Alive Wesleyan

Fierce Joy isn’t dependent on circumstances, but rooted in eternity. Philippians 3:1-111 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. Ephesians 2:8-10God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewesleyan/Website: https://alivewesleyan.comNewsletter: https://alivewesleyan.info/weeklyupdate

Where does joy come from and why does it seem so elusive?Acts 16:25 (NLT) 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.True joy is not dependent on circumstances, but is rooted in the eternal.Acts 16:26 (NLT) 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!Philippians 1:1–6 (NIV84) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus . . .3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, Ialways pray with joy5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."The test of authentic joy is it is compatible with deep suffering." - John Ortberg#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CO

Demolition precedes renovation.Deconstruction precedes reconstruction.We buy into a deception.This produces something new in our lives, division.The result of deception and division in our lives, destruction.#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewesleyan/Website: https://alivewesleyan.comNewsletter: https://alivewesleyan.info/weeklyupdate

Demolition precedes renovation.Luke 10:25–37 (NLT) 25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”29 The man wanted to justify (to be declared right) his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Add notesLow view of God’s Law (I am already perfectly loving God)Low view of ourselves (I have to keep the law or I am toast, perform or lose)Low view of others (How much do I have to love others to pass?)#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagra

Two Very Different Approaches: Pressurized StrivingLiving from the Place of Peace. The Place of Peace Reminds Me Who I AmFalse Identity NarrativesI am What I HaveI am What I DoI am What People ThinkI am What I've Been ThroughThe Place of Peace Reminds Me How I'm MadeSpiritual Love LanguagesHeart - PassionateSoul - ContemplativeMind - IntellectualStrength - ActivistThe Place of Peace Reminds Me Who's in Charge.#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewesleyan/Website: https://alivewesleyan.comNewsletter: https://alivewesleyan.info/weeklyupdate

The quality of the construction rests on the commitment of the crew.Matthew 22:36–40 (NIV84) 37 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”Abide in God’s Presence and Live God’s love in the worldWe want to reach spiritually hungry people and introduce them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active role in Christian community.A basic default line in us shifts from struggling to get our lives together to struggling to give our lives away.The quality of the construction rests on the commitment of the crew.Being a body of Christ followers involves being a redemptive place for individuals with broken families, which is all of us. #alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://t

Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT) 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”Jesus was actually talking about our lives.Jesus isn’t giving advice – He is issuing commands. We are forced to decide who He is and whether we are going to believe Him or not.The crowds were amazed at his teaching because He (Jesus) had taught with REAL authorityWhat are we going to do with Jesus today.How we respond to this will change everything. #alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebo

Unbelievable - So great or extreme as to be difficult to believe; extraordinary The strangeness of the resurrection, points to the significance of the resurrection.  John 3:16 (NIV84) 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The level of confidence we have in the belief that Jesus is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do.John 20:1–2 (NIV84) . . . Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple. . . and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:3–8 (NIV84) 5 [John] . . . looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter . . . arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the

What does faith look like when life falls apart? David intentionally makes decisions based on what he knows to be true about God, even though it may not feel good or right in the moment.When was the last time I was moved in a worship service or private devotion? Is it possible to feel what we know to be true about God? Surrender—to give up and give inHave you ever wished you could hide from God? 1. We convince ourselves what God says is true for most, isn’t true for me.2. We ignore God and act like He isn’t here or He doesn’t care because He has bigger fish to fry. What we are doing is not a big deal compared to others. Psalm 139:23–24 (NIV84) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.When we are overwhelmed by someone’s power. They wanted to know what evil was. One of the most commonly used definitions for sin is one borrowed from the world of archery—Missing the mark. How will God solve the pro

What does faith look like when life falls apart? What do we really put our faith in?Does it work? Psalm 139:1 (NRSV) 1O Lord, you have searched me and known me. Add notesPsalm 139:2–6 (NRSV) 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Add notesHave you ever wished you could hide from God? 1. We convince ourselves what God says is true for most, isn’t true for me.2. We ignore God and act like He isn’t here or He doesn’t care because He has bigger fish to fry. What we are doing is not a big deal compared to others. Add notesGenesis 3:7–10 (NRSV) 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for thems

Do I want to be in a relationship with Jesus? All of us need a relationship with God. We go into those situations with a relationship with God.Or we go into those situations alone. Add notesJesus desires to be my friend. John 15:13–15 (NIV84) 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (“philos”—brotherly love). 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. Add notesACCEPTANCE - Matthew 9:13 (NIV84) 13 "But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” JOY - John 15:11 (NIV84) 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Add notesPEACE - John 14:27 (NIV84) 27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives

Galatians 5:1 (NIV84) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Our minds are troubled, corrupt, anxious, rash, confused, deluded, depraved, dull, restless and evil. Add notesJeremiah 17:9 (NIV84) 9 The heart (mind) is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Add notesOur minds have a full time job and that job is deception.  Our minds lie to us about who we are. Our minds spiral to dark places. Broken minds lead to broken lives. Add notesRomans 12:2 (NIV84) 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Colossians 2:8 (NIV84) 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Add notesColossians 3:1–2 (NIV84) Sinc

Grace. Can something really change inside of me so that what comes out of me is different? Whatever is going on in my life is coming from inside of me. Spiritual formation — something new is being formed in me. Grace is coming in and as a result, Christ is coming out. Add notesCan people really change in their careers? John 3:16–17 (NIV84) 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Add notesHow does Jesus IN me (Grace) change HOW (Vision, Intention, Strategy) I go to work and/or school (Real world)? Occupation — this refers to our job.Vocation — this refers to a calling (wherever you are, you leverage it for God).#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesley

Does God desire for our society to change in how we relate to each other? If he does, how?Genesis 12:2–3 (NIV84) 2“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Blessing in this context means three things. First, we are God’s people. Second part of God’s blessing is God takes care of his people. The third part of the blessing is a command: God’s people become blessings.  Add notesThe Promise (Vision) is for us to become his people.The Power (Intent and Strategy) is I will do whatever it takes for my promise to be true (Intent). I will even send my son Jesus (Strategy).  Believers are to be living proof that the Kingdom of God is here.#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.f

Can people really change when it comes to family and friends? If left alone and there is not a constant introduction to outside energy, everything will move from order to disorder and chaos. Probably the greatest pain you have experienced and the greatest pain you have caused was in the context of a relationship.#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewesleyan/Website: https://alivewesleyan.comNewsletter: https://alivewesleyan.info/weeklyupdate

People see me as ______________. Behaviors are an overflow of what is inside. Add notesCan people really change? Imagine living in a world where we didn’t believe change was possible. I don’t want to live in that world. Vision—what would life be like if someone opened the door to freedom?Intention—what must I choose to do differently?Strategy—what will my plan be to freedom?#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewesleyan/Website: https://alivewesleyan.comNewsletter: https://alivewesleyan.info/weeklyupdate

Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord of God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.  Today I want to talk about what may seem like an oxymoron, I want to talk about the Satisfied Soul. Unfortunately, all of us have to learn to resist the temptation to be satisfied too soon. This detox is for heads that are full, but hearts and lives that are empty.  We are often kept from our goals, not always because of obstacles, but a clearer path to a lesser goal.  – Will Mancini We have the potential danger of making the supernatural common place. The temptation that God making himself known to us, would no longer amaze us. – Nancy Leigh DeMoss My brothers and sisters, comfortable Christians is an oxymoron. It is wanting a Savior, but not a Lord. It is asking God is to bring you out of the fire, but resist him when he wants to send us back in to save others. I’ve come to realize again this week that God is not concerned with our comfort, he is con

We are not a body with a soul; we are (first) a soul with a body. Exodus 20:3–5 (NIV84)  3 You shall have no other gods before me. 4“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything . . . 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. . .  Our souls are created to worship the One true living God. Deuteronomy 4:16-19 So do not corrupt yourselves by making an idol in any form...whether a man or a woman, an animal on the ground, a bird in the sky, a small animal that scurries along the ground, or a fish in the deepest sea. And when you look up in the sky and see the sun, the moon, and the stars-all the forces of heaven...don't be seduced into worshiping them. Add notesWhat if my soul has been seduced? What if I have been seduced into elevating what might be a good thing and making it a supreme thing? Identify the idols of our souls. Psalm 24:3–4 (NIV84) 3Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4He who has clean hands

Psalm 40:12 New Living Translation (NLT)12 For troubles surround me—   too many to count!My sins pile up so high   I can’t see my way out.They outnumber the hairs on my head.   I have lost all courage. Add notesHe was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8: 44bThese lies are part of a strategy to rob the world of the beautiful transformation you could be living out. These lies are what will keep you so busy managing a toxic soul that you don’t have the time or energy to gift the world with all you were created to be.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 Add notesResearch tells us that we judge people in areas where we’re vulnerable to shame,                         14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit

Genesis 2:7 (NIV84) 7 The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living being (nephesh, soul).We are not a body with a soul; we are a soul with a body.Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV84)5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart"Psalm 139:13–14 (NIV84) 13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."What is the state of your soul?Psalm 51:10 (NIV84)10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."#alivewesleyanchurch For the latest sermons, stories, & training: https://alivewesleyan.com/sermons/STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALIVEWesleyanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALIVEwesleyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewesleyan/Website: https://alivewesleyan.comNewsletter: https://alivewesleyan.info/weeklyupdate