 5: Resurrection of the Dead Old Testament Foundation (Job 19:25–26): “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” New Testament Explanation: The bodily resurrection of the dead is not only a New Testament truth but a historic OT hope. Job’s confession reveals the ancient faith that God would redeem and resurrect His people. All people will be resurrected: believers unto eternal life with Christ, and unbelievers unto judgment. This truth breaks the fear of death, anchors our eternal hope, and empowers us to live godly lives in this temporary world. Our faith is not limited to earthly blessings but focuses on eternal glory. Application: Live with eternal perspective, abandon worldly lusts and temporary pursuits, and endure present hardships with the hope of resurrection and eternal reward. Foundation 6: Eternal Judgment Key Spiritual Principle: These six foundations are the starting line, not the finish line. Both Old and New Testament Scripture confirm these core truths. Hebrews 6:1 calls us to leave elementary teachings and move toward maturity—we must master these biblical basics rooted in the whole Bible, then grow deeper in Christ instead of repeating foundational lessons forever. Old Testament Foundation (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14): “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” New Testament Explanation: God is the righteous Judge. The Old Testament clearly establishes divine judgment for all human deeds, and the New Testament fulfills this as eternal judgment. A day of eternal judgment is appointed for all mankind. Every person will give an account to God for their words, deeds and choices. This foundational truth cultivates godly fear, encourages holiness, and reminds us that all our faith and actions have eternal consequences. Shaky Faith vs. Mature Faith: • Shaky faith: Lacks clear understanding of the six foundations; lives by feelings, ignores biblical ordinances, has no eternal perspective, and drifts in trials. • Mature faith: Rooted firmly in these six truths; lives in repentance and faith, honors biblical ordinances, walks in Spirit empowerment, and lives for eternity amid earthly storms. Group Discussion Divide into small groups to discuss the following questions, then share representative answers: 1. Which of the six foundational truths in Hebrews 6:1–2 do I understand the least or practice the weakest? 2. How does believing in resurrection and eternal judgment change my daily choices and attitude toward difficulties? 3. What areas of my spiritual life are still stuck in elementary faith, and how can I step into greater maturity this week? Application & Action Challenge This Week’s Faith Practice (Specific and actionable): 1. Repentance & Faith Practice: Daily self-examination, repent of dead works, and start each day with intentional faith declaration toward God. 2. Ordinance Understanding: Study the biblical meaning of baptism and laying on of hands, and actively participate in church spiritual fellowship. 3. Eternal Perspective Training: Set aside 5 minutes daily to meditate on resurrection and eternal judgment, adjust worldly priorities, and live for God’s eternal kingdom. Closing Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the six solid foundational truths of faith in Your Word from Hebrews 6:1–2. Forgive us for often staying in shallow, elementary faith and lacking spiritual maturity. Help us firmly grasp repentance from dead works, true faith toward You, biblical baptism, Spirit empowerment, resurrection hope and eternal judgment. Root our lives in these unshakable truths, enable us to grow steadily into spiritual maturity, live holy and faithful lives on earth, and hold fast the eternal hope until we meet You. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen!

• Message: “Forgiveness and Repentance” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Forgiveness and Repentance: Must Someone Repent Before I Forgive? Key Scriptures: Luke 17:3–4; Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:14–15; Romans 12:17–21; Ephesians 4:31–32; Colossians 3:13 Main Question: Must someone repent before we forgive them? Lesson Goal: To understand the relationship between repentance and forgiveness and to distinguish forgiveness from reconciliation and restoration of trust. ________________________________________ 1. Introduction and Review Last Sunday we considered forgiveness and what it means to forgive and “forget.” Today we are going one step deeper. Suppose someone seriously hurts you. They know they hurt you, but they never apologize. They show no remorse. Perhaps they even insist that they did nothing wrong. Are you still required to forgive them? Jesus gives us two statements that initially seem to pull us in different directions. Luke 17:3–4 “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” Here Jesus specifically connects forgiveness with repentance. But consider Mark 11:25: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone...” Here Jesus does not mention repentance. Opening Discussion 1. Must someone ask for forgiveness before you can forgive them? 2. What if they refuse to admit they did anything wrong? 3. Is forgiving someone the same thing as restoring your relationship with that person? 4. Can you forgive someone and still not trust them? Key thought: We need to understand that forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust are related—but they are not identical. ________________________________________ 2. What Is Repentance? Before asking whether repentance is necessary for forgiveness, we need to understand repentance. Repentance is more than simply saying: “I'm sorry.” Biblical repentance involves recognizing that something was wrong and turning away from it. Luke 17:3 Jesus says: “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” Notice the sequence: Sin → confrontation → repentance → forgiveness Jesus does not tell us to pretend the offense never happened. In fact, He says: “Rebuke him.” Sometimes love requires us to tell someone that what they did was wrong. Discussion Question What's the difference between these statements? • “I'm sorry you got upset.” • “I'm sorry, but you made me angry.” • “I'm sorry. What I did was wrong. Please forgive me.” The first two can avoid responsibility. The third acknowledges wrongdoing. Genuine repentance normally includes: • Recognizing the wrong. • Taking responsibility. • Expressing genuine sorrow. • Seeking forgiveness. • Making an effort to change. Repentance doesn't mean that a person will never fail again. It means that the person recognizes the wrong and desires to turn away from it. ________________________________________ 3. Must Someone Repent Before We Forgive Them? Now we come to our central question. There are passages emphasizing repentance. Luke 17:3–4 Jesus says: “If he repents, forgive him.” Even if someone sins repeatedly and repeatedly comes back in repentance, Jesus tells us to forgive. But there are also passages emphasizing our responsibility to have a forgiving heart, regardless of what the offender does. Mark 11:25 “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone...” And Paul writes: Ephesians 4:31–32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you... Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This helps us make an important distinction. A Forgiving Heart vs. Reconciliation Even when someone refuses to repent, I can refuse to hold hatred, bitterness, or revenge in my heart. I can say: “I will not allow what this person did to control my heart. I will not seek revenge. I place justice in God's hands.” That is something I can do regardless of what the other person chooses. But reconciliation requires participation from both people. Imagine two people standing on opposite sides of a broken bridge. Forgiveness can begin on my side. Reconciliation requires movement from both sides. Romans 12:18 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Notice Paul's wording: “If possible.” And: “So far as it depends on you.” Sometimes peace does not depend entirely upon us. Important Principle I am responsible for my heart and my actions. I am not responsible for forcing another person to repent. I can release bitterness and vengeance while still recognizing that the relationship cannot be fully restored until the problem is addressed. ________________________________________ 4. Does God Forgive Without Repentance? This question takes us even deeper. God desires forgiveness and reconciliation. 