Verses Cited: Heb. 12:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:7; Acts 7:58; 2 Cor. 11:24-27; Rev. 14:12; Matt. 7:14; Heb. 12:4; Gen. 3:1; John 16:33; Ex. 2:25; John 5:6; Ps. 23:4; Heb. 12:6; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Cor. 15:55; Matt. 5:16

Faithfulness is often hard to come by today. As believers we are called to live faithfully in every area of our lives. As we study the life of Daniel we can see how he lived for God faithfully in every area of his life. We must do the same and live for God personally, glorifying God in our private life. We must also live for God publicly and not be afraid to let the world see us live out our faith. Finally, we must live for God persistently even in the face of trial and persecution.

With all the busyness of life, it’s easy to miss the subtle messages of God. So, sometimes God gets more direct; more bold; more obvious in order to get our attention. That’s what happened to King Belshazzar. He missed the subtle message of God, so God wrote it on the wall, which, as you might imagine, got his full and undivided attention.

Humility starts with a realization of how much we need God. Humility comes with an exhortation to change. God will bring people into our lives who will call out our mistakes and call us to repentance. Failure to repent will be followed by humiliation. God often provides a “thorn” in our life that keeps us humble. God intends to bring us through humiliation to restoration. We must respond by recognizing our need of Him in our lives.

Sometimes life will bring us into situations that seem impossible to get through. Be patient because God could be working a miracle. God often uses these trials to free us from hidden bondage in our lives. God will provide divine protection as we persevere through these trials. We must remain focused on Him. How we deal with these trials can affect others who are watching us and point them to the Lord.

In the world we live you will come across trouble and difficult times. This can happen even when we do everything right. Often during these troubles, the world will try and silence you and enemies will try and scare you. We have an opportunity to live out our faith and dare to be different.

(Verses Cited: Psalm 34:19, Romans 12:3, 18; Luke 23:41; Mathew 5:10; 1 Peter 3:14, 4:12-13; Philippians 1:29; Acts 5:41)

We live in a very skeptical world, one that is constantly looking for truth. We must dare to speak the truth of the Word of God that never changes. We must speak the truth confidently, speak the truth prophetically, and speak the truth in humility.

(Verses Cited: Philippians 4:19; Acts 4:31; 2 Peter 2:5; Acts 7:54; 2 Timothy 4:3; Exodus 5:1; 1 Samuel 10:18; Judges 6:8; Matthew 15:9; 1 Peter 1:25; Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25; James 1:17)

Studies show that people who express regular gratitude in life are happier and healthier than those who do not. Expressing the same attitude of gratitude can help you with your relationship with God.

Fear is one of the most paralyzing emotions that people can experience. As believers we are called to live an attitude of courage in the face of fear.

(Verses Cited: 2 Tim 1:7; Romans 12:2; Phil. 1:12-13, 14; Haggai 2:9; Luke 22:20; John 13:34; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rev. 21:1, 5; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:8-10; Phil. 4:13; Matt. 19:26; Romans 1:21-25; Acts 17:6)

The world will constantly try to discourage you from standing out from the crowd. The Lord calls us to stand out boldly from the world and willingly and faithfully serve Him and the world around us.

(Verses Cited: Prov. 28:1; 2 Cor. 3:12; Phil. 2:15; Jn. 18:36; Matt. 18:3; Lk. 18:16; Eph. 5:25; Acts 17:17, 18:5-6, 19:8, 21:40, 27:21; Col. 3:17, 23; Is. 6:8; Lk. 1:38; 1 Cor. 7:22, 10:31; Matt. 5:16; Dan 3:28; Is. 55:11; Dan. 2:27-28; Prov. 25:2; Gen. 1:1)

The world is constantly pressuring us to give up and give in to the ways of the world. God calls us to defy the unrighteousness of life and live obediently and confidently in the path He has set for our lives.

(Verses Cited: Matthew 7:14; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7; Luke 6:45; Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 37:4; Psalm 139:14; Romans 14; Exodus 34:14-15; Acts 5:29; Exodus 1:17; Matthew 15:19-20; Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 2:13; Exodus 1:20; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 5:10; James 1:2; Job 1:11; Job 2:10)

The world and its morals are constantly changing, and people are expected to fit in with what is considered normal. God calls us to stand out from the world and follow Him.

We live in a world where there is enormous pressure to fit in and conform. God calls us to live our lives different from the world.

Colossians central theme is the preeminence of Christ; keeping a Christ centered ministry. In order to do this, we must recognize that following Christ may lead to suffering, but it is through our suffering that the message is spread. Following Christ also requires service and stewardship. We are called to present the gospel to our friends and family and to be good stewards of our time and resources. Lastly, all of our work in ministry is done through the power of God in us!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave is the single most important event in the Christian faith. There are multiple lessons we can learn from the empty tomb of Christ:

Good Friday appears to be an oxymoron because on that day Jesus was arrested, beaten, and killed. It is only good when viewed from God’s perspective.

Life is full of surprises and unanswered questions. God often moves in very surprising ways, but always in ways that are intentional to His plan.

Unity within a church is a mark of a Godly church. Leaders in the church are appointed by God to teach and build up the body of Christ.

Prayer for a believer is paramount; the Lord’s prayer is a model for believers of how to pray.

Jesus gave us a model of prayer in Matthew six, a template for communicating with the Lord.  

God made each person uniquely and called us all to serve in His kingdom.

Hope is that which is secured for us by the love of Jesus Christ. When the future appears uncertain our focus must remain on the hope provided by Christ.

In a world of fast-moving information, the Church is called to share the message of Christ.

• Preaching is intentional: Preaching requires a deliberate effort. Look for opportunities to share your testimony.


• Preaching is universal: Christ came to call the wicked to repentance. Share His love with those who might otherwise be neglected. 


• Preaching is transformational: Genuine preaching leads to a new person; a changed life submitting in obedience to the Lord.

 

It is the Church’s responsibility to teach faith to build up the body of Christ.

There are thousands of Christian denominations. What does the Bible say about God’s Church?