Advertise on podcast: People's Church

DOCTRINE OF THE END OF TIME Eschatology – the study of end times. Rapture – When Jesus comes back for His Church Tribulation – Period of judgment on the earth Second Coming – When Jesus comes back with His Church to rule and reign. 1. THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH Rapture – “caught up” 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 - For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (NIV) Pre-tribulation - Church Age, Rapture, Tribulation, Second Coming. Mid-tribulation - Church Age, 3 ½ years of Tribulation, Rapture, Another 3 ½ years of Tribulation, and then the Second Coming. Post-tribulation - Church Age, Tribulation, Rapture, and Second Coming. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:9 - For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) Revelation 3:10 - Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. (NIV) Luke 12:40 - You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (NIV) Mark 13:32–33 - But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. (NIV) 2. THE TRIBULATION Matthew 24:21-22 - For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (NIV) 3. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST Matthew 24:30-31 - “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (NIV) 4. THE COMING JUDGMENTS A. The Great White Throne Judgment Revelation 20:11-15 - Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (NIV) Matthew 25:46 - “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (NIV) 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 - He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might (NIV) 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV) B. The Judgment Seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:10 - “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due them for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (NIV) 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 - “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”  (NIV) Revelation 21:1–4 - Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)

The Church & Its Mission 1. According to God’s Word, what is the Church? Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV - 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 2:22 NIV- 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 2. What is the Mission of the Church? a. We, as the church, represent Jesus on Earth Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV - 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Colossians 3:12-14 NIV  12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  b. We represent Jesus on earth as we GO and find lost people and introduce them to Jesus. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19a NIV - 19 Therefore go and make disciples” Acts 1:8 NIV - 8 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 to the ends of the earth.” c. We are here to make and become disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV 11 So Christ himself  gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Are Water Baptism and Communion Really That Important? 1. WATER BAPTISM Why is water baptism so important? 1. God’s Word highlights the importance of water baptism. A. Scripture teaches us that Jesus was baptized. Matthew 3:13-15 – 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[a]” So John agreed to baptize him. NLT B. Scripture teaches us that it honors God. Matthew 3:16-17 – 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” NLT C. Scripture teaches us that the early church preached and practiced water baptism. Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” NLT Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. NLT 2. It’s a powerful picture of what happens when we surrender our life to Christ. Romans 6:3-4 - Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. NIV 2. COMMUNION Why is communion so important? Matthew 26:26-29 - 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” NIV 1. It reminds us of what Jesus did for us. Luke 22:19 - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” NIV 2. It helps us celebrate the forgiveness we have because of the cross. Matthew 26:27-28 - 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. NIV 3. It gives us hope for the future. Matthew 26:29 - 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” NIV

DOES GOD STILL HEAL? 1. WHAT IS THE ATONEMENT? Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life." (NIV) 1 John 2:2 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (NIV) 2. THE ATONEMENT PROVIDES EVERY CHRISTIAN MANY BENEFITS 2A. SIN BROUGHT BOTH SPIRITUAL DEATH AND PHYSICAL BROKENNESS 2B. CHRIST’S ATONEMENT ADDRESSES EVERY PART OF OUR LIVES 1. FORGIVENESS (Ephesians 1:7) 2. REDEEMED (1 Peter 1:18–19) 3. JUSTIFICATION (Romans 5:1) 4. RECONCILIATION (2 Corinthians 5:18–19) 5. ADOPTION (Galatians 4:4–5) 6. FREEDOM FROM SIN’S DOMINION (Romans 6:6–14) 7. VICTORY OVER SATAN (Colossians 2:15) (Luke 10:19) 8. PEACE WITH GOD (Romans 5:1) 9. ACCESS TO GOD’S PRESENCE (Hebrews 4:16) 10. THE HOLY SPIRIT Galatians 3:13–14) 11. SANCTIFICATION (Hebrews 10:10) 12. RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE (1 Corinthians 15:20–22) 13. COMPLETE RESTORATION (Revelation 21:4) 3. HEALING 1 Peter 2:24 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (NIV) Romans 5:12 12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned (NIV) 4. THE CHARACTER AND NATURE OF GOD IS TO HEAL Exodus 15:26 "I am the LORD who heals you.” Psalm 103:1–3 1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his BENEFITS— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV) Luke 4:18–19 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to HEAL the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (NKJV) Matthew 8:16–17 16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”  (NIV) Romans 8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (NIV) 5. GOD HEALS IN MANY WAYS 5A. God heals through prayer 5B. God heals through prayer and anointing with oil 5C. God heals through the gift of healing 5D. God heals through doctors and medicine 1 Timothy 5:23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. (NIV) James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV) 6. YOUR RESPONSE TO THE ATONEMENT BENEFIT OF HEALING 6A. ASK GOD TO HEAL YOU 6B. USE WISDOM 6C. ASK OTHERS TO PRAY FOR YOUR HEALING James 5:14–15 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (NIV) 6D. BELIEVE GOD Mark 11:24 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) 6E. TRUST GOD WITH THE OUTCOME