2 Peter 3:9 God is: “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” God offers forgiveness, but Scripture repeatedly calls people to repent and receive that forgiveness. Acts 2:38 Peter tells the people: “Repent...” So we can distinguish between: Forgiveness being offered and Forgiveness being received and the relationship being restored. The cross demonstrates God's willingness to forgive. Jesus even prayed concerning those crucifying Him: Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus' heart was not controlled by revenge. Yet throughout the New Testament people are still called to repent, believe, and turn to God. Discussion Question What does this teach us about our own relationships? Perhaps we can have a heart that is ready and willing to forgive even before the offender changes. ________________________________________ 5. Forgiveness Does Not Automatically Mean Reconciliation This distinction is extremely important. Suppose someone lies to you repeatedly. Eventually you discover the lies. They apologize. Should you forgive them? Yes. Does that mean you must immediately trust everything they say? No. Forgiveness and trust are not identical. Forgiveness can be given. Trust must often be rebuilt. If someone steals money from you and later apologizes, you may forgive that person while still deciding: “I'm not going to give you access to my bank account.” That isn't necessarily unforgiveness. It may simply be wisdom. Likewise, forgiveness does not mean remaining in a situation where someone continues harmful behavior. Four Different Things Repentance: The offender recognizes the wrong and turns from it. Forgiveness: The offended person releases resentment and personal vengeance. Reconciliation: The relationship between two people is restored. Trust: Confidence in the other person's character and behavior is rebuilt. These things often work together, but they are not the same thing. ________________________________________ 6. What About Repeated Offenses? Peter once asked Jesus: Matthew 18:21 “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Peter probably thought seven times sounded extremely generous. Jesus answered: Matthew 18:22 “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” The point isn't to keep a notebook: Offense #76 — forgiven. Offense #77 — forgiven. Offense #78 — now I'm finished! Jesus is teaching that forgiveness should characterize the Christian life. Luke makes the challenge even stronger. Luke 17:4 “If he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Imagine that. Seven offenses. Seven repentances. One day. Jesus says: Forgive him. Why? Because Christians live as people who themselves depend upon God's mercy. ________________________________________ 7. What If They Never Repent? This may be the hardest situation. Someone hurts us and never apologizes. Perhaps they never even acknowledge the hurt. What can we do? Romans 12:19 “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God...” We can: • Refuse personal revenge. • Ask God to remove bitterness from our hearts. • Pray for the person. • Remain willing to forgive and reconcile if genuine repentance occurs. • Establish appropriate boundaries when necessary. • Leave ultimate justice with God. Forgiveness does not require us to call evil good. It does not require us to pretend nothing happened. And it does not require us to place ourselves repeatedly in a position to be harmed. Instead, we surrender our personal desire for vengeance to God. ________________________________________ 8. Closing Discussion and Application Return to our opening question: Must someone repent before we forgive them? A helpful way to answer is: Repentance is important for full reconciliation, but my willingness to forgive cannot be controlled by another person's willingness to repent. I can choose not to live in bitterness. I can relinquish revenge. I can place justice in God's hands. I can maintain a heart ready for reconciliation. But if the offender refuses to acknowledge the wrong, the relationship itself may remain broken. Final Questions 1. Is there someone I am waiting to punish emotionally until they apologize? 2. Am I confusing forgiveness with trust? 3. Have I claimed to forgive someone while continuing to seek revenge? 4. Is there someone I need to approach in repentance? 5. Is there a relationship where forgiveness has occurred but trust still needs time to rebuild? ________________________________________ Closing Thought Forgiveness does not say: “What you did doesn't matter.” Forgiveness says: “What you did matters, but I will not allow your sin against me to become bitterness within me.” Repentance opens the door to reconciliation. Forgiveness keeps our own heart from being imprisoned by resentment. And when reconciliation is possible, Christians should pursue it. Closing Prayer Father, thank You for the forgiveness You have shown us. Help us recognize when we have sinned and give us humility to repent. When others hurt us, protect our hearts from bitterness and revenge. Give us wisdom to understand the difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust. Help us to forgive as You have taught us, seek peace wherever possible, and place justice in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

• Message: “Forgive and Forget” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Forgive and Forget? Understanding Biblical Forgiveness Main Scripture: Ephesians 4:31–32 Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 6:14–15; Matthew 18:21–35; Romans 12:17–21; Colossians 3:12–13; Genesis 50:15–21; Hebrews 8:12 Lesson Goal: To understand what biblical forgiveness means, what it does not mean, and whether Christians are really commanded to “forgive and forget.” ________________________________________ I. Introduction — Most of us have heard the expression: “You need to forgive and forget.” It sounds biblical, but is it actually what the Bible teaches? Forgiveness is one of the central teachings of Christianity. We have received God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and God commands us to forgive others. But forgetting is different. Some experiences are impossible simply to erase from our memories. A person may forgive someone completely and still remember what happened. So today we will consider two important questions: 1. What does it mean to forgive? 2. What does it mean to forget? Opening Question Ask the class: Do you think it is possible to truly forgive someone while still remembering what they did? Why or why not? Allow several people to respond. ________________________________________ II. Why Christians Must Forgive — 8 Minutes Read Ephesians 4:31–32: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you... And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Notice the reason Paul gives for forgiving others: We forgive because God has forgiven us. Christian forgiveness does not begin with the person who hurt us. It begins with what God has done for us. Every Christian has received forgiveness that he or she could never earn. Jesus also emphasizes forgiveness in Matthew 6:14–15. Our willingness to forgive others demonstrates that we understand the forgiveness we ourselves have received. Peter's Question In Matthew 18:21, Peter asked Jesus: “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” Peter probably thought seven times sounded generous. Jesus answered: “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Jesus was not giving Peter a mathematical limit. He was teaching that forgiveness should become part of the Christian's way of life. Discussion Why is it sometimes easier to accept God's forgiveness than to give forgiveness to someone else? ________________________________________ III. What Forgiveness Really Means — forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It means surrendering our personal right to revenge. Romans 12:19 says: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves... for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” When we forgive, we are saying: “I will not spend my life trying to make this person pay me back for what he or she did.” We turn justice over to God. That does not mean the action suddenly becomes acceptable. Wrong is still wrong. The hurt may still be real. There may still be consequences. But forgiveness releases us from living under the control of bitterness. Forgiveness Is Not the Same as Trust This distinction is very important. Forgiveness can be given. Trust usually has to be rebuilt. Suppose someone repeatedly lies to you. You can forgive that person. But forgiveness does not require you immediately to believe everything that person tells you. Trust may take time to rebuild. Forgiveness Is Not Always Reconciliation Reconciliation requires participation from both people. Forgiveness can begin with one. Romans 12:18 says: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” The phrase “if it be possible” recognizes that sometimes complete reconciliation is not possible. We are responsible for our own heart and actions. We cannot control the response of another person. ________________________________________ IV. Does God Tell Us to Forgive and Forget? — 8 Minutes Here is where we need to be careful. The Bible repeatedly commands us to forgive. But it never gives us a general command that says: “Forgive and forget.” There are Scriptures in which God says He will remember sins no more. For example, Hebrews 8:12 says: “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Does that mean an all-knowing God literally loses His memory? No. It means God chooses not to hold those forgiven sins against us. That gives us a much better understanding of what “forgetting” can mean in forgiveness. We may remember what happened. But we choose not to continually use that offense as a weapon. There Is a Difference Between Remembering and Rehearsing A painful memory may return naturally. That is remembering. But repeatedly thinking about the offense, feeding our anger, imagining revenge, and telling ourselves again and again how badly we were treated is rehearsing the offense. We may not be able to control every memory. But we can decide what we do with the memory when it returns. Biblical forgiveness does not necessarily erase the memory. It changes the power that memory has over