Evergreen Christian Community

The Big Idea: Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. But he who is in the world is greater than you. Matthew 6:5-15 (p. 831) James 1:2-18 (p. 1043) Where Temptation Comes From: - The governance of EVIL in this fallen world. Genesis 4:6-7 (p. 4) Ephesians 6:10-12 (p. 1008) - My own EVIL desires. The Truth About Our Lives: ● EVIL is too strong for us. ● We are too weak to OVERCOME...

The Big Idea: Make no attempt to hide from God, for your soul needs daily forgiveness like your body needs daily bread. Matthew 6:5-15 (p. 831) Understanding Forgiveness: 1. To forgive is to “STOP and LEAVE” 2. Debt = that which is OWED 3. Forgiveness is not about the wrongdoing itself, but about the GUILT of the wrongdoer. If Jesus purchased our forgiveness on the cross, once and for all, why are...

The Big Idea: The single greatest need in your daily life is more of Jesus. Matthew 6:5-15 John 6:25-59 Jesus taught us to pray this way for at least two reasons: 1. To help us govern the WORRIES of life through TRUST in our Father Philippians 4:6-7 1 Peter 5:7 We bring to God, not a spirit that DEMANDS OF HIM, but one that DEPENDS UPON HIM Exodus 16 We have to keep the MAGGOTS out of our MANNA 2....

The Big Idea: The primary obstacle to the kingdom of God in your life is you. Matthew 6:5-15 (p. 831) Prayer as an Act of Listening: - Prayer is not talking just to be heard BY God. - Prayer is talking enough to calibrate your head and heart so that you can hear FROM God. - Altar and Stewardship: Receiving FROM God so I can live FOR God. - This is an all-out war with SELF. Jesus and the Kingdom of...

Big Idea: We honor the name of the Lord because He is Holy. Matthew 6:5-15 (p. 831) 1. God DECLARES His Name. Exodus 34:5 (p. 77) Amos 4:13 (p. 788) 2. God DEMONSTRATES His Holiness in creation. Psalm 19:1-4 (p. 471) Romans 1:20 (p. 966) 3. God DESERVES our HONOR and HUMILITY. Matthew 5:20 (p. 830) HUMILITY is at the core of authenticity. 4. God DESIRES His Name to be lifted up. Psalm 23:3 (p. 473...

The Big Idea: Your Heavenly Dad has all power and deeply loves His kids. Matthew 6:5-15 (p. 831) Four Things You Should Know Before You Pray: 1. Spiritual SHOWMANSHIP gains you no reward. 2. Private TRANSPARENCY gains immeasurable rewards. 3. ACTING drives a wedge between you and God. 4. It is not about YOU. It is about US. How To Talk To A Triune Being: - Our FATHER Galatians 4:4-7 (p. 1003) Roma...

The Big Idea: As you steward worldly wealth, God entrusts you with true riches. Luke 16:1-15 (p. 899) I get to choose my role in life: DIGGER, BEGGAR, or STEWARD. The 10 Financial Commandments of Stewards: 1. You shalt PAY GOD first. 2. You shall PAY YOURSELF second. 3. You shall live ON LESS THAN YOU RECEIVE. 4. You shall pay off ALL CONSUMER DEBT. Romans 8:24 (p. 972) 5. You shall learn the secr...

The Big Idea: When we practice the priorities of stewardship, the supernatural follows. Matthew 6:19-34 (p. 832) Three Economic Facts of Life: 1. Your views about WEALTH determine the condition of your HEART. Matthew 6:21 (p. 832) 2. You cannot serve both GOD and MONEY. 3. The most powerful economic decision you can ever make is to PUT GOD FIRST. Matthew 6:33 (p. 832) The Priorities of Stewards: 1...

The Big Idea: A steward is rewarded for using the Master’s resources and executing the Master’s will. Philippians 2:1-13 (p. 1012) The two tracks on which God’s economic train run are ALTAR and STEWARDSHIP. STEWARDSHIP: The disciplined lifestyle and focus of someone who has surrendered to the service of God. The Five Components of Stewardship: 1. MASTER- One who imparts the plans and purposes of o...

The Big Idea: Ownership is an illusion. Psalm 24:1-10 (p. 473) 1. It ALL belongs to God. Psalm 50:10-15 (p. 488) 2. Your LIFE belongs to God. 1 Peter 1:17-23 (p. 1047) 3. We participate in the economy of God through a lifestyle of ALTAR and STEWARDSHIP. Romans 12:1-2 (p. 975) 4. The goal of God’s economy is BLESSING for EVERYONE. Genesis 12:1-3 (p. 9)

The Big Idea: The purpose of everything is the Glory of God Exodus 33:15-23 Exodus 34:5-7 Understanding The Glory of God: 1. What is the GLORY of God? Isaiah 6:1-5 We were spiritually DEAD and legally GUILTY- it is the glory of God to redeem this reality. 2. Why is it the GOAL of everything? Isaiah 43:1-7 Ephesians 1:11-12 Romans 9:22-26 3. What is MY ROLE in the glory of God? Hebrews 1:1-3 Corint...

The Big Idea: It is all about Jesus. Colossians 2:6-15 It is important to always calibrate the tension between PHILOSOPHY, TRADITION, and CHRIST. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Ephesians 2:1-10 Christ takes us from DEATH to LIFE and from POWERLESS to FULLY EMPOWERED Galatians 2:15-21 Ephesians 2:19-22 Colossians 3:1-4 Jesus has one request: “COME TO ME.” Matthew 11:28-30