I’m Hopeless and Helpless in My Sin 1. THE DOCTRINE OF GOD’S ORIGINAL PLAN Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (NIV) Isaiah 43:7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (NIV) 2. THE DOCTRINE OF THE FALL OF MAN Genesis 2:16–17 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (NIV) Genesis 3:6-7 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (NIV) 3. THE DOCTRINE OF ORIGINAL SIN Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to ALL men because ALL sinned (ESV) Ephesians 2:3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were BY NATURE children of wrath, like the REST OF MANKIND. (ESV) 4. THE DOCTRINE OF TOTAL DEPRAVITY 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is NOT ABLE to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV) Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved (ESV) John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV) 5. THE DOCTRINE OF THE CROSS Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV) 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit (ESV) 6. THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever BELIEVES in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV) Romans 10:9-10 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and BELIEVE in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV) Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (ESV) 7. THE DOCTRINE OF SANCTIFICATION 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. (NKJV)

People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.

CAN YOU REALLY TRUST THE BIBLE? 1. EARLY TESTIMONY 2. ENDURING MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE 3. EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY 1 John 1:1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. (NLT) 2 Peter 1:16 16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes (NLT) 4. EXTERNAL CONFIRMATION 5. ENEMY CONFIRMATION 6. EMBARRASSING DETAILS 7. EXCRUCIATING DEATHS 8. EXPECTED PROPHECY FULFILLMENT 9. ENDORSED BY JESUS 10. ENDORSED BY THE DISCIPLES 11. EXPLOSIVE GROWTH RESOURCES Norman Geisler: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist Lee Strobel: The Case for Faith; The Case for Christ; The Case for A Creator C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity William Lane Craig: Reasonable Faith Josh & Sean McDowell: Evidence That Demands A Verdict 12. EXTRAORDINARY TRANSFORMATION

6 steps on how to have better conflict 1. Realize you can’t be right with God when you’re wrong with your brother 1 John 4:19-21 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.  21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (NIV) 1 Peter 3:7 Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. (NLT) Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (NIV) 2. Remember things are always more spiritual than they seem Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV) 3. Work on your part before you try to fix theirs Proverbs 21:2 All a man’s ways seem right in his own eyes. (TLV) James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? (NIV) 4. Discover and value the other person’s perspective Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.  2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.  3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” [ a ]  4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (NIV) James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (NIV) 5. Speak the truth in love Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV) Proverbs 12:18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV) Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV) 6. Control what you can control A. Work on you before trying to fix them Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV) James 3:18 You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. (MSG) B. Be quick to forgive Ephesians 4:32 Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (MSG) 1 Peter 2:23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. (NLT) C. Pray for God to help them Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. (NLT)

