Resourses – Page 13 – New Season Church

Unmatched – Part 2

Leave a Comment / Sermon Summaries, Unmatched / By NewSeasonAdmin

Jesus as the Shepard I am the Good Shepard. The Good Shepard risks and lays down His [own] life for thesheep. John 10:11 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter us a thief and a robber. John 10:1 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 If you follow Jesus, you need to imitate Him. How would you know that? You would be bearing fruit.If you choose to follow Christ then you walk into headship and authority. If you choose not to thenyou are not walking in the ministry you are called to. In order to imitate Christ, we must draw closeand walk with Him. We must come under His authority – to submit and obey Him. True obediencearises from and marks the growth of a loving relationship with Jesus. You can be a good Shepard or abad Shepard. It’s your decision.Quick Fact: Sheep are mentioned more than 200 time sin the bible. More than any other animal. Challenges of being sheep– Sheep get lost easily– Sheep are defenceless– Sheep are stubborn– Sheep are filthy Why is the road narrow? Because Jesus wants you to be in a place where you never get lost. Allsheep need a Shepard.What does a good Shepard do? He guidesHe calls and leadsJohn 10:3-4 |3 The watchman opens the food for this man, and the sheep listen to his voiceand heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out. 4 When hehas brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow himbecause they know his voice.We have to be able to understand our Shepard’s voice. We need to be able to heed it. Hisjob is to guide. Our job is to follow. He provides Psalm 23:1-3 |1 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my Shepard [to feed, guide, and shield me], Ishall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures ; He leads mebeside the still and restful waters [Rev. 7:17.] 3 He refreshers and restores my life (my self);He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him – not formy earning it, but] for His name’s sake.He provides but not always in the way we assume. We must trust Jesus as the Good Shepardthat He will provide us with what we need when we need kit. He correctsJob 5:17-18 | 17 But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise thediscipline of the Almighty when you sin. 18 For thought he wounds, he also bandages. Hestrikes, but his hands also heal.The Shepard “brakes” a stray the sheep’s leg. Putting a brake on the sheep’s leg allows thesheep to stay close to the Shepard. It shows the sheep that it needs to rely on the Shepard.Hebrews 12:11 | No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterwardthere will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.When we are corrected by Christ, we are not being punished. When we are corrected byJesus it means Jesus is leading us on a journey to perfection. There are many ways Jesuscorrects us, through the Holy Spirit, the Bible or even the people He places in our lives. He protectsLuke 15:4-6 | 4 If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do?Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that islost until finds it. 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.6 When arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbours, saying. ‘Rejoice with mebecause I have found my lost sheep.’ God constantly circles around your life day and night to protect you. We need to listen andto heed Him. Psalm 23:4-6 | Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you areclose beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast forme in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cupoverflows with blessing. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all thedays of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Talk it Over for Destiny Groups – Unmatched Part 2 Key ScripturesJohn 10:11,14-1511 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as theFather knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.Start talking• Share something good that happened in the last week. Start thinking.• What’s one idea from the message that really stood out to you? Why did this ideagrab your attention?• How do you know when God is guiding you? Start sharing.• Describe a time when God provided for you during a time of need. How did thatexperience affect your relationship with God?• Describe a time when God corrected you. How did you respond to His correction?• What’s one thing you will do this week because of something you learned fromthis message? Start praying.Jesus, I thank you that are the Good Shephard. Thank you that you call me by nameand you lead me by green pastures.. Thank you that lay down your life me. Thakthat as put my focus on you and your Word that my and trust in your grow. I knowthat as I put my trust in you, I will never need to be ashamed. In your name, Amen.

