StoneBridge Church Sermon of the Week

Two main themes: God is sovereign and God expects His people to honor Him regardless of circumstances/consequences.

There are two main topics addressed here: Being devoted to prayer and relating to people outside the church/faith.

We are to work at all we do as though we were serving the Lord, not just when people are watching us, but all the time in all things-whether we are the employer or the employee.

Prayer for those struggling with anxiety and despair

We are created for an abundant life in Jesus. However, there are things that can keep us from the fullness we are made for.

Paul is giving commands to households: Husbands and wives are to submit to and sacrifice for one another. Children are to honor and obey their parents. Parents are told not to exasperate their children.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in your heart. Whatever you do, do in the name of Jesus.

Because of who Jesus is and what He has done we can be in relationship with Him and it changes our statue before God and changes our heart.

There is a rhythm to life of work, rest and relationships. We all need to be in relationships with people who love God and love us. Small groups are a great way of connecting and forming these relationships.

It is impossible to obey Jesus without first dying (our sinful nature) and rising with Him. As we live in Christ we are to set our minds on things above. We have 4 options with our thoughts: dwell, dissect, divulge, dismiss.

As Christians, we often approach God based on what we've done versus what He has done-which is not grace and leads to judgment of others.

When we feel helpless due to our circumstances, it can lead us to feel hopeless...unless we are trusting in the Living Hope.

We have a sinful nature that leads us to do sinful acts. But through Christ, our sinful nature is cut off and dies and we can live in Him and all of the fullness that He brings: Hope, freedom, life, grace, reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, provision, integration, all good things.

Be careful that you are not taken captive by the hollow and empty philosophies of this world, but rather, remain and abide in Jesus and He will fill us in every way.

It is important that we recognize that Jesus is Lord over all. And as our Lord we must follow Him and continue to live in Him be being rooted in Him, built up in Him, and strengthened by Him. A tool to help us "continue to live in Him" is a life rule.

As we do the things we are called to there will be labor involved, but we are to do it in the strength God provides. The Holy Spirit is our fuel. Jesus is our source.

Even though it is hard for us to understand, suffering can be used in our lives to help mature us and connect us with what Jesus endured on a more intimate level. Suffering doesn't mean we are doing something wrong. It often means we are following in Jesus' steps.

Jesus created all things, is above all things, and holds all things together.

As we grow in the knowledge of God (knowing Him, not just knowing about Him) and remain connected to Him we will bear good fruit

Prayer is an invitation for God to get involved in our lives. We need people praying for and with us on a regular basis. A prayer for our life should be to live in a way that is pleasing to God.

There is a Q and A segment in the beginning where you won't be able to hear everything, but there is more talking after that.

Who do you trust? What are the limits to your love? Are you living in hope?

As we discern God's will for our lives there are 3 heart postures we should take: trust His will is good, rest in knowing He will accomplish it, and submit to what He asks us to do.

As Christians we need to be all in or all out. When we try and give just part of our lives to God it is worse than not giving anything at all. As we understand how He loves us, forgives us, and pursues us, it should cause us to run to Him and give Him everything.

There are times in our lives when God deliberately withdraws Himself from us in order to strengthen our roots in Him and to re-establish the basis of our identity.