BETTER WAYS TO DATE Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by ALL, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (NIV) 1. HONORING MARRIAGE MEANS, DON’T TREAT SOMETHING HOLY LIKE SOMETHING CASUAL Matthew 19:4–6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’  5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (NIV) 2. HONORING MARRIAGE MEANS YOU FOLLOW CHRIST’S STANDARD, NOT CULTURE'S SCRIPT 3. HONORING MARRIAGE MEANS YOU DON'T ACT MARRIED BEFORE YOU ARE MARRIED Matthew 19:4–6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (NIV) 3A. LEAVING HAPPENS AFTER MARRIAGE 3B. CLEAVING HAPPENS AFTER MARRIAGE Matthew 19:5 And said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (KJV) 3C. BECOMING ONE FLESH HAPPENS AFTER MARRIAGE PHYSICAL ONENESS AFTER MARRIAGE Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and THE MARRIAGE BED KEPT PURE, for God will JUDGE the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (NIV) 4. HONORING MARRIAGE MEANS YOU DATE FOR DESTINY, NOT JUST DESIRES Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (NIV) 5. HONORING MARRIAGE MEANS YOU DATE TO PROTECT, NOT TO PRESSURE 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not DISHONOR others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always PROTECTS, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (NIV) PROTECTION DOESN’T PUSH WHERE GOD HAS NOT PERMITTED! 6. HONORING MARRIAGE MEANS YOU PREPARE FOR COVENANT BEFORE YOU PURSUE COMPANIONSHIP MARRIAGE SHOULD BE HONORED BY ALL

People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.

HOW TO MAKE MY MARRIAGE BETTER Proverbs 14:1 The WISE woman builds her house, but with her own hands the FOOLISH one TEARS HERS DOWN (NIV) Proverbs 24:3–4 By WISDOM a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures (NIV) James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from WISDOM (NIV) 1. GROWING MARRIAGES CHOOSE HUMILITY OVER PRIDE 2. GROWING MARRIAGES REJECT ENVY AND SELFISHNESS James 3:14–15 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic (NIV) 2A. BITTER ENVY TURNS PARTNERS INTO COMPETITORS 2B. BITTER ENVY KILLS CELEBRATION 2C. BITTER ENVY PRODUCES EMOTIONAL DISTANCE 2D. SELFISH AMBITION WILL ALSO RUIN A MARRIAGE 2E. SELFISH AMBITION REPLACES SERVANTHOOD WITH SELF-CENTEREDNESS 2F. SELFISH AMBITION MAKES ONE SPOUSE’S NEEDS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE OTHER SPOUSE’S 2G. SELFISH AMBITION CAN CREATE RESENTMENT 2H. SELFISH AMBITION CREATES CONTROL AND MANIPULATION 2I. SELFISH AMBITION PUSHES GOD OUT OF THE CENTER 3. BITTER ENVY AND SELFISH AMBITION PRODUCE DISORDER AND EVIL James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (NIV) 3A. CONSTANT ARGUING 3B. CONSTANT EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY 3C. COMMUNICATION IS CONDESCENDING 3D. THERE’S DIVISION 3E. IT LEADS TO EVERY EVIL PRACTICE 4. GROWING A BETTER MARRIAGE REQUIRES APPLYING GODLY WISDOM James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is FIRST pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (ESV) 4A. PURE Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (NIV) 4B. PEACEABLE 4C. GENTLE Proverbs 15:1 A GENTLE answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (NIV) 4D. OPEN TO REASON 4E. FULL OF MERCY 4F. FULL OF GOOD FRUITS 4G. IMPARTIAL 4H. SINCERE

