How do We Protect Ourselves Spiritually?

Jude 1:17-23

“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:17-23 (NIV)

What do we need to protect ourselves from?

False Teachimg

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15 (NIV)

“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.  But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 (NIV)

“They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” Jude 1:18-19 (NIV)

How do we protect ourselves from False Teaching?

We Need Discernment

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,” Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

1. We need to build up our Faith.

“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith . . .” Jude 1:20a

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

God’s Word:

“_READ_ it through;

 _PRAY_it in;

 _NOTE_ it down;

_WORK_it out;

_PASS_it on.”

2. We need to pray in the Holy Spirit.

“ . . . and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20b

“ You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9 (NIV)

3. We need to keep ourselves in God’s Love.

“Keep yourselves in God’s love . . .” Jude1 21a (NIV)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11 (NIV)

“And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV)

4. We need to wait for mercy that brings eternal life.

 “as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:21b (NIV) 

How do We Protect Ourselves Spiritually?

Jude 1:17-23

“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:17-23 (NIV)

What do we need to protect ourselves from?

False Teachimg

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15 (NIV)

“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.  But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 (NIV)

“They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” Jude 1:18-19 (NIV)

How do we protect ourselves from False Teaching?

We Need Discernment

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,” Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

1. We need to build up our Faith.

“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith . . .” Jude 1:20a

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

God’s Word:

“_READ_ it through;

 _PRAY_it in;

 _NOTE_ it down;

_WORK_it out;

_PASS_it on.”

2. We need to pray in the Holy Spirit.

“ . . . and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20b

“ You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9 (NIV)

3. We need to keep ourselves in God’s Love.

“Keep yourselves in God’s love . . .” Jude1 21a (NIV)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11 (NIV)

“And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV)

4. We need to wait for mercy that brings eternal life.

 “as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:21b (NIV)

Living Beyond Compromise

Psalm 1

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.  The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.  For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1(NASB)

1. Three negatives:

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” Psalm 1:1 (NASB)

Do not walk

Do not stand

Do not sit

The Subtle Progression of Evil:

Walk; counsel; ungodly;

Stand; path; sinners

Sit; seat; scoffers.

 “Oh the happiness, many times over, of the one who does not even casually go through the motions or imitate the life of those who live in ungodliness.” Psalm 1:1 (My paraphrase)

 “We shall be happy, many times over, if we maintain a pure walk, free from even the slightest flirtation with evil.  If we begin to walk in the counsel of the wicked it is easy to slip slowly into the habitation of the scornful.”  Psalm 1:1 (My paraphrase)

The Example of Lot

      “So Lot chose the whole Jordan Valley for himself, and as he started toward the east, he and Abram separated.  Abram stayed in the land of Canaan. But Lot settled near the cities of the valley and put up his tents not far from Sodom, where the people were evil and sinned terribly against the LORD.”  Genesis 13:11-13 (CEV)

• Lot walked in the way of the ungodly.

“So Lot chose the whole Jordan Valley for himself, and as he started toward the east, he and Abram separated.  Abram stayed in the land of Canaan. But Lot settled near the cities of the valley . . .”

Genesis 13:11-12 (CEV). 

• Lot stood in the way of sinners.

(Lot) “put up his tents not far from Sodom,”  Genesis 13:12b (CEV)

• Lot dwelt in the seat of the scornful.

“where the people were evil and sinned terribly against the LORD.” Genesis 13:13 (CEV)

• Lot sat in the seat of the scornful.

  “That evening the two angels arrived in Sodom, while Lot was sitting near the city gate.” Gen 19:1a (CEV) 

2. The Positive Side

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 (NASB)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.”  Psalm 119:9 (NASB)

“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.”  Psalm 119:11 (NASB)

3. The Results of a Righteous Walk.

“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:3 (NASB)

4. The Alternative of the Wicked.

The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.” Psalm1:4 (NASB)

The Contrast.

• Happy many times over, not so the wicked. 

• Delights and meditates in the law, not so the wicked.

• Is like a tree, not so the wicked.

• Is fruitful and prosperous, not so the wicked. 