us. ________________________________________ V. Joseph — Forgiveness Without Amnesia — 7 Minutes One of the greatest examples is Joseph. Joseph's brothers: • Hated him. • Threw him into a pit. • Sold him into slavery. • Allowed their father to believe Joseph was dead. Years later, Joseph became one of the most powerful men in Egypt. His brothers eventually stood before him needing food. Joseph had the power to take revenge. And Joseph certainly remembered what they had done. In Genesis 50:20, he told them: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good...” Notice something important. Joseph did not say: “You never did anything wrong.” He said: “You meant evil against me.” Joseph remembered the offense and recognized it for what it was. But he did not seek revenge. Instead, he said in verse 21: “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.” That is forgiveness. Joseph remembered the past without allowing the past to determine his future. Discussion Question What can Joseph's example teach us about the difference between forgiveness and forgetting? ________________________________________ VI. What Do I Do When the Hurt Comes Back? — 5 Minutes Sometimes we sincerely forgive someone, but several weeks or months later the hurt returns. We may wonder: “If I'm still hurt, does that mean I didn't really forgive?” Not necessarily. Forgiveness can be a decision made at a particular moment, while emotional healing may take much longer. When the memory returns, we can remind ourselves: “I have already placed this matter in God's hands.” Then we refuse to feed the bitterness again. Colossians 3:13 says: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another... even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Sometimes forgiveness is not something we feel before we do it. It is an act of obedience that our emotions gradually learn to follow. ________________________________________ VII. Practical Application — 3 Minutes Ask the class to consider these questions privately: Is there someone I have refused to forgive? Am I holding onto an offense because I want the other person to suffer? Have I confused forgiveness with immediately trusting someone again? Am I remembering something—or continually rehearsing it? Have I asked God to help me release this matter into His hands? Forgiveness does not say: “What happened didn't matter.” Forgiveness says: “What happened will no longer control my heart.” ________________________________________ VIII. Conclusion Christians are commanded to forgive. We are not commanded to erase our memories. Sometimes remembering past experiences even gives us wisdom and protects us from repeating the same mistakes. The goal is not necessarily to forget what happened. The goal is to remember it without hatred, bitterness, or a desire for revenge. We forgive because Christ first forgave us. Key Thought Forgiveness is not forgetting the past. It is refusing to let the past control the future. ________________________________________ Closing Prayer Father, thank You for the forgiveness You have given us through Jesus Christ. Help us to extend that same grace to those who have hurt us. Remove bitterness, anger, and the desire for revenge from our hearts. Give us wisdom where trust needs to be rebuilt and patience where healing takes time. When painful memories return, help us place them again into Your hands rather than allowing them to control us. Teach us to forgive as we have been forgiven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

• Message: “Sermon: Praying for Direction” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Sermon: Praying for Direction Basic Sermon Information Sermon Theme: Praying for God’s Direction in Every Season of Life Duration: 45 minutes (structured opening, exposition, application, altar call, closing) Main Scripture (Core Text): Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Old Testament Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 25:4–5: “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” • Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” • Psalm 143:8: “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.” New Testament Supporting Scriptures • James 1:5–6: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” • John 16:13: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” • Luke 22:42: “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” • Philippians 4:6–7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to you God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Lesson Objectives By the end of this sermon, every believer will be able to: 1. Understand God’s promise of guidance: Recognize that God actively desires to lead His children, and directional uncertainty is not a failure of God, but a call to intentional prayer and trust. 2. Identify biblical barriers to direction: Discern how self-reliance, doubt, impatience, and unsubmitted will block God’s guidance in daily life. 3. Practice biblical prayer for direction: Master the simple, scriptural pattern of trusting fully, surrendering completely, asking faithfully, and waiting patiently for God’s leading. 4. Walk in obedient alignment: Commit to acknowledging God in every decision, big or small, and live in confidence of God’s directed paths. Sermon Outline & Manuscript 1. Opening & Life is full of crossroads. We face decisions about careers, relationships, family moves, financial choices, spiritual steps, and even daily priorities. Every single day, we wonder: Which way should I go? What choice is right? What is God’s will for me? Many believers live in unnecessary confusion. They think God’s direction is hidden, rare, or only for “super spiritual” Christians. But the Bible tells a different story. God is a guiding God. He does not leave His children wandering in the dark. The problem is not that God refuses to lead us—it is that we often fail to pray for direction in His biblical way. Today, through God’s Word from both the Old and New Testaments, we will learn how to pray for clear, certain, God-given direction. Our anchor verse, Proverbs 3:5–6, is the foundation of every godly decision and every guided step of faith. Read Main Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 2. The Old Testament Pattern of Praying for Direction The Old Testament is filled with faithful men and women who faced uncertainty and learned to cry out to God for guidance. Their prayers give us a timeless model for our own lives. First, look at Psalm 25:4–5. David was a king, a warrior, and a leader, yet he never trusted his own wisdom. His prayer is humble and specific: Show me Your ways, teach me Your paths, guide me in Your truth. David understood a vital truth: our ways are not God’s ways. Our limited human perspective cannot see the future, the consequences of our choices, or God’s perfect plan. True direction starts with admitting our blindness and asking God to reveal His way. Second, Isaiah 30:21 gives us a precious promise: God’s voice will guide us constantly. He does not guide us only once in a lifetime. He speaks in our daily choices, our turning points, our small and big decisions. The problem is not that God is silent, but that we are often too busy, too self-reliant, or too anxious to listen. Third, Psalm 143:8 teaches us to seek God’s direction daily. David prayed for God’s guidance every morning. Direction is not a one-time answer; it is a daily walk with God. When we begin each day by surrendering our plans and asking for His leading, we position ourselves to walk in His perfect path all day long. Old Testament Key Takeaway: God’s direction is for the humble, trusting, seeking heart. Self-reliance blinds us; prayerful dependence opens our eyes to God’s perfect leading. 3. The New Testament Standard for Godly Direction (12 minutes) The New Testament elevates our understanding of divine direction through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We no longer follow external signs alone—we have the Spirit of God living inside us to guide us into all truth. James 1:5–6 is the definitive New Testament verse for wisdom and direction. God gives wisdom generously and without reproach. He never grows tired of us asking for guidance. But there is one condition: we must ask in faith, without doubting. Doubt keeps us from receiving God’s direction because it relies on our own reasoning instead of God’s faithfulness. When we doubt, we remain tossed by life’s winds and never settle into God’s perfect plan. John 16:13 reveals our permanent guide: the Holy Spirit. The world offers confusing advice, social media offers conflicting opinions, and our flesh offers selfish desires. But the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. He will never lead us contrary to God’s Word. Prayer for direction is ultimately inviting the Holy Spirit to rule our choices, correct our mistakes, and order our steps. Luke 22:42 shows us Jesus’ ultimate prayer of direction. In His darkest hour, Jesus surrendered His own will to the Father’s will. All true godly direction begins with surrender. We cannot receive God’s path if we are clinging to our own plans, our own timeline, or our own desires. Prayer for direction is not asking God to bless our way—it is asking God to show us His way. Philippians 4:6–7 adds peace as the confirmation of God’s direction. When we pray with thanksgiving and surrender our anxiety, God’s supernatural peace guards our hearts and minds. That unexplainable peace is God’s internal confirmation that we are walking in His directed path. New Testament Key Takeaway: Believers have immediate, constant access to God’s wisdom through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Direction comes through faithful asking, full surrender, and Spirit-led obedience. 