Share in Suffering (2 min)

[1Co 12:26 NIV] 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

The bibles teaches that we are all one body and we should help each other through the challenging times. It is easy to enjoy the good times together, but it is more important to share in the suffering of others.

Gold and Silver (2 min)

James 5:3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 

That is one scary verse and I can’t even imagine how our greed will testify against us.

1000 Points

Only one religion is based on the work of a loving God. Christianity is based on the premise that a loving God did the work required to restore mankind to Him.

All other religions are based on the work of mankind doing what is necessary to get into Heaven. The bible says the ongoing works of mankind are dirty rags, but that the completed work of Jesus is more than enough.

Accountable Motives (2 min)

Mat 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 

What we hope to do is really emphasize how important it is for us believers to understand that our decisions either hurt or help the gospel of Jesus.

Responsible Gifts (2 min)

Mat 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 

Jesus made it clear in Math 25 that our Master will be very unhappy if we bury our talents given to us by Him. Even saying there will be gnashing of teeth when he returns.

My Accountability (2 min)

Mat 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

We are accountable to our church leadership and to each other in the body of Christ, and we should care about that also.

The Persecuted and Insulted

Mat 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

As Christians, we would like to believe everything’s going to be smooth sailing after we’re saved but that’s not the case, the fact of the matter is Jesus said we will be persecuted for his name sake.

Accountability and Responsibility (2 min)

Mat 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 

Now we believe that one day we are all going to stand before the throne of God and give account for our lives … as Christians we have the assurance and confidence of the work of Jesus and forgiveness while we stand before our creator.

Slaves (2 min)

[Rom 6:18 NIV] 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 

The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians that we have liberty in Christ, but then He tells the Romans to be slaves. The freedom we have in Jesus is so we can choose to be a slave to righteousness, yet even as Christians we can still choose to be a slave to sin.

Empty Words (2 min)

[Mat 12:36 NIV] 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 

We see Jesus saying every “empty word” will have to be judged. Empty words can mean many different things, but I think we can all agree that they are words that are hurtful and damaging to others, but I think we can also see that people can say empty words without intentionally being mean.

Peace Makers Part 2

Mat_5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

Jesus came to bring truth into the world. Jesus’ truth was that he was the way the truth and the life. This created division and disrupted the peace and the trust that man has in his religious system.

Accountable (2 min)

Mat 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 

This is one of those verses in the bible that we should all think deeply about. Jesus is telling us that there will be a day for everyone on this earth when they will have to give account for their actions.

Conform or Transform (2 min)

[Rom 12:2 NIV] 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

It becomes increasingly difficult to not conform to the pattern of this world where we are attacked for believing in the bible and holding firm to our faith.

Your Report (2 min)

[Mat 12:36 NIV] 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 

This whole idea about giving an account is interesting. Strong’s concordance says that this is a narrative account from a living voice. Just imagine for a moment you are giving a report to God about your life.

Peace Makers Part 1

Mat_5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

We know that peace does not come on its own or easily most of the time. Matt 5:9 says “peacemakers” because we live in a hostile world that needs people who will create peace where there is no peace.

Current or Completed Work (2 min.)

Matthew 14:30- But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 

In this verse we see trouble came upon Peter even when he was called out of the boat by Jesus. And see how Peter responded, … he didn’t blame Satan for his situation, but rather he cried out to Jesus for help.

Road Trip (2 min.)

Mat 7:13 says: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” 

As we travel down the road-of-life, we encounter many changes in the terrain and we meet many different kinds of people along the way. The same is true with our journey in the Kingdom of God. We should expect that on our journey we will have many challenges we need to overcome, the road is not always smooth or straight, there are curves and potholes, and even traffic jams or unfortunately even occasional fender benders that come from other travelers on the road.

Gather not Scatter (2 min.)

Mathew 24:31 - And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

During His first coming Jesus came to anoint His people for service as Priest of the Most High God and to send them out into the world. He scattered His people to spread the gospel and to share his cry and call for all to come to him.