How Do We Respond To This:

1) Trust God's purposes and remain faithful to Him.

Revelation 13:7-10 It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear… This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.  NIV.

2)  Be spiritually prepared for Christ’s return. 

Matthew 24:42-44  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. NIV

How Are We To Respond

1. Don’t be alarmed or scared of end times.

Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

2)   Stay focussed on the mission of Christ.

4)   Pray for strength in these last days

The tithe is God’s strategy for funding the local church.  

The tithe demonstrates God is first in our finances.

The tithe positions us to experience God's provision and blessing.

The tithe brings supernatural protection over our life.

How To Gauge Spiritual Fruitfulness 

1. Is my life bringing glory to God?

2. Does my life reflect I’m following Jesus or the world’s way?

3.   Do I aim to love others well?

4.   Is there evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

Empowers us to live out our faith.  

Brings an awareness of God’s love & presence in us.  

Brings the revelation we need. 

Gives us the peace we long for.

Jesus comes to us when we least expect Him.

Only Jesus can satisfy our deepest thirst.

Jesus will not shame you, but He also won’t excuse your sin.

The Father is seeking true worshipers.

Jesus reveals Himself as Messiah.

4 Titles of Honor

Chosen People: We are chosen by God, set apart from the world, & unified by the Holy Spirit.

Royal Priesthood: We have direct access to God’s presence, and the responsibility to bring others to God.   

Holy Nation: We are distinct from the world because we are devoted to God.  

Special Possession: We are treasured by God, and recipients of His favor. 

1.  The Lie: More money will bring happiness & security.  

   2.   The Lie: Money promises significance.   

   3.   The Lie: When I have more money then I can be generous. 

1. Look for ways to refresh others.  

Break down social barriers.

Quickly forgive those who have wronged you.

Good fathers are intentionally present.

Good fathers are good listeners.  

Good fathers celebrate with their children. 

Good fathers model a life of worship. 

Good fathers guide their children appropriately. 

Relies on the Holy Spirit’s help.

Trust God’s purpose in the pain.

Understands we’re not fighting for victory, but from victory.

Cultivating Our Hearts

1.  Read & obey God’s word. 

2 Timothy 3:15-17  and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.    NIV. 

2.    Pray daily.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  NIV.

3.   Pay attention to what is influencing your soul.

Mark 4:24  “Consider carefully what you hear…” NIV. 

4.   Protect your heart from spiritual weeds.   

What Is A Stronghold

Stronghold: A false refuge that protects our pain while imprisoning our soul. 

Diagram of Stronghold.

Demolish Strongholds: Recognize the lie, renounce the lie, replace it with God’s truth.