4. Three Barriers to Receiving God’s Direction (8 minutes) Why do so many believers struggle to hear God’s direction? The Bible identifies three common barriers: First: Leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). We trust our logic, our experience, our feelings, or others’ opinions more than we trust God. Human understanding is limited and fallen; it will always lead us astray without God’s guidance. Second: Unwillingness to surrender your will. Many of us pray for direction with a hidden agenda: we want God to confirm what we already want. Surrender means letting go of our preferences and choosing God’s plan regardless of cost or comfort. Third: Doubt and impatience. We ask God for direction but then rush ahead in our own timing, or doubt that He will answer. God’s guidance often comes step by step, not all at once. Faith waits, trusts, and obeys one step at a time. 5. How to Pray for Direction (Practical Application, 5 minutes) Use this simple, biblical prayer pattern for every decision: 1. Surrender fully: “Lord, I lay down my plans, my understanding, and my desires.” 2. Ask faithfully: “Grant me Your wisdom and make Your path clear.” (James 1:5) 3. Acknowledge Him completely: “I acknowledge You in this choice, and I trust You to direct my steps.” (Proverbs 3:6) 4. Wait and obey: Submit to the Holy Spirit’s leading and walk in the peace He provides. 6. Sermon Summary God desires to lead every believer in every season of life, and prayer is His ordained way for us to receive His clear direction. The Old Testament establishes that God guides the humble, seeking heart that renounces self-reliance and cries out for His paths. The New Testament confirms that through Jesus’ surrender and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have constant access to God’s generous wisdom and truth. The greatest barriers to divine direction are leaning on human understanding, clinging to personal will, and doubting God’s faithful provision. When we pray in full surrender, unwavering faith, and daily dependence, God promises to direct our paths, guide our steps, and confirm His will through supernatural peace. Praying for direction is not a last-resort practice for confusing moments; it is a daily lifestyle of trusting God above all human wisdom, ensuring every area of our lives aligns with His perfect purpose.

• Message: “A Life That Matters: Living for God’s Purpose” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." A Life That Matters: Living for God’s Purpose Main Scripture Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Supporting Scriptures • Jeremiah 1:5 • Genesis 12:1–3 • Matthew 5:14–16 • Isaiah 6:8 • Philippians 1:6 ________________________________________ Introduction: The Search for Meaning One of the deepest questions people ask is: “Does my life really matter?” People spend much of their lives searching for significance. Some believe life matters because of: • success, • wealth, • education, • position, • recognition, • achievements. The world often tells us: “Your value is determined by what you accomplish.” But God gives us a different message: “Your value comes from the One who created you.” A person may never become famous, but their life can still have eternal importance. A mother who faithfully raises her children. A person who encourages someone during a difficult time. A believer who quietly serves others. These lives may not make headlines, but they matter greatly in God’s kingdom. The question is not: “Will the world remember me?” The deeper question is: “Am I fulfilling the purpose God created me for?” ________________________________________ Point 1: God Created You — Your Life Has Value Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork…” The word “handiwork” means something carefully created. God did not create human beings randomly. He created us intentionally. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Before Jeremiah began his ministry, God already knew him and had a purpose for him. This truth applies to every believer: • Your life has meaning. • Your experiences have meaning. • Your gifts have meaning. • Your story has meaning. The problem: Many people define themselves by what others say. They think: • “I am only important if I succeed.” • “I am only valuable if people recognize me.” • “I am only useful when I am young and strong.” But God does not measure people the way the world does. God saw value in: • Moses, even though he felt inadequate. • David, even though he was overlooked. • Peter, even though he failed. • Paul, even though his past was difficult. God sees not only who we are today but who we can become through Him. Application: Ask yourself: “Do I see myself as God sees me?” You are not an accident. You are created by God for a purpose. ________________________________________ Point 2: God Calls You — Your Life Has Purpose Ephesians 2:10 “Created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” Notice the order: First: God creates us. Then: God calls us. Then: God uses us. God does not save us only from something. He saves us for something. Abraham: A Life With Purpose Genesis 12:2 “I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” God blessed Abraham so that Abraham could become a blessing to others. The purpose of God’s blessing is not simply our comfort. It is our mission. The boy with five loaves and two fish John 6 A young boy brought what he had: • five loaves, • two fish. It seemed insignificant. But when placed in Jesus’ hands, it became something powerful. The lesson: God does not ask: “How much do you have?” God asks: “Are you willing to give what you have?” Application: Many people say: “I cannot serve God because I am not talented enough.” “I cannot make a difference because someone else is better.” But God has always used ordinary people. Your: • kindness, • experience, • wisdom, • time, • encouragement, can be used by God. A small act of obedience can have a great impact. ________________________________________ Point 3: God Sends You — Your Life Has Influence Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” God’s purpose is not only inside the church building. God sends us into the world. Our mission field is wherever God places us: • our family, • our workplace, • our neighborhood, • our friendships. We influence others through our daily lives. Sometimes people will never read the Bible. But they will read: • our attitude, • our kindness, • our patience, • our forgiveness, • our love. Isaiah’s Response Isaiah 6:8 “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah did not know everything about the future. But he knew one thing: God was calling him. A meaningful life begins when we say: “Lord, I am available.” ________________________________________ Practical Ways to Live a Life That Matters 1. Put God First Matthew 6:33 “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” A meaningful life begins with the right priority. ________________________________________ 2. Use Your Gifts to Serve Others 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” God gave each person something valuable. ________________________________________ 3. Be Faithful in Small Things Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Great things often begin with small acts of faithfulness. ________________________________________ Conclusion: The Question God Asks At the end of life, the most important question will not be: “How much money did I earn?” “How many people knew my name?” “How successful was I according to the world?” The question will be: “Did I fulfill the purpose God gave me?” A life that matters is a life that: • knows God created me, • understands God called me, • accepts that God sends me. God does not require a perfect person. He requires a willing heart. Like Isaiah, may we say: “Here am I. Send me.” ________________________________________ Closing Prayer Lord, thank You that our lives have meaning because You created us. Help us not to measure ourselves by the standards of the world, but by Your purpose. Show us how to use our gifts, our time, and our opportunities to serve You and others. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen. ________________________________________ Discussion / Reflection Questions 1. What are some ways people try to find significance apart from God? 2. How does knowing God created you change the way you see yourself? 3. What gifts or abilities has God given you? 4. What small things can you do that can make a difference for others? 5. Where is God calling you to be a light this week? ________________________________________ Joe, when comparing this with “Faith That Works: Living Out What We Believe,” I would say the difference is: • Faith That Works → more practical discipleship (how we live) • A Life That Matters → more inspirational and purpose-focused (why we live) Both are good, but they speak to slightly different needs. I think this one may connect especially well after last week’s message because it answers: “If God has expectations for my life, why does my life matter?”