Unmatched – Part 1

Leave a Comment / Sermon Summaries, Unmatched / By NewSeasonAdmin

God is unmatched in, love, grace and power. We don’t worship God because of the stuff we can get. We can worship Him because what he has done for us and what He can do for us. So, we need to know the bad news before we can appreciate the good news Let’s talk about Sin The subject of Sin offends people more than anything else in Christianity. It’s the one thing Christians don’t want to hear about. Its difficult to talk about sin because it then requires us to do some introspection. Essentially, we all subjected to sin because of our flesh. The flesh does not want to be obedient to God. Sin is NOT: A behaviour problem to be solved Lack of knowledge needed to be improved through training Offense we need to make up through rituals Now, there is three things that sin does. Sin is a 3-D disaster It is a debt we cannot repay Matthew 18: 23-27 | 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants 24 When he began the accounting, one was brought to him who owed him 10, 000 talents 25 And because he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made 26 So the attendant fell on his knees, begging him, ‘Have patience with me and I will pay you everything’ 27 And his masters heart was moved with compassion, and he released him and forgave him [cancelling] the debt. Our sin is so astronomical, we can never repay God. It would take 1 million days to repay the debt. The price of the debt we owe God is beyond calculation. If there’s any hope at all of paying the debt, it won’t be in working harder or doing a few more good deeds. It creates a distance between us and God Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honour and glory which God bestows and receives Romans 3:23 Sin creates such a distance between us and God that cannot be just jumped over. If we try to meet the high standards of God, we will always fall short. When you want to cross a river 100m wide, you don’t need to improve your jumping – you need a bridge. It creates a deadness so final we have no spiritual life And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins Ephesians 2:1 whereas she who lives in pleasure and self-gratification [giving herself u to luxury and self-indulgence] is dead even while she [still] lives 1 Timothy 5:6 Existence without God is a living death. We need to understand that at the crux of it, there are no degrees of sin. All sin is the same in the eyes of God. Sin is 100% disaster. Good News The Christian faith bases everything not on our potential and possibilities, but on the power of God to save us. Sin is 100% disaster but Jesus is 100% saviour 3 For we also were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate, and disobedient, deluded and misled; [we too were once] slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable) and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our saviour to man [as man] appeared 5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 which He poured out [so]richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 7 [And He did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by His favour, wholly undeserved), [that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action], and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to [our] hope. Titus 3:3-7 The bad news of the Bible is that we can’t do anything to solve our sin problem, but the good news is that we don’t have to. Jesus provides; Redemption Jesus provides redemption for our debt. In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favour. Ephesians 1:7 Jesus said it is finished. Finished as a business term meaning – to cancel, paid in full. You can’t add a thing to the payment He has already provided. The canyon f sin that separates us form God is so wide we can’t ever jump across it. Reconciliation Jesus bridges the gap and brings us nearer to God. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been brought near. Ephesians 2:13 Jesus bridges the canyon of alienation from God and removes the distance brought about by sin. If even the smallest part of our connection to God depends on our own achievements, we’re in trouble. If our connection to God is 100 percent Jesus, we can be completely confident. Re-birth God’s solution to spiritual deadness is rebirth. 1 And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins. 2 In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion if this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the price of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God]. 3 Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in

