Technology is constantly updating to new versions, updates and add-ons. If you bought an iPad this year, you will realize how quickly each version becomes outdated!
Are you more interested in what people think of you or what God thinks of you?
We are faced with pressures every day. A student feels pressure to make the grade, meet new friends and figure out their college plans. Adults feel the pressure to succeed, to provide, and find true friendship.
What version of yourself are you trying to pursue? Many times we follow the agenda of what other people want from us. God has given each of us His calling. What voice are you listening to today?
"We know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" in Romans 8. Paul writes more about the person and purpose of God. He brings up the truth that we need to spend every moment, situation, circumstance and relationship based upon the unconditional love of God. God desires that we become more like Him. When we stay close to Him, we will find peace in our search for identity.
Identity is not found in something but it is in someone. Our worth is not tied to our jobs. Our ministries and workplaces are what we do, Jesus is who defines us. We are His children.
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. 11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
(9:8) Paul describes a major comfort as well as a benefit for those who choose to be cheerful givers. He says that God is able to make all “grace”, which is a word for the gospel, abound towards those who give cheerfully. Apparently God loves those who give cheerfully because He can use people with the right heart motive. The word for “good” means profitable or useful.
(9:9). Paul states that those who give cheerfully will receive God's blessing. To support this statement, Paul quotes Psalm 112:9. This verse basically refers to God providing for the poor and the enduring righteousness of God.
(9:10). Paul once again uses an illustration from the area of farming. Paul refers to God as the one who takes care of the believers’ material needs, namely food. God is the one who can multiply the spiritual seeds of the gospel. Paul makes an excellent correlation between the natural and the spiritual.
(9:11). In this verse Paul once again points them to the root cause of their many blessings, God. This should cause us to give thanksgiving to God. Obviously the Corinthians had much to be thankful for. The apostle Paul had already written them a letter, they had ample material blessings and apparently enough spiritual nourishment. Paul does not to say to thank him or anyone, but he directed the praise directly to God.
How can you be more of a cheerful give today? How important is your heart behind giving as the outward expression of giving?
The “I AM” statements of Jesus are some of the most pivotal moments of His earthly ministry. The book of John has one goal: that the world would believe Jesus is the Christ. Our identity determines how we live our lives. This series will paint a vibrant picture of the importance of finding our identity in Christ. This series is going to take an intentional look into the identity of Jesus. I AM will help students understand the heartbeat of Jesus and how they can be changed by His love.
Week 1 – “Hunger for Jesus” (Bread of Life)
The Word: John 6:1-15, 24-40.
Main Thought: We all have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus satisfies
Week 2 – “Flip the Switch” (Light of the world)
The Word: John 8:12-20
Main Thought: Jesus is the light of the world and is to be taken to the nations. The light of Jesus promises you will never have to walk in darkness
Week 3 – “The Good Shepherd”
The Word: John 10:11-18
Main Thought: Security comes through a relationship with Jesus
Week 4 – “Resurrection and Life”
The Word: John 11:17-27, 28-35, 41-44.
Main Thought: Jesus’ resurrection reveals hope eternally and in everyday pain.
Week 5 – “Way-Truth-Life”
The Word: John 14:1-14
Main Thought: Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Week 6 – “The Vine"
John 15
Main Thought: Growth happens when we remain in Christ.
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. 11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