• Message: “Why are you Here” from Joe Summers

  . ________________________________________ Sunday Lesson Theme: "Why Are You Here?" Primary Scripture Esther 4:14 (NIV) "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Supporting Scriptures • Jeremiah 1:4–10 • Ephesians 2:10 • Acts 17:26–28 • Matthew 28:18–20 • Philippians 3:12–14 • John 15:16 ________________________________________ Lesson Objective By the end of this lesson participants should: • Understand that every believer has been created by God for a purpose. • Recognize that life is more than personal success or survival. • Discover biblical principles for finding God's purpose. • Be challenged to actively fulfill God's calling. ________________________________________ Introduction One of the deepest questions every person asks is: "Why am I here?" People spend years searching for meaning through: • Careers • Education • Wealth • Relationships • Achievements Yet many still feel empty. The Bible teaches that our purpose is not something we invent—it is something we discover in God's plan. We are not accidents. We are God's workmanship. Today's lesson asks every believer: Why are you here? ________________________________________ I. You Are Here Because God Created You for a Purpose Scripture Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." ________________________________________ Teaching Nothing God creates is without purpose. Every created thing has a function. • Birds fly. • Fish swim. • Trees bear fruit. Likewise, God created every believer with a purpose. Your talents, your experiences, your gifts, even your struggles, can become part of God's plan. ________________________________________ Biblical Example Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." God called Jeremiah before birth. Jeremiah did not choose his calling. God had already chosen him. ________________________________________ Application Many people ask, "What do I want to do?" Instead we should ask, "What does God want me to become?" ________________________________________ II. You Are Here for God's Glory Scripture Isaiah 43:7 "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory." ________________________________________ Teaching Life is not centered on ourselves. Modern culture encourages people to pursue: • Fame • Wealth • Comfort • Popularity The Bible teaches: Our highest purpose is to glorify God. Everything we do should point others toward Him. ________________________________________ Questions Does my life honor Christ? Would others see Jesus through me? ________________________________________ Biblical Example The Apostle Paul Philippians 1:20 Paul desired that Christ be glorified whether he lived or died. His purpose was larger than personal comfort. ________________________________________ III. You Are Here to Serve Others Scripture Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." ________________________________________ Teaching Jesus completely changed the world's understanding of greatness. The world says: "Become important." Jesus says: "Become a servant." Purpose is discovered in serving. God blesses us so we may bless others. ________________________________________ Biblical Example The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25–37 The priest and Levite passed by. The Samaritan stopped. His purpose at that moment was to love his neighbor. Sometimes our purpose is found in the opportunity immediately before us. ________________________________________ IV. You Are Here for Such a Time as This Scripture Esther 4:14 "For such a time as this." ________________________________________ Teaching Esther probably never imagined she would become queen. Yet God positioned her exactly where she was needed. Mordecai reminded her: Perhaps God placed you here for this very moment. The same question applies today. Why has God placed you: • In your family? • In your church? • In your community? • In your workplace? Perhaps someone needs Christ because of where God has placed you. ________________________________________ Biblical Example Joseph Genesis 50:20 Joseph suffered greatly. Years later he understood: God had been preparing him to save many lives. Often God's purpose becomes clear only in hindsight. ________________________________________ V. You Are Here to Make Disciples Scripture Matthew 28:19–20 Jesus gave every believer a mission. Go. Teach. Disciple. Baptize. This mission belongs to every Christian. Purpose is never merely personal. It always involves advancing God's Kingdom. ________________________________________ Discussion How am I helping others grow in Christ? Who am I discipling? Who has God placed in my life? ________________________________________ VI. Obstacles That Keep People from Discovering Their Purpose 1. Fear Moses doubted his ability. God reminded him that He would be with him. ________________________________________ 2. Comfort Many settle for convenience rather than calling. Purpose often requires sacrifice. ________________________________________ 3. Distractions Technology, money, success, and entertainment can distract us from eternal priorities. ________________________________________ 4. Comparison God never asked us to become someone else. He asks us to be faithful with the life He has given us. ________________________________________ VII. How Do We Discover Our Purpose? Pray consistently. James 1:5 Ask God for wisdom. ________________________________________ Study Scripture. God's will never contradicts His Word. ________________________________________ Use Your Gifts. Serve where opportunities arise. Purpose often becomes clearer through faithful service. ________________________________________ Listen to Godly Counsel. Proverbs 15:22 Seek mature Christian guidance. ________________________________________ Trust God's Timing. Purpose often unfolds gradually. Abraham, Joseph, David, and Paul all experienced seasons of preparation before their greatest ministry. ________________________________________ Personal Reflection Ask yourself: • Why has God placed me where I am today? • Am I pursuing my plans or God's purpose? • What gifts has God entrusted to me? • Who needs to hear the Gospel through my life? • If God asked me today, "Why are you here?" how would I answer? ________________________________________ Practical Applications This week: • Pray each morning, "Lord, show me Your purpose for today." • Encourage one person spiritually. • Look for one opportunity to serve without expecting recognition. • Reflect on how your work, family, and church can become places where you fulfill God's calling. ________________________________________ Conclusion Every person eventually asks, "Why am I here?" The Bible answers: • You are here because God created you. • You are here to glorify Him. • You are here to serve others. • You are here to proclaim Christ. • You are here for such a time as this. God does not waste lives. He does not waste experiences. He does not waste suffering. If we surrender ourselves to Him, He will use every part of our lives for His glory and the good of His Kingdom. As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12: "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." May each of us discover, embrace, and faithfully fulfill the purpose for which God has placed us here. ________________________________________ Closing Prayer *"Heavenly Father, thank You for creating each of us with purpose and intention. Forgive us for the times we have lived for ourselves rather than for You. Open our eyes to the opportunities You have placed before us. Give us courage to serve, wisdom to follow Your will, and faith to trust Your timing. May our lives glorify You and point others to Jesus Christ. Help us live each day knowing that we are here by Your design and for Your purposes. In Jesus' name, Amen."

