Vineyard Community Church: Greenwood, Indiana

“In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 (NET) Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) To Live A Life Of Courage . . . 1. Receive the Gift “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:5 (NIV) “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) 2. Pray for Courage “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30 (NIV) 3. Expect God to Use Me I expect and hope that . . . I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth. Philippians 1:20 (NCV) “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD

Moral character makes for smooth traveling an evil life is a hard life. Proverbs 11:5 [MSG] I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. 1 Chronicles 29:17 [NIV] To Build A Life of Character… 1. Speak the truth. - The LORD hates liars, but is pleased with those who keep their word. Proverbs 12:22 [GNT] - We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 [NLT] 2. Stand for what’s right. - We cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8 [NLT] - When a person knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, then he is sinning. James 4:17 [ICB] 3. Show respect. - God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 [NIV] - Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17 [NIV] 4. Stay clean. - Live clean, innocent lives as chil

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 [NIV] To Live Out My Calling… 1. Know My Identity A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 [NIV] You have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King . . . you are God’s very own . . . 1 Peter 2:9b [TLB] 2. Know The Gospel God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 [NIV] The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work

Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. Colossians 4:2 [GNT] One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes. Luke 18:1 [TLB] Why Does God Want Me To Pray Persistently? 1. It draws me closer to God. - My eyes are always on the LORD. He removes my feet from traps. Psalm 25:15 - Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Psalm 105:4 [ESV] 2. It reveals my inner life. - I will test and will purify them as silver is purified by fire. I will test them as gold is tested. Then they will pray to me, and I will answer them.” Zechariah 13:9 [GNT] - Take delight in the LORD, and he will give your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 [NLT] 3. It helps prioritize my life. - Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. Matthew 6:33 [NCV] - The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm

Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom…Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:2-4 [NIV] How To Pray For A Breakthrough 1. Focus on God not my problem. - Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:3 [KJV] - “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.” 2 Chronicles 20:6 [ESV] 2. Admit my powerlessness to God. - “We have no power against this large army that is attacking us. We don’t’ know what to do, so we look to you for help.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 [NCV] 3. Listen to what God says to me. - “This is what the LORD says to you: ‘do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle!” 2 Chronicl

David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand?” Then the LORD said to him, “Go up, for I will give them into your hand.” 1 Chronicles 14:10 (NASB) David defeated them there; and David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of waters.” Therefore they named that place “The LORD breaks through”. 1 Chronicles 14:11 (NASB) How To Experience A Breakthrough In My Life 1. Don’t worry about anything. Don’t worry about anything. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NIV) So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Ezra 8:23 (NIV) 2. Pray about everything. Instead, pray about everything. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about yo

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) Now Is A Perfect Time... 1. Time to reset. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV) Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10 (NLT) 2. Time to take inventory. Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NASB) What are my passions: _____________________________________ What is God leading me toward: ____________________________ What character traits do I want to develop: ____________________ What needs exist in the world around me: _____________________ What do I need to surrender to God: __________________________ Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:1-3 (NIV) After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (NIV) For The Magic Of Christmas 1. Search for the Savior. After Jesus’ birth wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the one who was born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star rising and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1(GW) God: “When you search for me with all your heart, you will find me!” Jeremiah 29:13 (NCV) 2. Experience the Joy

Luke 2:8-20 (NLT) Misfits Are People Too... 1. Suddenly: The lights go on! That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ”Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14 (NLT) 2. Hurriedly: Can’t wait to see! When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see t

“Things are not going well . . . the wall of Jerusalem has been torn down.” Nehemiah 1:3 (NLT) “The God of heaven will help us, and we will rebuild this wall.” Nehemiah 2:20 (TLB) What Causes Discouragement? #1 Cause: Fatigue #2 Cause: Frustration #3 Cause: Failure #4 Cause: Fear Defeating Discouragement Rest your body. Reorganize your life. Remember God will help you. Resist the discouragement. Be The Encourager 1. Encourage others. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) 2. Encourage myself. David encouraged himself

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) To Grow A Grateful Heart. . . 1. Know that God is Good. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV) It is a gift from God to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work. Ecclesiastes 3:13 (GW) 2. Enjoy What I Have. Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT) For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11B-12 (NIV) 3.

If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! Proverbs 11:27 (NLT) I’m Optimistic Because . . . 1. My sins are forgiven. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) 2. My future victory is greater than my present pain. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NIV) 3. My mind is filled with the peace of God. If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NCV) 4. If God is for me, who can be against me? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:31B, 33 (NIV) 5. God’s Spirit helps me in my weakness.

Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them . . . This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1B, 3-4 (NLT) The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16B (NIV) “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37B-38 (NLT) Prayer Gives Me The Power To: 1. Do the impossible. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) 2. Know the truth. “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26B (NIV) 3. Share Christ with others. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and

Endure hardship with us like a GOOD SOLDIER of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as AN ATHLETE, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The HARDWORKING FARMER should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Think over these three illustrations, and may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you. 2 Timothy 2:3-7 (NIV/TLB) Giving God My Best . . . 1. Like an effective soldier, I must count the cost. Like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 2 Timothy 2:3B-4 (NIV) Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV) Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacr

From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son. Roman 8:29 [TLB] We are not meant to remain as children at the mercy of every chance wind of teaching… But we are meant to hold firmly to the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ, the head. Ephesians 4:14-15 [PHILLIPS] What Does It Mean To Grow Spiritually? 1. Spiritual Growth Is Incarnational. - Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 [NIV] - (It’s) … a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:24 [MSG] 2. Spiritual Growth is Intentional. - Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25 [NIV] 3. Spiritual Growth Is Incremental. - Our lives (are) gradually becoming brighter and

God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 2 Corinthians 5:19B (CEV) How Do I Share The Message? 1. Start looking and listening. Looking out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 (TLV) Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 (GNT) 2. Honestly share my story. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15B (NIV) As you share your faith with others it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:6B (TLB) 3. Ask for a decision. I have set life and death, blessing and curse before you. Now choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19B (CEB) “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NLT) But how can they call on him to

When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (NIV) Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37 (NIV) To Live My Life On Mission Is To Serve God & Others 1. I was created to serve. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. Galatians 1:15A (GNT) 2. My church family needs my service. All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27B (TLB) You are part of the body of Christ; and now you belong to him . . . in order that we might be useful in the service of God. Romans 7:4B (GNT) 3. I will be rewarded for eternity. (Jesus said,) “My Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:26B (NCV) “Well done, good

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple.” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13 [NLT] To Connect With People… 1. Choose to be inclusive. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. Matthew 9:36 [MSG] If you love only the people who love you, you will get no reward. Even the tax collecto

“Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.” Jeremiah 1:5 [NCV] Jesus: In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. John 17:18 [MSG] To Live My Life On Mission… 1. Avoid all distractions. - “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 [TLB] - “Only those who throw away their lives for sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” Mark 8:35 [TLB] 2. Embrace God’s Purpose. - Give yourselves completely to God – Every part of you – for you…want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes. Romans 6:13 [TLB] - “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me – to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 [NCV] - Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling e

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Job 5:9 [NIV] When I Follow The Clues, I Discover That God Wants To… 1. Break into my life. - Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. John 11:1,3-6 [NIV] 2. Break me out of my slumber. - And then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. John 11:7,