Mind Games – Part 4

Leave a Comment / Mind Games, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will Romans 12:2 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 5 we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 | We need to understand that we already have the ability to understand the things that are in the mind of God. And, with that we can start to create new things through the creative power within us through God. Worry and the mind Your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. Do you like where your life is headed? The worry and anxiety compound starts with the simplest thought and ends with the most extreme unfathomable thoughts. We need to figure out for ourselves, how do we programme ourselves to get to a place where we function in joy and not anxiety. What we focus on we will see. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God Philippians 4:6 We are not to be anxious about anything but are to bring everything in life to the Lord in prayer. We are to pray aright, and this is only possible as we abide in Christ and He in us. We are to keep our hearts free from fretting and worry and this can only be achieved as we cast all our care and concern on the Lord Jesus – for He cares for us. Being anxious for nothing is not a suggestion… it is a command and a responsibility for all who are born from above. Have you ever made the statement “All we can do now is pray”? Prayer is not the last line of defence. Prayer is the first line of offence. Not only does prayer move the heart of God, but it also changes the chemistry the brain. “It has been found that 12 minutes of daily focus prayer over an 8 week period can change the brain to such an extent that it can e measured on a brain scan.” Dr. Caroline Leaf – Author of ‘Switch in Your Brain’ Why do we worry? Our minds are dominated by sinful thinking. Worry is the sin of distrusting God’s promises and power. ; for whatever is not from faith is sin Romans 14:23 Instead of the sinful nature of my flesh controlling my thinking, I will choose to let the Holy Spirit direct my thoughts 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. Romans 8:5-6 This is not denial of the situation. This is denial of the situation to have power of influence over you So, we end off this series, saying – give your best. Give the rest to God. Trust Him no matter what. Talk it Over for Destiny Groups – Mind Games Week 4 Key Scriptures Phil 4: 6 – 9 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. … And the God of peace will be with you. Proverbs Rom 8:5-6 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Start talking • Did you have any worries as a kid that seem silly now? If so, what were they? Start thinking. • Which part of the message was most impactful for you and why? • How often would you say you experience worry? What do you do when you’re feeling worried? • Did your thinking about prayer change at all while listening to this message? If so, how? Start sharing. • Share about a time when you decided to trust God instead of worrying. What prompted that decision? What kind of impact did it have on you? • What’s something you’re worried about that you’re having a hard time trusting God with? Why do you think it’s so hard to trust Him with it? Start praying. Father, thank You for who You are. Thank You that no matter what struggles we’re facing, we can trust You to be with us, support us, and work all things together for our good. Help us set aside our worries and fears and turn to You instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mind Games Part 3

Leave a Comment / Mind Games, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

What are you thinking of daily that isn’t aligning with your wildest imagination? Because guest what, God can do far more beyond your wildest dreams. The mind is the arena of your faith. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 5 we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The biggest weapon the enemy will use is your mind, because he will constantly remind you of who you were. He Is trying to remove you form the intimacy of God because in Christ is everything you need. That is why you need to take every thought captive Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will Romans 12:2 The pattern of the Kingdom is generosity. We cannot be a victim and an overcomer at the same time. Your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. Do you like where its headed? Reframing – Cognitive Bias Meaning = Mistake in reason based on personal preferences or beliefs We may make a mistake with reasoning because we have a pattern with that context. This is the result of what is called a ‘Mental filter or a mental framework’. It is a filter that shapes the way we think and perceive the world around us and the things that happen to us. How you see the world determines you’re response to experiences. “It’s Not The Thing, It’s How You Look At The Thing” 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. Numbers 13:27-28 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” Numbers 13:30-31 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” Numbers 13:33 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. Numbers 14: 24 It’s not the facts that are different, it’s the frame that is different. How you frame it will determine how you see it. So, what is reframing? It is creating a different way of looking at a situation, person or relationship by changing its meaning. You’ve got to have an understanding of the Word so that you can respond to situations correctly. Paul knew how to Re-Frame a situation. He dreamt of going to Rome to Preach but ends up in Prison. Look what he says; Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me really sucks. As a result of the hell I’ve been through, I’m quitting Destiny Group and never going back to church. Philippians 1: 12-13 A bit of humour there. He didn’t really say that, but the reality is that’s exactly what some of us would say. Paul actually said; 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains are much more bold to speak the Word without fear Philippians 1: 12-14 Experiencing the fullness of God in our lives starts with what we are thinking on. How to Reframe Any situation: Thank God for what didn’t happen Practice re-framing Look for the good Talk It Over We get discouraged when we focus on what God is not doing instead of what He is doing. We find what we look for. Focus on God’s goodness and you will find it everywhere. Key Scriptures For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fightwith are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolishstrongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against theknowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually servedto advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard andto everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothersand sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospelwithout fear. Philippians 1:12-14 NIV Start talking.Do you use filters on your photos on social media? If so, which one is your favorite? If not, whynot? Start thinking.• Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?• Would you say you tend to have a more positive mindset or a negative one? Why do say so? How could you start training your mind to look for God in every situation?• Read Philippians 1:12-14. What are some ways you could start reframing yourcircumstances? Start sharing.• Share about a time when you saw Jesus bring meaning and purpose to your pain.• Everyone has

Mind Games – Part 2

Leave a Comment / Mind Games, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