• Message: “Do not be Stressed” from Min Jean

  Stop Stressing, God Is in Control! John 6:5 John 6:5 New International Version 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” John 6:6 New International Version 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. He turned to his disciple and gave him a challenge. He still gives his disciple challenges. He still lets us go through things without giving us a reason, without explaining, and without telling us how to get through the challenge. Then Jesus asked, "What do we have to give them to eat?" One of His disciples stood up and said, "We have bread worth two hundred days of wages. But even that is not enough. It can only give a small piece to each person." There were about five thousand men there, not counting the women and children. There were easily fifty thousand people. There was no convenience store, no grocery store, nothing—just the middle of the desert. And He let them go through the challenge to prove them and to test them. For He Himself already knew what He was going to do. The Bible says He knows everything. He controls everything. By Him, all things are held together. John 1:10 New International Version 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. This God, who could not die, found a way to die and faced death itself. This God, who could not be tempted, found a way to be tempted—yet He never sinned. This God, who has no flesh, no blood, and no bones—because God is Spirit—found a way to come down to earth. He took on human flesh and showed God to a lost and hungry world that needed Him. 1 Timothy 3:16 New International Version 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,[a] was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. As a man, He was here to show us the Father. He said, "Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father who lives in Me." Among the five thousand men and women—truly about fifty thousand people in total—and in the middle of the challenge, before they even entered into it, before they even felt the need, He already knew what He would do. And I am searching today on the topic: He always knows what He is doing. God never gets nervous. God never wrings His hands. God is never caught by surprise. When anything happens—any situation, any need— He already knows what He is going to do about it, what He is going to do with it, what He is going to do through it, and what He is going to do after it. He always knows. Watch this: Matthew 12:25 New International Version 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Then in Luke 6:8 he says Luke 6:8 New International Version 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. He knew their thoughts. He said, "You are worried about Me healing someone on the Sabbath." He knew the sins of the people against you. God is not unaware of it. He knows our thoughts. He knows what we are thinking. He knows everything. Then in the book of John, he talks about... John 2:24-25 New International Version 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. What a powerful verse, The Pool of Bethesda. The Scripture says Jesus knew that the man had been there a long time—thirty-eight years. He knew it. And so... John 5:6 New International Version 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” He knows who you are. He knows where you are. He is thinking about you. There is nothing you are facing today—whether it is a money problem, a family issue, or a health struggle—that He does not know about. He knows who you are. He knows what you are going through. He knows where you are. He knows how long you have been going through it. And then in john 6:61 John 6:61 New International Version 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Turn to someone and say, "Ohhh." That means He knows when you are complaining. He knows when you are murmuring. And then, in the same chapter... John6:64 John 6:64 New International Version 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. In john 13:1 Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet 13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. And then in john 16:19 John 16:19 New International Version 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? He knew. He always knows you. There is something you never want to hear Jesus say. You never want Jesus to say... Matthew 25:12 New International Version 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Let's stop for a minute. He is actually going to say that to people at the judgment: "I do not know you." That is in Luke 13:27. Luke 13:27 New International Version 27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ And in john 5:42 John 5:42 New International Version 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I cannot fool Him by being religious. I cannot fool Him by just playing church. He knows if I have the love of God in my heart. He knows when He looks at us if we truly love Him, if we love to worship Him, if we spend time with Him, if we talk with Him. You say, "Pastor, I made a mistake." That is all right. He can deal with that. But He looks deep inside and sees if you still love Him. That is what He asked the apostle Peter in John 21:15 after Peter failed. John 21:15 New International Version Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” He asked, "Do you love Me?" He asked again, "Do you love Me?" And a third time, "Do you love Me?" Finally, Simon Peter said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You." And then Jesus gave him his next instruction. John10:14 John 10:14 New International Version 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— And then in john 10:27 John 10:27 New International Version 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. And then in john 13:18 Jesus Predicts His Betrayal 18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned[a] against me.’[b] In john 14:7 John 14:7 New International Version 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” In Mark 13:31 Mark 13:31 New International Version 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Then in Mark 13:32 Mark 13:32 New International Version The Day and Hour Unknown 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. There is something that Jesus Himself does not know, but the Father knows it. When He tells me He is coming back for His bride, He knows us. He knows our heart. He knows if we love Him or not. He knows if, after a failure, we repented or not. He knows if we turn away. He knows if He can trust us with an even greater assignment after we fail, because He looks deep into the heart. How many times do we just say, "I don't know what to do"? How many times do we wring our hands? How many times do we worry ourselves sick, trying to figure out the problem? But I can tell you this: God never wrings His hands. He is never worried. He knows. He knew what He would do. I know this is a simple sermon, but I want to get this settled in your heart today: whatever you are facing, whatever you are going through, I want you to know that God never gets nervous. He is in control. Acts 15:18 New International Version 18 things known from long ago.[a] He always knows. Nothing catches Him by surprise. Before the world began, He already knew He would be the Lamb of God. Even before the foundation of the world, He knew what He would do. When you read the story of Rebekah, she had two sons—twins named Esau and Jacob. Jacob would become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. But Esau fell in love with Canaanite women, who worshiped other gods. Their mother said, "If my second son also marries a Canaanite woman like Esau did, I would rather be dead." Genesis 27&28 That woman he married has been driving me crazy. I just cannot handle it. But watch God. Joseph got a dream from God. His brothers became jealous. They took his coat of many colors, grabbed his clothes, and threw him into a pit. Then they sold him to the Ishmaelites. But God knew what He was doing. Even when Joseph faced injustice—thrown into a pit, thrown into prison for thirteen years for a crime he did not commit—God knew. God knew what He would do with every injustice and every attack. I guess what I am trying to share this morning is this: When they threw him into the pit, God knew what He was doing. When they made false accusations and threw him into prison, God knew what He was doing. When he was forgotten in the prison, God knew what He was doing. When he lived in the land of Goshen, God knew what He was doing. Everything that comes against you shall not prevail. The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church—and you are the church. Even the things you do not understand. You need to get happy again. I serve a good God. He is up to something. I do not know what He is doing, but He knows exactly what He is doing. I close with this: Maybe you have going through hard time, but whatever Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version 11 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.