Guard Your Marriage Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, GUARD your heart (NIV) 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your GUARD; stand firm in the faith; (NIV) Proverbs 13:3 Whoever GUARDS his mouth preserves his life; (ESV) Luke 12:15 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your GUARD against all kinds of greed; (NIV)  1 Timothy 6:20 Timothy, GUARD what has been entrusted to your care. (NIV) Malachi 2:15–16 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. 16 “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful. (NIV) GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE FROM PETTINESS  Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch all the foxes, those LITTLE FOXES, before they ruin the vineyard of love (NLT) 2. GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE FROM PRIORITY DRIFT  Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into PRACTICE. (NIV) 1 Timothy 4:15 PRACTICE these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. (ESV) Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by CONSTANT PRACTICE to distinguish good from evil. (ESV) 2 Peter 1:10 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you PRACTICE these qualities you will NEVER FALL (ESV)  3. GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE FROM PERSONAL STAGNATION 4. GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE IN PAINFUL SEASONS  Malachi 2:15–16 15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And WHAT DOES THE ONE GOD SEEK? GODLY OFFSPRING. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. (NIV)

DANIEL (Daniel 1:3-5 NIV) Then the king ordered the chief to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Your greatest ministry may happen in a place you never wanted to be. There’s a difference between having a resolve to follow God and merely dabbling in faith. (Daniel 1:8 NIV) But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. (Daniel 6:10 NIV) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. He prayed “before” the crisis. That’s why he knew what to do during the crisis. When prayer is your habit, panic loses its power. (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Daniel 1:7 NIV) The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Hananiah – Yahweh has been gracious. Mishael – Who is what God is. Azariah – Yahweh has helped. Shadrach – Inspired of Aku. Meshach – Belonging to Aku. Abendnego – Servant of Nego. (Matthew 16:18 HCSB) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV) We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (Isaiah 43:1 ESV) Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine.

SIGNS OF BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Ephesians 5:16–18 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT (NIV) 1. FILLED PEOPLE OVERFLOW WITH WITNESSING Acts 1:8 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 to the ends of the earth.” (NIV) Acts 4:31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV) 2. FILLED PEOPLE OVERFLOW WITH JOY Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
 3. FILLED PEOPLE OVERFLOW WITH WORSHIP Ephesians 5:18-20 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV) 4. FILLED PEOPLE OVERFLOW WITH VICTORY Acts 9:17–18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized (NIV) 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (NIV) 5. FILLED PEOPLE OVERFLOW WITH PRAYER Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the SPIRIT on all occasions with all KINDS OF PRAYERS and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (NIV) 5A. THE PRAYER OF PETITION 5B. THEY PRAY THE PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION 5C. THEY PRAY THE PRAYER OF INTERCESSION 5D. THEY PRAY THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 5E. THEY PRAY THE PRAYER OF FAITH 5F. THEY PRAY THE PRAYER OF AGREEMENT 5G. THEY PRAY THE PRAYER OF TONGUES 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 14:4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. (NIV) Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (NIV) Acts 10:45–46 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, (NIV) 6. FILLED PEOPLE OVERFLOW WITH THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and PROPHESIED. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.  (NIV) 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (NIV)

THE KEYS TO STAYING FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart. (NIV) Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be FILLED with the Spirit, (NIV) SALVATION IS YOUR STARTING POINT Acts 1:15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) (NIV) Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (NIV) John 20:22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit (NIV) 2. YOU NEED TO OBEY JESUS AND HIS WORD Acts 1:4-5 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (NIV) 3. YOU NEED TO ASK GOD TO FILL YOU Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (NIV) Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (NIV) 4. YOU NEED TO FIGHT FOR UNITY WITH OTHER BELIEVERS  Acts 1:14 They all joined TOGETHER constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (NIV)   Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all TOGETHER in one place. (NIV) Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV) Ephesians 4:29-32 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)  Psalm 133:1–2 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. (NIV) 5. YOU NEED TO WAIT ON GOD Psalm 27:14 WAIT for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; WAIT for the Lord! (ESV) Lamentations 3:25–26 The Lord is good to those who WAIT for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26 It is good that one should WAIT quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (ESV) Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will WAIT for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. (ESV) Acts 1:4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but WAIT for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (NIV) 6. YOU NEED TO RECEIVE THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT BY FAITH Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV) Acts 8:14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (NIV)