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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)

John 7:37–39 “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (ESV) 1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR THIRST FOR GOD Psalm 42:1 “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” (ESV) 2. YOU CAN’T FILL SPIRITUAL THIRST WITH TEMPORARY FIXES John 7:37 On the last day of the FEAST , the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. (ESV) Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (NIV) 3. YOU MUST COME TO JESUS John 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, If anyone thirsts, let him COME TO ME AND DRINK. (ESV) 3A. COMING TO JESUS IS ABOUT INTIMACY NOT INFORMATION John 5:39-40 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (NIV) 3B. COMING TO JESUS IS A PERSONAL PURSUIT 3C. COMING TO JESUS REQUIRES YOUR FAITH John 7:38 Whoever BELIEVES in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (ESV) 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. (NIV) Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (NIV) James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NIV) 4. SPIRITUAL THIRST PRECEDES SPIRITUAL FILLING John 7:37 Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts...” (ESV) Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart. (NIV) Psalm 107:9 “For he satisfies the LONGING soul, and the HUNGRY soul he fills with good things.” (ESV) Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who HUNGER AND THIRST for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (ESV) Luke 1:53 he has filled the HUNGRY with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (ESV) Psalm 34:10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who SEEK the Lord lack no good thing. (ESV) Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will SEEK the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul. (ESV)

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities 1. Your problems are no match for God’s plan Exodus 1:22 - Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.” (NLT) Exodus 2:1-10 - About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married.  2 The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months.  3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.  4 The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him. 5 Soon Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. 6 When the princess opened it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew children,” she said. 7 Then the baby’s sister approached the princess. “Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” she asked. 8 “Yes, do!” the princess replied. So the girl went and called the baby’s mother. 9 “Take this baby and nurse him for me,” the princess told the baby’s mother. “I will pay you for your help.” So the woman took her baby home and nursed him. 10 Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses,[a] for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.” (NLT) Exodus 14:10-13 - As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? 12 Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (NLT) Exodus 14:21-22 - Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! (NLT) 1 John 4:4 - You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (NIV) Psalm 147:5 - Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. (NIV) 2. Your past doesn’t have to keep you from the future God has for you Exodus 2:11-12 - Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. 12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. (NLT) 1 Corinthians 13:11 - When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. (NIV) 2 Peter 3:18 - Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.(NLT) Romans 5:20 - But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, (NIV) Proverbs 24:16 - The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. (NLT) 3. Your perspective can limit you or launch you Exodus 3:1-4 - One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up.  3 “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” 4 When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. (NLT) Exodus 3:9-12 - Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you.” (NLT) 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) Acts 2:41-47 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV) 1. Devoted to Biblical Teaching Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (NIV) Deuteronomy 5:33 Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. (NIV) 2. Devoted to Fellowship 3. Devoted to Prayer Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (NIV) Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually. (NIV) Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (NIV) 4. Devoted to Generous Living Acts 2:44-45 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (NIV) Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV) 5. Devoted to Worship Acts 2:46-47 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV) 6. Devoted to Evangelism Luke 19:10 For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost (NIV) 7. Devoted to Daily Growth Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts (NIV)

THE SECRETS TO DAILY FOLLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and HE WILL DO IT (NIV) Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT. (NIV) Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (NIV) 6 STEPS TO BEING SPIRIT LED INSTEAD OF FLESH LED Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (ESV) 1. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT STARTS FROM FREEDOM, NOT CONDEMNATION Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (ESV) 2. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT IS ABOUT SURRENDERING MORE, NOT STRIVING MORE Romans 8:3–4 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh BUT ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT. (ESV) 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from ONE DEGREE OF GLORY TO ANOTHER. For THIS COMES FROM the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV) 3. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT INVOLVES RENEWING YOUR MIND Romans 8:5–6 For those who live according to the flesh set their MINDS on the things of the flesh, but those who LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT set their MINDS on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the MIND on the flesh is death, but to set the MIND on the Spirit is life and peace. (ESV) Ephesians 4:23 Instead, LET THE SPIRIT RENEW YOUR THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES. (NLT) 4. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT INVOLVES CRUCIFYING YOUR FLESH Romans 8:7–8 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the FLESH cannot please God. (ESV) Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (ESV) Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (ESV) 5. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT REQUIRES LEARNING TO FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING Romans 8:9–14 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the SPIRIT GIVES LIFE because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also GIVE LIFE to your mortal bodies because of his SPIRIT who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the SPIRIT you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are LED BY THE SPIRIT of God are the children of God. (NIV) Galatians 5:25 If we LIVE BY THE SPIRIT, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (ESV) 5A. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT BY LEARNING HIS VOICE John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (ESV) John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (ESV) 5B. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING BY PAYING ATTENTION TO HIS PROMPTINGS 5C. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL CORRECT YOU Acts 10:13-15 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” 14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” 15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (NLT) 5D. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL RESTRAIN YOU Acts 16:6–7 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been FORBIDDEN by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus DID NOT allow them. (ESV) 5E. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL DIRECT YOU ON WHERE TO GO Acts 8:29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “GO over and join this chariot.” (ESV) Acts 10:19–20 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and GO down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” (ESV) 5E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL DIRECT YOU ON A DECISION Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (ESV) Acts 15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: (ESV) 5F. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL SPEAK TO US ABOUT THE FUTURE Acts 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. (ESV) 6. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING BY OBEYING THE SPIRIT Ephesians 4:30 And do not GRIEVE the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not QUENCH the Spirit. (ESV) Hebrews 3:7–8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, (ESV)