• Message: “Do not be Stressed” from Min Jean

  Stop Stressing, God Is in Control! John 6:5 John 6:5 New International Version 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” John 6:6 New International Version 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. He turned to his disciple and gave him a challenge. He still gives his disciple challenges. He still lets us go through things without giving us a reason, without explaining, and without telling us how to get through the challenge. Then Jesus asked, "What do we have to give them to eat?" One of His disciples stood up and said, "We have bread worth two hundred days of wages. But even that is not enough. It can only give a small piece to each person." There were about five thousand men there, not counting the women and children. There were easily fifty thousand people. There was no convenience store, no grocery store, nothing—just the middle of the desert. And He let them go through the challenge to prove them and to test them. For He Himself already knew what He was going to do. The Bible says He knows everything. He controls everything. By Him, all things are held together. John 1:10 New International Version 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. This God, who could not die, found a way to die and faced death itself. This God, who could not be tempted, found a way to be tempted—yet He never sinned. This God, who has no flesh, no blood, and no bones—because God is Spirit—found a way to come down to earth. He took on human flesh and showed God to a lost and hungry world that needed Him. 1 Timothy 3:16 New International Version 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,[a] was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. As a man, He was here to show us the Father. He said, "Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father who lives in Me." Among the five thousand men and women—truly about fifty thousand people in total—and in the middle of the challenge, before they even entered into it, before they even felt the need, He already knew what He would do. And I am searching today on the topic: He always knows what He is doing. God never gets nervous. God never wrings His hands. God is never caught by surprise. When anything happens—any situation, any need— He already knows what He is going to do about it, what He is going to do with it, what He is going to do through it, and what He is going to do after it. He always knows. Watch this: Matthew 12:25 New International Version 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Then in Luke 6:8 he says Luke 6:8 New International Version 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. He knew their thoughts. He said, "You are worried about Me healing someone on the Sabbath." He knew the sins of the people against you. God is not unaware of it. He knows our thoughts. He knows what we are thinking. He knows everything. Then in the book of John, he talks about... John 2:24-25 New International Version 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. What a powerful verse, The Pool of Bethesda. The Scripture says Jesus knew that the man had been there a long time—thirty-eight years. He knew it. And so... John 5:6 New International Version 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” He knows who you are. He knows where you are. He is thinking about you. There is nothing you are facing today—whether it is a money problem, a family issue, or a health struggle—that He does not know about. He knows who you are. He knows what you are going through. He knows where you are. He knows how long you have been going through it. And then in john 6:61 John 6:61 New International Version 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Turn to someone and say, "Ohhh." That means He knows when you are complaining. He knows when you are murmuring. And then, in the same chapter... John6:64 John 6:64 New International Version 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. In john 13:1 Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet 13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. And then in john 16:19 John 16:19 New International Version 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? He knew. He always knows you. There is something you never want to hear Jesus say. You never want Jesus to say... Matthew 25:12 New International Version 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Let's stop for a minute. He is actually going to say that to people at the judgment: "I do not know you." That is in Luke 13:27. Luke 13:27 New International Version 27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ And in john 5:42 John 5:42 New International Version 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I cannot fool Him by being religious. I cannot fool Him by just playing church. He knows if I have the love of God in my heart. He knows when He looks at us if we truly love Him, if we love to worship Him, if we spend time with Him, if we talk with Him. You say, "Pastor, I made a mistake." That is all right. He can deal with that. But He looks deep inside and sees if you still love Him. That is what He asked the apostle Peter in John 21:15 after Peter failed. John 21:15 New International Version Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” He asked, "Do you love Me?" He asked again, "Do you love Me?" And a third time, "Do you love Me?" Finally, Simon Peter said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You." And then Jesus gave him his next instruction. John10:14 John 10:14 New International Version 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— And then in john 10:27 John 10:27 New International Version 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. And then in john 13:18 Jesus Predicts His Betrayal 18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned[a] against me.’[b] In john 14:7 John 14:7 New International Version 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” In Mark 13:31 Mark 13:31 New International Version 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Then in Mark 13:32 Mark 13:32 New International Version The Day and Hour Unknown 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. There is something that Jesus Himself does not know, but the Father knows it. When He tells me He is coming back for His bride, He knows us. He knows our heart. He knows if we love Him or not. He knows if, after a failure, we repented or not. He knows if we turn away. He knows if He can trust us with an even greater assignment after we fail, because He looks deep into the heart. How many times do we just say, "I don't know what to do"? How many times do we wring our hands? How many times do we worry ourselves sick, trying to figure out the problem? But I can tell you this: God never wrings His hands. He is never worried. He knows. He knew what He would do. I know this is a simple sermon, but I want to get this settled in your heart today: whatever you are facing, whatever you are going through, I want you to know that God never gets nervous. He is in control. Acts 15:18 New International Version 18 things known from long ago.[a] He always knows. Nothing catches Him by surprise. Before the world began, He already knew He would be the Lamb of God. Even before the foundation of the world, He knew what He would do. When you read the story of Rebekah, she had two sons—twins named Esau and Jacob. Jacob would become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. But Esau fell in love with Canaanite women, who worshiped other gods. Their mother said, "If my second son also marries a Canaanite woman like Esau did, I would rather be dead." Genesis 27&28 That woman he married has been driving me crazy. I just cannot handle it. But watch God. Joseph got a dream from God. His brothers became jealous. They took his coat of many colors, grabbed his clothes, and threw him into a pit. Then they sold him to the Ishmaelites. But God knew what He was doing. Even when Joseph faced injustice—thrown into a pit, thrown into prison for thirteen years for a crime he did not commit—God knew. God knew what He would do with every injustice and every attack. I guess what I am trying to share this morning is this: When they threw him into the pit, God knew what He was doing. When they made false accusations and threw him into prison, God knew what He was doing. When he was forgotten in the prison, God knew what He was doing. When he lived in the land of Goshen, God knew what He was doing. Everything that comes against you shall not prevail. The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church—and you are the church. Even the things you do not understand. You need to get happy again. I serve a good God. He is up to something. I do not know what He is doing, but He knows exactly what He is doing. I close with this: Maybe you have going through hard time, but whatever Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version 11 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.