“And everyone who hears these words of mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand.  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall.”  Matthew 7:26-27

“Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecc. 2:11(NASB)

5. The Warning

“Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” Psalm 1:5 (NASB)   

6. The End

“But the way of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 1”6b (NASB)

What Happens when the Lord is Your Shepherd, Psalm 23

1.  Recovery from your past problems. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3 (NASB)

2.  A righteous source for provisions in the here and now. 

 “He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23 3b (NASB)

3. Protection. 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NASB)

4. Peace.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” Psalm 23 5 (NASB)

5. Prosperity. 

“You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5b (NASB)

              “Surely goodness and loving mercy will follow me all the day of our lives.” Psalm 23:6a (NASB)

6. A promise of permanence. 

“And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6b (NASB)

 “GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.  Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.” Psalm 23 (MSG)

We were very blessed to have a team of 12, mostly young people, who came from Broadway Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, to take a Music Camp style VBS for us here at Grace Fellowship. They were marvelous and we thank them for all their hard work over the last week. On Sunday they blessed us with a worship concert in music and testamony and we are making it available to you in the hope that it will bless you as it blessed us.

 When the Lord Takes the Lead in your Life,

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

“If Jesus is not Lord of all He is not Lord at all.”   Hudson Taylor

“Why do you keep on saying that I am your Lord, when you refuse to do what I say?”  Luke 6: 46 (CEV) 

“Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.” Matthew 7:21 (CEV)

“Knowing the correct password–saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance–isn’t going to get you anywhere with me.  What is required is serious obedience–doing what my Father wills.” (MSG)

1.             Appearance.   

“Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of  them, I went on to Macedonia.” 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NASB)

2.         Actually. 

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  2Cointhians 2:14 (NASB)

“As God takes the lead in our lives.   As we make Jesus Lord of our lives, we fall in behind God, as His children and joint heirs, and Jesus who has gained the victory, and we are lead on what seems like an aimless wandering, past every house, every street, every country, every people of the world, so that the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Jesus will be apparent to all.”   2 Corinthians 2:14 (My paraphrase)

“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;.”  2 Corinthians 2:15 (NASB)

“to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV)  

3.             Ambition.

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV)

Be Reconcilers

2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2

1. Motivation (2 Cor. 5:11-15)

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB) 

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NASB)

“For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven,” 2 Corinthians 5:2 (NASB) 

“inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.” 2 Corinthians 5:3-4 (NASB).

“we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NASB) 

Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

2 Corinthians 5:5 (NASB) 

“Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight”  2 Corinthians 5 :6-7 (NASB) 

“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9 (NASB)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NASB)

“Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5 :11 (NASB)

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Matt. 25:21 (NASB)

“We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.” 2 Corinthians 5:12 (NASB) 

            “If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you.” 2 Corinthians 5:13 (MSG) 

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”  2 Corinthians 5:14 (ESV)

2. Message (2 Cor. 5:16-19)

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.  2 Corinthians 5:16 (NASB). 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB

• Reconciliation:  

            “ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:18a (NASB

• God has assigned us “the ministry of reconciliation”  

            “and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:18b (NASB)

 “that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NASB

3. Ministry (2 Cor. 5:20-6:2)

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB)

            “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1  (NASB)

“For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB)

Be Reconcilers

2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2

1. Motivation (2 Cor. 5:11-15)

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB) 

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NASB)

“For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven,” 2 Corinthians 5:2 (NASB) 

“inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.” 2 Corinthians 5:3-4 (NASB).

“we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NASB) 

Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

2 Corinthians 5:5 (NASB) 

“Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight”  2 Corinthians 5 :6-7 (NASB) 

“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9 (NASB)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NASB)

“Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5 :11 (NASB)

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Matt. 25:21 (NASB)

“We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.” 2 Corinthians 5:12 (NASB) 

            “If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you.” 2 Corinthians 5:13 (MSG) 

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”  2 Corinthians 5:14 (ESV)

2. Message (2 Cor. 5:16-19)

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.  2 Corinthians 5:16 (NASB). 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB

• Reconciliation:  

            “ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:18a (NASB

• God has assigned us “the ministry of reconciliation”  

            “and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:18b (NASB)

 “that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NASB

3. Ministry (2 Cor. 5:20-6:2)

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB)

