Stonebridge Church

As we follow God we need to trust and accept the ways in which He chooses to work. We need to accept our responsibility in the work he gives and a willingness to accept on-going direction from him.

Waiting on God is hard, because we want to be in control of everything. But as we wait we need to consider who He is-that His ways are higher than ours and worship Him for all that He has done.

Two questions from this passage: Do you feel like you missed your opportunity to receive something from Jesus? Do you have the type of confidence in Jesus that you would do the same thing as the paralytic man's friends?

Family Dinner

Spending time alone with God gives us clarity and courage to do the things He has called us to do. Solitude with Him helps us to be led by the Spirit instead of driven by our circumstances.

Regular occurrences in Jesus' ministry were driving out demons and healing the sick. His Kingdom is stronger than the kingdom of darkness. We are still in a war against the power of darkness, but His Kingdom is victorious.

The "bumper sticker" for Jesus' ministry is that the "Kingdom has come near". We are all born turned away from God. If we want to enter His Kingdom then we need to repent and start following Him.

John the Baptist was doing his deal. As we step out in obedience and do our deal it will provoke a response from others. We need to wrap our lifestyles around what God has called us to do.

As we walk out our faith it is important that we know our identity in Christ, that we follow where He leads us, and know who our enemy is so we can stand against him.

Two main themes: God is sovereign and God expects His people to honor Him regardless of circumstances/consequences.

There are two main topics addressed here: Being devoted to prayer and relating to people outside the church/faith.

We are to work at all we do as though we were serving the Lord, not just when people are watching us, but all the time in all things-whether we are the employer or the employee.

Prayer for those struggling with anxiety and despair

We are created for an abundant life in Jesus. However, there are things that can keep us from the fullness we are made for.

Paul is giving commands to households: Husbands and wives are to submit to and sacrifice for one another. Children are to honor and obey their parents. Parents are told not to exasperate their children.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in your heart. Whatever you do, do in the name of Jesus.

Because of who Jesus is and what He has done we can be in relationship with Him and it changes our statue before God and changes our heart.

There is a rhythm to life of work, rest and relationships. We all need to be in relationships with people who love God and love us. Small groups are a great way of connecting and forming these relationships.

It is impossible to obey Jesus without first dying (our sinful nature) and rising with Him. As we live in Christ we are to set our minds on things above. We have 4 options with our thoughts: dwell, dissect, divulge, dismiss.

As Christians, we often approach God based on what we've done versus what He has done-which is not grace and leads to judgment of others.