• Message: “Called to Lead: Serving with Humility, ” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Lesson Title “Called to Lead: Serving with Humility, Faithfulness, and Courage” Audience Recent college graduates and young adults beginning leadership roles in the church Main Scripture 1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Supporting Scriptures Mark 10:45 — Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. Joshua 1:9 — Be strong and courageous. 1 Peter 5:2–3 — Lead willingly, not for selfish gain, but as examples. Colossians 3:23 — Work heartily as serving the Lord. ________________________________________ 1. Introduction — Many young adults are stepping into leadership at an important stage of life. College may have prepared you with knowledge, discipline, and skills, but church leadership requires something deeper. Church leadership is not mainly about having a title. It is about having a servant’s heart. Some may feel excited. Others may feel nervous. Some may wonder, “Am I really ready?” That is a normal feeling. Many people God used in Scripture felt unprepared at first. Moses said, “I am not eloquent.” Jeremiah said, “I am too young.” Timothy needed encouragement from Paul. Joshua needed courage after Moses died. God does not call perfect people. He calls available people. ________________________________________ 2. Lesson Objective By the end of this lesson, students should understand that young church leaders are called to: 1. Lead by example 2. Serve with humility 3. Grow in spiritual maturity 4. Lead with courage and faithfulness ________________________________________ 3. Point One: Leadership Begins with Example — Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because he is young. But Paul does not tell Timothy to demand respect. He tells him to live in a way that earns trust. Paul says Timothy should be an example in: Word This means the way we speak. Young leaders must learn to speak with wisdom, kindness, truth, and self-control. Church leadership is damaged when leaders speak carelessly, gossip, complain, or criticize others harshly. A young leader should ask: “Do my words build people up or tear people down?” Conduct This means behavior and lifestyle. People watch leaders. They notice how we treat others, how we handle pressure, how we respond to correction, and how we live outside church meetings. Leadership is not only what happens on Sunday. It is also what happens when nobody is clapping. Love Church leadership must be motivated by love, not ego. Love helps us care for people who are difficult, lonely, immature, or different from us. Faith Young leaders must learn to trust God when results are slow, when people disagree, or when ministry feels difficult. Purity Purity includes moral purity, but also purity of motives. We should not lead for attention, praise, or control. Application Before young adults ask, “What position do I have?” they should ask, “What example am I setting?” Discussion Question What area is most difficult for young leaders today: words, conduct, love, faith, or purity? Why? ________________________________________ 4. Point Two: Christian Leadership Is Servant Leadership Scripture: Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” Jesus changed the meaning of leadership. In the world, leadership often means power, position, and recognition. In the kingdom of God, leadership means service, sacrifice, and humility. A church leader is not above the people. A church leader is among the people. Three Marks of Servant Leadership 1. A servant leader notices needs A servant leader does not wait to be asked for everything. They see the chairs need arranging. They see a visitor standing alone. They see a new believer who needs encouragement. Small acts of service reveal a large heart. 2. A servant leader is willing to do unseen work Many young leaders want meaningful ministry, but meaningful ministry often begins with hidden faithfulness. Before David fought Goliath, he cared for sheep. Before Joseph led Egypt, he served in Potiphar’s house and in prison. Before Jesus washed away sins, He washed feet. 3. A servant leader does not use people Leadership becomes dangerous when people become tools for our success. Jesus never treated people as projects. He treated them as souls. Application A young church leader should ask: “Am I trying to be noticed, or am I trying to be useful?” Discussion Question What is one unseen or humble task in church that young leaders should be willing to do? ________________________________________ 5. Point Three: Leadership Requires Spiritual Growth Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2–3 “Feed the flock of God… being examples to the flock.” Leadership is not only skill. It is spiritual responsibility. A person may be gifted in speaking, music, media, organization, or teaching, but gifts alone are not enough. Gifts may open the door, but character keeps us trustworthy. Young Leaders Must Grow in Three Areas 1. Personal devotion Young leaders cannot only prepare lessons, songs, or programs. They must also prepare their own hearts. A leader should maintain regular prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and repentance. You cannot lead people spiritually if you are empty spiritually. 2. Teachability A young leader must remain teachable. College graduation may mark the end of one kind of education, but spiritual leadership requires lifelong learning. Correction is not rejection. Advice is not an attack. Mentoring is not control. 3. Emotional maturity Church leadership involves people, and people can be complicated. Leaders must learn patience, forgiveness, listening, and self-control. A spiritually growing leader does not react to everything quickly. They learn to respond with wisdom. Application Ask yourself: “Am I growing privately at the same time I am leading publicly?” Discussion Question Why is character more important than talent in church leadership? ________________________________________ 6. Point Four: Leadership Requires Courage and Faithfulness Scripture: Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua was stepping into leadership after Moses. That was not easy. He had big shoes to fill, serious responsibilities, and many unknowns ahead. God did not say, “Joshua, you are strong because you have all the answers.” God said Joshua could be strong because God was with him. Young leaders need courage because leadership includes: disappointments, criticism, mistakes, difficult conversations, slow progress, and spiritual opposition. But courage does not mean you never feel afraid. Courage means you obey God even when you feel afraid. Faithfulness Over Fame Many young adults live in a world of quick results, social media attention, and instant feedback. But church leadership is often slow, quiet, and long-term. God values faithfulness. Scripture: Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” You may not always be thanked. You may not always be noticed. You may not always see immediate results. But God sees faithful service. Application Ask yourself: “Can God trust me to serve faithfully even when no one praises me?” ________________________________________ 7. Practical Leadership Commitments Invite the students to write down or reflect on these commitments: 1. I will lead by example before I lead by title. 2. I will serve people, not use people. 3. I will keep growing spiritually and emotionally. 4. I will remain teachable and accountable. 5. I will be faithful in small things. 6. I will lead with courage because God is with me. ________________________________________ 8. Group Reflection Questions Use these for discussion or personal reflection: 1. What is one fear young adults may have when stepping into church leadership? 2. What is one strength young adults bring to the church? 3. Why is humility necessary for spiritual leadership? 4. What is one area of your character God may be developing right now? 5. What small responsibility can you be faithful in this month? ________________________________________ 9. Closing Challenge Leadership in the church is not about being impressive. It is about being faithful. You may be young, but you can be an example. You may be inexperienced, but you can be teachable. You may feel nervous, but you can be courageous. You may not have a big title, but you can have a servant’s heart. God is not only looking for leaders with talent. He is looking for leaders with humility, courage, purity, love, and faithfulness. The church needs young adults who will not simply attend, but serve. Not simply criticize, but build. Not simply wait, but step forward. Not simply lead programs, but shepherd people with love. ________________________________________ 10. Closing Prayer Lord, thank You for calling young adults to serve in Your church. Help them not to lead with pride, fear, or selfish ambition, but with humility, courage, and love. Teach them to be examples in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Give them servant hearts like Jesus. Help them grow in wisdom, patience, and faithfulness. May their leadership strengthen the church and honor Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.