CCV

I Want to Believe, but... Focus: Those who UNKNOWINGLY hold a distorted view of God find it more difficult to believe in God. I. This isn't HEAVEN YET ! History in 4 Words 1. CREATION 2. THE FALL 3. REDEMPTION 4. RESTORATION II. God always has a PURPOSE in your pain. III. God is always PRESENT in your pain.

I Want to Believe, But... Part 1 Focus: Those who UNKNOWINGLY hold a distorted view of God find it more difficult to believe in God. "On Demand God" (Today) - I pray and pray but God doesn't give me what I ask for. I. God doesn't EXIST to SERVE us; we EXIST to SERVE God. ““What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/isa.45.9.nlt II. If God is not "On Demand God" then who is He? A. God's HEART is always LOVING . “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:35, 37‬ ...

Three Keys That Open Locked Hearts Focus: Forgiveness like Jesus "Forged in Forgiveness" Mike & Erik Story I. Remember THE LORD FORGAVE YOU, SO YOU MUST FORGIVE OTHERS . “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/col.3.13.niV "To be a Christain means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." -CS Lewis II. Remember YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:30-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/eph.4.30-32.niv “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his o...

Three Keys That Open Locked Hearts Focus: Acceptance like Jesus “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/rom.15.7.niv I. Break the habit of only accepting " ACCEPTABLE " people. II. Accept = How you catch a FOOTBALL ? 1. REACH OUT 2. USE A SOFT TOUCH 3. BRING IT IN TOWARD YOU III. Christ accepted us before we were ACCEPTABLE .

Love, Acceptance & Forgiveness are the three keys. Locked down hearts. Vanishing Grace , Phillip Yancey Key 1: Love Focus: Love like Jesus I. IF Love II. BECAUSE Love III. ANYWAY Love How do you treat someone with whom you may profoundly disagree? How do you treat someone who has hurt you or hurt someone or something you love? IV. CRAZY Love “Follow Godʼs example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬  http://bible.com/111/eph.5.1-2.niv Love has a simple test: People enjoy being with you. 4 Common complaints about Christians “We love because he first loved us.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬  http://bible.com/111/1jn.4.19.niv

Joyful New Year Series 6 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/php.4.1-3.niv Focus: A real relationship with Jesus Christ brings joyful confidence. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Happiness is an inward feeling with an outward... Through Christ we can... 1. ... REJOICE ALWAYS! Philippians 4:4 2. ... Experience JOYFUL RELATIONSHIPS! Philippians 4:5 3. ... Experience JOYFUL BAD DAYS! Philippians 4:6-7 4. ... make JOYFUL THOUGHTS! Philippians 4:8-9 5. ... Experience JOYFUL CONTENTMENT! Philippians 4:10-12 6. ... Experien...

hubba hubba nx2 MSR Joyful New Year Series 5 “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/php.4.10-12.niv Focus: Until you learn its secret, contentment is a fickle fleeting moment. I. LASTING Contentment is POSSIBLE A. It does not come from EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES B. It does not come from MORE MONEY OR MORE STUFF Sin is what you do when your soul is not fully satisfied with God. II. Contentment is a GIFT “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ http://bible.com/111/php.4.13...