How to win the war in my mind 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the [d]Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 We have to fill our minds with the things God. we can’t expect to respond to the world with a Godly and heavenly perspective if we are not filled with the things of heave. The battles we face are won or lost in the mind. Your life bends towards your strongest thoughts. Whatever you are thinking about – your life will begin to take that direction. We want to ask you, do you like the direction your life is taking? Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 If you don’t control what you think – you will never control what you do. How respond to certain situations will be a result of what’s going on in our minds. Any seed that we are planting, and nurturing will produce a certain result. The question is what kind of seeds are we planting and nurturing in our minds? See, this is the process; Thoughts > Patterns Patterns > Beliefs Beliefs > words Words > Actions Actions > Deeds Deeds > Habits Habits > Character Character determines destiny The above is not just spiritual, it’s a scientific fact. This process is called Neural Pathways which shows how we have wired our brain. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he; Proverbs 23:7 Why do we make irrational decisions? We have wired our brains to have a default response to a stimulus. Experiencing the fullness of God in our lives starts with what we are thinking on. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) Meditate: To engage in mental exercise, to focus one’s thoughts. Now let’s differentiate; Eastern Meditation Christian mediation: Empty one’s mind Fill one’s mind with God’s thoughts Our minds must be captivated by the thoughts mentioned in Philippians 4:8-9 in such a way that the tawdry, sleazy, fictitious, and fanciful fluff of the world loses its appeal. I will meditate on your precepts and contemplate your ways Psalm 119:15 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your works; I muse on the work of Your hands Psalm 143:5 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success Joshua 1:8 To overcome an incorrect thought pattern I must replace it with a life producing pattern that lines up with the Word of God let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 How to meditate on God’s thoughts: 1) Read it 2) Think it 3) Speak it The moment you start focusing on the thoughts of God that’s when you will be able to thrive through mind battles

Mind Games – Part 1

Leave a Comment / Mind Games, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

The battles that we face are either lost or won in our minds. The mind is the arena of your faith. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 What this verse is saying is that there is worldly pattern, and we should not conform to that pattern. Transform means to change a thing into a different thing. Be transformed and not improved. Are you living your best life? Shifting your patterns and focus can change your life. That’s what this verse is about renewing your mind, changing the way you think to create a better life for yourself and a life that honours God. The world and society have patterns or ways that lead to a broken life. These patterns are easy to fall into and can be difficult to transform. The patterns, or routines, are often preformed mindlessly, without any consideration of our actions or their consequences; however, we are not stuck with them. Your life bends in the direction of your strongest thoughts. You need to decide whether you’re going to lean into your flesh that is constantly filling your mind with negativity or are you going to lean into the spirit of God that is filled with truth? So, we ask you now, what are you thinking on? 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does 4 The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 Strongholds is a military term meaning to fortify/protect/secure. Strongholds are incorrect patterns of thought that prevent us from experiencing God’s fullness in our lives We have got to break down worldly strongholds and build up the strong calls that God rightly placed for our lives. We have divine power to overcome incorrect patterns of thoughts. Your life bends in the direction of your strongest thoughts. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Proverbs 23:7 The life we have a reflection of the thoughts we think. If you think you can’t – you probably won’t. If you look for solutions – you’ll see them. If you dwell on problems – they’ll overwhelm you. How to win the war in your mind Capture – Identify the limiting belief or mindset. I cannot defeat that which I cannot identify. How do we do that? Simple, get into the word. Or try to decipher whether this thought is going to help you move forward or stay in one place. 4 The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Bring – Bring it under the obedience of Christ. We have to bring the negative thought into alignment with the Word of God. Name the TRUTH that demolishes the stronghold. Once again how do we do that? Get into the Word. Practical examples; I can’t do this > I can do all things through Christ I’m not attractive > I’m fearfully and wonderfully made I don’t have a future > God knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb captive into the obedience 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Here’s the thing, you have got to speak God’s truth over your life Act – Victory requires action. Its not just about thinking. The evidence of faith is action. But do you want to know O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? James 2:20 Talk it Over Key Scriptures For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight withare not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, andwe take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. … Proverbs 23:7 NKJV His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life … 2 Peter 1:3 NIV Start thinking. Think about a time you struggled with anxiety or toxic thoughts. What did you learn through that experience? Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. Where do you think your life is headed, based on your thoughts? Is there anything you would like to change about your destination? Start sharing. What stronghold is holding you back? What negative statement do you say about yourself, and how does it affect you? What truth demolishes that stronghold? How can you replace that negative statement with truth from Scripture? Start praying. Be bold and pray with power. Father, reveal to me any lies that I am believing about myself, others, or You. Help me replace those lies with Your transformative, healing truth. Renew my mind. Transform my thoughts. And make me more like You today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen. Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week. Create a truth statement to combat lies you’re believing. Share it with your Destiny Group, then commit to declaring it over yourself every day for 30 days.

