Woodcreek Church

Andrew is only mentioned a few times in the Bible and yet some say he was one of the most important apostles. In this study we look at Andrew and we find out that he loved people and they mattered to him. As a result our love for people will grow too. (Jn 1:40-42; 6:1-15; 12:20-22)

Because of the overwhelming grace of God and the preeminence of Jesus Christ, we should strive to live lives that are worthy of the gospel. (Ephesians 1:7-8, Ephesians 2:4-9, Ephesians 1:20-23, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Colossians 1:9-10 ,2 Corinthians 4:15, Philippians 2:12-13)

The same question Jesus asked his disciples He asks of each one of us today. "Who do you say that Jesus is?" How we answer that questions will determine our values, our priorities, how we use our resources. Everything. (Matt 16:13-16)

The moment Peter met Christ he received a new name. God does not see us in light of our past but who we will become in Christ to the glory of God. We all need to accept by faith this grace in our lives in order to move forward in our journey. (John 1:42v1 Cor 1:26-27vEph 2:10v2 Cor 5:17 PS 103:8-10)

The wisest man in all of history chose to live an unwise life. At end of his life, he delivers the message Ecclesiastes to warn those in every generation not to make the same mistakes he made. What mistakes? (1 Kings 11:1-4; Ecclesiastes 3:1-15; 2:24; 11:5; 12:1; Proverbs 4:23)

Ecclesiastes reads like Solomon is espousing Existentialism and Hedonism. In reality, he is exposing it. Life was never meant to be lived apart from God. He shares his discovery at the end of his life so you and I won't wait until the end of ours. (Ecclesiastes 1:1-18. 11:1-6; 12:1-7; 13, 14)

The strength of a nation is dependent on the strength of the family and a strong family is dependent on the commitment of parents to train their children. Our children are the nations greatest natural resource and God's leaders for the next generation. (Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Proverbs 24:3,4; Proverbs 20:7; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 6:20-22; Psalm 127:1-3)

The United States is the wealthiest nation on earth. Common sense tells us to view that as a blessing. But if we are not careful the blessing can become a curse. The Proverbs gives us wise principles that form the basis of our philosophy of finances. (Proverbs 23:4,5 Proverbs 30:7-9 Proverbs 15:16)

Every word has the power to bring life or death. We are going to look at the risks of using words, the ramifications for our foolish words, and the reward for using wise words. What word has God given you to speak into his world? (Proverbs 12:18-19; 18:21; Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:1-5; Matthew 12:34 Proverbs 10:11,19; 15:4; 16:24; 19:5; 29:20; 30:23-33; 31:8-9; Ecclesiastes 5:2-3; Ephesians 5:4; Colo...

Common sense tells us that a well-planned life is achieved by working harder and smarter. (Un)common Sense from the Proverbs tells us a well-planned life is found by being dependent instead of independent. (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-16; Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 16:9; Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 3:5,6; Jeremiah 29:11; John 10:10)

In order to have a friend it begins with each of us being a good friend. The book of Proverbs has much to say about friendship and this message explores some of the principles found in order to be a better friend.

The Proverbs warn us about how easy it is to fall into unwise decisions and even sin because of the pressure we feel to follow and be accepted by other people. We all need to answer the question, "who are you following?" (Proverbs 1:10-19)

Solomon tells us that a reputation of integrity is one of wisdom's highest prizes and he gives us some practical guidelines for living with integrity. (Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 27:21; Proverbs 27:2; Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 10:7)

As sure as the compass needle points north, our life flows from our heart. That is why Solomon tells us, above all else to guard our heart. If you and I want to experience God and his wisdom we must learn to live from the inside-out. (Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Proverbs 23:26)

Are you tired of shallowness in your Christian life? A shallow faith? Shallow Worship? Shallow living? The Proverbs challenge us to pursue wisdom and a deeper relationship with God. The question is, How badly do you want it? (Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:1-11)

Individual members of the Church today must effectively communicate the gospel in our generation, just like the church of the first century. Are you compelled to get the gospel out? (Acts 11:19-21)

When you study the book of Acts, you realize that everything Jesus wanted his disciples to get, they go! And they reached their generation with the Gospel. Jesus wants us to reach ours the same way. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:41-47)

These were ordinary people in a receptive crevice of history who were shaped into Christ's image and lived forceful lives and reached their generation with the Gospel. We have the same message, mission and motivation. And this is our crevice of history! (Acts 1:1-11)

Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we not only have tremendous freedom but also transforming power! (John 10:18; Colossians 2:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4, 8, 11-14; Acts 4:33)

Our world says that in order to be somebody you need to push yourself forward and make it happen for yourself. But Jesus said that in order to be great in His kingdom you have to be last and a servant to all. We have to descend into greatness. (Mark 9:33-37)

Jesus made it very clear that if you and I want to line up with him; if we really want to follow him then our life needs to be characterized by surrender. And Jesus shows us how. (Luke 9:23, 24; Matthew 26:42, 52, 53; Matthew 27:32-44)

In the story of the Calming of the storm in Luke 8:22-25 the disciples concluded they were in an impossible situation and they paniced. Jesus' only question to them as a group was "Where is your faith?" That is the question Jesus asks each one of us. (Lk. 8:22-25)

Jesus modeled obedience. Jesus taught obedience. Our only appropriate response should be to obey. We will obey for many different reasons, but ultimately it is because we love Jesus and are becoming more like him.

Because we are the most forgiven people in the world, we should be the most forgiving. Jesus provided great lessons and a great example about the priority and practice of forgiveness. (Matthew 5:23, 24; Matthew 6:12, 14,15; Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:31, 32)

If times of solitude were so important and necessary for Jesus, why do we think we can live without them in our own lives? Jesus not only models the importance of solitude but also gives us some lessons to guide its practice. (Luke 4:42; 5:15, 16; 6:12; 9:28; 22:39-42 Mark 6:30-32)