            “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1  (NASB)

“For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB)

Notes to follow

DELAYED BY DESIGN

When the king of Egypt let the people go, God did not take them by the road that goes up the coast to Philistia, although it was the shortest way. God thought, “I do not want the people to change their minds and return to Egypt when they see that they are going to have to fight.” Exodus 13:17 (GNB) 

“…God led you through the wilderness for forty years…testing you to find out how you would respond and if you would obey Him.”  Deut. 8:2 (LB)

Four Things That Prolong Delay

1.  FEAR

“…They would not enter the land.  They said… `We are afraid … The people there are             stronger and taller than we are…”  Deut 1:26 + 28 (GN)

                        Instead:

“Fear not, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed.  I am your God, I will strengthen             you and I will help you… and uphold you…”  Isa 41:10 (LB)

2. FRET

            “…On the way the people lost their patience and spoke against God and Moses.  They             complained…”  Num 21:4-5 (GN)

            “Impatience will get you into trouble.”  Pr. 19:2 (GN)

                        Instead:

“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him to act …  Don’t fret and worry — it only leads to             harm.”  Ps. 37:7-8 (LB)

            “God has set the right time for everything.”  Eccl. 3:11 (GN)

3.  FAINT       

“All the Israelites grumbled against Moses… `If only we had died in Egypt! … We             should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’”  Num. 14:2-4

                        Instead:

“Let us never grow tired of doing what’s right, for if we do not faint, we’ll reap a             harvest             at the right time.”  Gal. 6-9 (Mof)

            “You need to pray continually and not lose heart.”  Lk. 18:1 (JB)

4.  FORGET

“They forgot the many times God showed them his love, and they rebelled … at the             Red Sea.  But He saved them as He promised… But they quickly forgot again!  They wouldn’t wait for God to act…”  Ps. 106:7-8 (GN), 13 (LB)

                        Instead:

            “I will bless the Lord and not forget the great things He does for me.”  Ps. 103:2 (LB)

            “The Lord is not being slow to carry out his promises …but He is being patient with you...”  2 Pet. 3:3-8 (JB)

            “These things won’t happen right away.  Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.  If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely             come to pass.  Just be patient!  They will not be overdue a single day!”  Hab 2:3 (LB)

HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS

 ”If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:7-8 (GN)

SIX STEPS

1.  PRAY FOR GUIDANCE

            “A man is foolish to trust himself.  But those who use God’s wisdom are safe.” 

            Proverbs 28:26 (LB)

            “The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make.”

            Colossians  3:15 (GN)

Ask:

2. GET THE FACTS

            “Every prudent man acts out of  knowledge.”  Proverbs 13:16 (LB)

            “It’s stupid to decide before knowing the facts!”  Proverbs 18:13 (LB)

                        Ask:

3. ASK FOR ADVICE

            “The more advice you get, the more likely you are to win.”

            Proverbs 24:6 (GN)

            “Get good advice and you will succeed.”  Proverbs 20:28 (GN)

                        Ask:

4. CALCULATE THE COST

            “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows..”              Pr.  20:25 (NIV)

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28

“Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” Luke 14:31 (NASB)

                        Ask:

5. PREPARE FOR PROBLEMS

            “A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them… The simpleton             never looks and suffers the consequences.”   Proverbs 22:3 (LB)

“The demon has often tried to kill him by throwing him into a fire or into water. Please have pity and help us if you can!”  Jesus replied, “Why do you say ‘if you can’? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!”  Right away the boy’s father shouted, “I do have faith! Please help me to have even more.” Mark 9:22-24 (CEV)

Ask:

6. FACE YOUR FEARS

            “If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.”  Eccl. 11:4 (LB)

            “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Romans 8:31b (KJV)

FOUR BASIC LIFE DECISIONS

That I commit myself…

                                    – to Christ and a church family

                                    – to the habits necessary for spiritual growth

                                    – to using my God-given gifts and abilities in serving God and others

                                    – to sharing Christ with others

                                    (Eph. 2:19; Rom. 12:4-5; 2 Peter. 3:18; 1 Tim. 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10;

                                    1 Cor. 12:4-27; Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8)