Connected Part 5

Leave a Comment / Connected, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

How do we serve each other? Why is it important that we even consider serving one another in the first place? Mark 12:29-31 | 29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: “Listen, o Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these. It is with these commandments that we need to be obedient. God put you and I here to make an impact in the world. The reason we are on this earth is not so that we can be self-serving. How do we serve God? By serving people. Philippians 2:2 |The make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and one purpose God is calling us to serve one another with one mind and one purpose Why can’t we serve God by ourselves? We are family If you are in Christ and I am in Christ, then guess what? We are connected for eternity. 1 Corinthians 3:9 | We work together as partners who belong to God We serve God by serving others. We need to understand that we cannot serve God alone. We need one another. The idea that “I don’t need church, I can serve God by myself” is incorrect. You can’t serve God with your “alone time” with God. You just can’t. We need one another This life and mission is not an easy one. So, we need people to lock arms with you and help you move forward. Romans 12:5-6 | The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of His body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. We get more done It’s simple, you get more done with other people. Ecclesiastes 4:9 | It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. Deuteronomy 32:30 | How could one have chased a thousand, and two put ten thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had delivered them up? In the serving of God and serving other people, you find your mission, your purpose, and your identity as the body of Christ. We feel most alive when we’re part of a team that’s doing something. We find our greatest fulfilment on mission for what God is doing. But we find it in the context of doing it with people or in a team. What it takes to build a TEAM? 1. Trust – It’s the emotional glue that holds a team together. How to build trust: 1. Be consistent – If we choose to be consistent with something, that builds trust. For example, if you choose to volunteer, be consistent. Don’t be erratic. 2. Be confidential – Be discrete with information that is not intended to be shared. 3. Be close – Be in one another’s vicinity Proverbs 17:17 | Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kind of trouble 2. Empathy – Put yourself in someone else’s shoes 1 Peter 3:8 | Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble 3. Accommodation – To make space/ room How to make space: Accommodate each other’s needs Accommodate each other’s ideas Accommodate each other’s personalities Accommodate each other’s faults Romans 15:2 | Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Ephesians 4:2 | Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance (room/space) for each other’s faults because of your love. 4. Mission – Successful teams are mission-minded Your mission in life has to be far beyond yourself. Philippians 2:2 | Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose Acts 10:38 | And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Connected Part 4

Leave a Comment / Connected, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

How we grow One of our goals is to be a people of yielded minds and yielded hearts. God’s destiny for you is to be formed in the image of Christ. Christlikeness mean “To think, perceive, act, response like Christ.” We need to be so Christlike that when we people see us it needs to be so evident. Being formed in the image of Christ = GROWTH. We cannot grow spiritually alone and we cannot grow outside of servanthood. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren Romans 8:29 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 4 ways we help each other grow Affirming each other’s worth. – How do we actually do this? 1.1 Showing acceptance Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you that God will be given glory. Romans 15:7 1.2 Showing attention. What we put our attention on grows Galatians 6:10 | Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially those who belong to the family of believers 1.3 Showing Affection 1.4 Showing Appreciation 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Pray For Each Other’s Growth Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. Colossians 4:12 ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 14 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, 15 this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. 16 I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit – not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength – 17 that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, Ephesians 3:14-17 Admitting our mistakes – Sometimes we’re afraid that if we admit our mistakes we may be met with rejection. It’s uncomfortable but necessary. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25 So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 Encourage each other’s commitment – It is easier to work out when you are working out with someone Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God – no spiritual flabbiness, please! 1 Timothy 4:7 … that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 1:12 Unless we are growing, we are dying. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation but rather in connection and relationship.

