Sermons

Main idea: We all need caring friends to grow — the Body of Christ offers a place for friendship to flourish. Introduction – our deep, unwavering need for connection 1. Friendship is a Unique Relationship Designed by God Proverbs 18:1-2; Proverbs 17:17 2. We Need Discernment in Who We Mix With Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 19:4 3. We Can Be A True Caring Friend Proverbs 25:20 Proverbs 27:9 Proverbs 27:17 Proverbs 27:6 4. Nurture True Friendships in the Body of Christ Proverbs 17:17 Proverbs 18:24

1. Using our words wisely means restraining what we say. Proverbs 10:19 2. Using our words wisely means using words that heals instead of words that hurts. Proverbs 12:18 3. Using our words wisely means words that are honest and righteous, not lies and deceit. Proverbs 12:22 Application: – This week, commit to one change in your speech — holding your tongue, encouraging someone daily, or avoiding gossip. – Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and guard your speech.

Main point: We are God’s stewards, called to manage money in ways that glorify Him 1. The good and the bad about money. 2. God is the Master, and we are stewards. 3. We must work to earn money. 4. The need to save and plan 5. Watch out for greed 6. Honour God with Your Wealth 7. Contentment Reflection: - Is how I manage money today glorifying God? What attitudes or ways do I need to change to honour God.

Main point: The wise person fears God 1. Introduction to Proverbs – Relevance of Proverbs – Interpreting Proverbs 2. Definition of Wisdom 3. Wisdom Begins with the Fear of God – God is the Creator – God is transcendent – God is immanent Application: - How do different aspects of our lives (speech, attitude toward money, relationships, etc) and decisions demonstrate a fear of God? - How can we cultivate a fear of the Lord in our daily lives and decisions? - What prevents us from making wise decisions? What influences do we need to stay away from?

- On your Mark : A summary of the Book of Mark - Get set : Jesus getting his disciples ready for the ministry ahead - Go! : Proclaiming the Gospel to the whole of creation Application - On your Mark : What is one lesson God might be teaching you from the book of Mark? - Get set : Would you consider growing in the ministry of proclamation of the Gospel? - Go! : “What are your marching orders?”

- An Unsatisfying End - A Disappointing End (16:8) - A Hopeful End (16:6-7) - Is That the End?

1. A Friend who loves 2. A Friend who forgives 3. A Friend who reconciles Reflection: – Through His love, Jesus showed us how He is a friend indeed. Reflect on what it means to experience God’s love, forgiveness and reconciliation. – Prayerfully consider how you can apply Jesus’ example in your own relationship with others.

Introduction Main point: Jesus suffering and death on the cross calls for a response of faith and worship. The Cross of Jesus Christ: a. Physical pain and death b. The pain of bearing our sins c. Abandonment d. Bearing the wrath of God The Purpose of the Cross a. Sacrifice b. Reconciliation c. Redemption Response to the Cross - Scepticism? - Faith & Worship Reflection: - How does the cross help you appreciate what God has done for you more? What aspect of our faith or daily living does the cross challenge or encourage you?

Main idea: We must discern worldly influences through the lens of the Gospel. The call to not be conformed by the worldly influences 1. The call to not be conformed by the worldly influences – Issues facing Millennials: Early Retirement Dreams 2. The need to be transformed by the Gospel – Issues facing Millennials: A quick and fast way of mentoring Conclusion: Application: - What is one worldly influence that shapes your thoughts and decisions, perhaps without you even realizing it? - Evaluate how the worldly influence may impact your current mentoring relationship. What is one adjustment you could make to align it with the biblical model?