Connected Part 3

Leave a Comment / Connected, Sermon Summaries / By NewSeasonAdmin

As we begin to learn what it means to connect and form relationships, we need to remember that we need to come from a place of honour. 4 Negative Attitudes That Destroy Relationship (Part 2) 3. Insecurity Insecurity basically means you and I are not secure in who we are. We don’t have a firm foundation in who we are and who we are in Christ. If you don’t know who are you are in Christ you will be insecure in every area of your life. Why? Because you are basing your identity on things that are temporal. Things that are here today and gone tomorrow. For example, if you place your identity in your marriage, what happens when your marriage ends? If you place your identity in your children what happens when your children leave? If we know we are loved by God then we will always operate from a place of “I don’t need to measure up to someone else’s idea of who I should or shouldn’t be.” The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. Proverbs 29:25 Insecurity prevents intimacy. What we fear in relationships: 1. Exposure – exposure for who you really are 2. Rejection – wanting acceptance God is saying He loves you no matter what. God sees everything, you can’t hide anything from Him. That’s the beauty of our God. We can be vulnerable in front of Him. So, because we’re afraid to be vulnerable in front of God it leads to fear of rejection. That filters through in lives and in our relationships. He said “I hear you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” Genesis 3:10 This message essentially unfolds how when we are vulnerable we don’t want ourselves exposed because we don’t want God to see who we really are because we don’t like who we are, because we are insecure. Do you see how the process of insecurity unfolds? It proves the need for a relationship with God so we can know who we are and who’s we are. Secure yourself in Christ and you will find that your relationship will be strengthened. Insecurity DESTROYS relationships. Love BUILDS them. If you are feeling insecure in relationship chances are it isn’t the other person making you feel that way. It’s a reflection of your relationship with God, showing you that it is strained. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. 1 John 4:18 When we know how much Jesus loves us, we won’t feel pressure to prove ourselves to anyone. 4. Resentment Resentment is bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly. NEWSFLASH: The reality is you will be treated unfairly in your marriage and in your church. Do you know why? Because you’re dealing with human beings. Resentment can also unfold as an offense. It’s the way of the enemy to take you off-course of what God is trying to do in your life. 21 When my heart was filled with bitterness and my mind was seized with envy, 22 I was stupid and I did not understand. I was like a dumb animal in your presence, Psalm 73: 21-22 Resentment turns your heart into a desert, and it dries you up emotionally. Forgiveness is the antidote to resentment. Forgiveness is letting go of the pain and letting go of my right to get even “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do Colossians 3:13 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. 19 Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. Romans 14: 17-21 15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18: 15-18 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in obedience to it] Galatians 6:2

Fasting Essentials

Leave a Comment / Prayer & Fasting / By NewSeasonAdmin

As we gear up for our 7 days of fasting & prayer. Here are some points to help you gain understanding and plan better. We look forward to doing this together with you and see God do a work in us and through us. The Purpose of Fasting Seeking His presence rather than seeking His hands. Seeking answers from God – Ezra 8:21 & 23 (NLT) Praying on behalf of others – Ezekiel 22:30 (NLT) Breaking through in difficult situations – Isaiah 58:6-8 (NLT) Why Do We Fast & Pray? It is a command – Joel 1:14 (AMPC) We humble ourselves and seek God’s divine intervention – Psalm 35:13 (NLT) Allow God to intervene legally in the earth realm – Psalm 115:16, Matt 6:10 (NLT) How Do We Fast? Discreetly – Matt 6:17-18 (NLT) With Faith – Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) Type of Fast – Abstaining from food, media etc. Prayer Fundamentals Create a lifestyle of prayer. Have a certain time, place and a plan. Monday, 24 January Tuesday, 25 January Wednesday, 26 January Thursday, 27 January Friday, 28 January Saturday, 29 January