Cornerstone Church in Watertown SD

Spiritual Check-Up! (Eph. 3:16-17)

By Steve Anderson.

Why do we need a spiritual check-up?

- Discomfort and pain. (Mt. 8:1-3)

- Everything is “fine”. (Mt. 9:9)

Jesus is our “spiritual doctor”. (Mk. 12:28-34)

Plug in!

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Daily Spiritual Check-Up Prayer:

Jesus, I ask you to give me spiritual check-up. I know everything is not fine. I want to deepen my worship and prayer. I want to be in a Christ community. I want to be a part of your healing mission in this broken world. I know you will help me. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading and Question:

What does the spiritual health Jesus is inviting you into

look like? Mon. - Eph. 1:1-3; Tues. – Eph. 3:16-19; Wed. – Eph. 3:19-20; Thurs. – Co. 1:11-14; Fri. – Col. 3:12-15

We Worship As We Work!

By Steve Anderson.

Work is God’s idea! (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:15,18)

Leisure is not better than work.

Work is good, but it is also hard because it’s cursed. (Gen. 3:17-19)

Jesus’ work. (Lk. 2:52; Mk. 6:3; Mk. 10:51; Rom. 6:23)

We worship God through our work. (Eph. 2:10; 2 Thess. 3:11-12; Eph. 4:28)

Prayer for Work:

One true God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Thank you that the ladder cannot be climbed. Thank you that in Christ we are all your masterpieces. We are glad that through our daily work we can give you glory. Amen.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #13 – Final Words…

By Steve Anderson.

Stop #1: We accept each other just as Christ has accepted us. (Rom. 15:7-13)

Stop #2: My ambition is… (Rom. 16:14-22)

Stop #3: I am planning to go to… (Rom. 15:23-33; James 4:15)

Stop #4: Give my greetings to… (Rom. 16:1-15)

Stop #5: Now all glory to God… (Rom. 16:17-27)

Romans Prayer:

God the Father, thank you for making us right in your sight through our faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for accepting us! We give you glory by accepting each other. We give you honor by living to serve Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit. Amen.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #12 – Living in a Community of Christ!

By Steve Anderson.

Stop #1: We don’t live for ourselves. We live to honor the Lord. (Rom. 14:5-9)

Stop #2: We are each personally accountable to God. (Rom. 14:10-13)

Stop #3: We aim for harmony and encouragement! (Rom. 14:14-23)

Stop #4: We live to help others! (Rom. 15:1-6)

Next Steps:

• Repent of criticism.

• Ask Jesus for healing of past hurts.

• Make it your goal to encourage each other.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #11 – We Clothe Ourselves with Jesus Christ!

By Steve Anderson.

Key verse: “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 13:14)

Stop #1: We respect authority. (Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29; Mt. 22:21)

Stop #2: We love people! (Rom. 13:8-10)

Stop #3: We accept one another. (Rom. 14:1-4)

Daily Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I place my full faith in you. Help me take off my dirty clothes and put on the new, clean clothes of your presence so I can respect authority, love people, and accept my fellow believers. Amen

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #10 – We Are Living Sacrifices!

By Mark Tracy.

There is only one stopping point today … and the stopping point is: LOVE!

Oswald Chambers says, “If you will give God the right to yourself, he will make a holy EXPERIMENT out of you – and His EXPERIMENTS always succeed.”

Being involved in the church means exploring ALL the RHYTHMS of Cornerstone.

With the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, DO NOT CONFORM to the BEHAVIORS or PATTERNS of this world. (Rom. 12:2)

Do not let EVIL conquer you, but conquer EVIL by doing GOOD. (Rom. 12:21)

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #9 – God is Merciful!

By Luke Smith.

Stop #1: Paul's "________" Questions

• "How _________________ are the __________ of messengers who bring good news!"

• "For God has imprisoned _________________ in disobedience so he could have mercy on _________________."

• ______________________: "Glory-word"

Stop #2: The ________________.

Stop #3: Paul's "________" Questions and "_________" Answers 

Next Steps:

1. Get beautiful ___________.

2. Sing a ________________.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #7 – God is in Charge!

By Steve Anderson.

Stop #1: God is God! (Rom. 9:16-29) • Since we are created in the image of God we think we can do the job better than God.

Stop #2: It’s not about what we have done. It’s about what Jesus has done! (Rom. 9:30-10:4) • …they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. (Rom.

9:32)

Stop #3: Salvation is for everyone! (Rom. 10:5-13) • If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:9)

Next Steps:

• Surrender to God.

• Don’t write anyone off; yourself included.

• Celebrate!

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #7 - What it Means to Live in the Spirit!

By Luke Smith.

- Stop #1: Living in the Spirit means we are __________.

- Stop #2: Living in the Spirit means there will be __________ and __________ .

- Stop #3: Living in the Spirit declares __________ and __________ .

- Stop #4: Living in the Spirit means __________ .

Next Steps: - Accept __________ .

- Engage __________ .

- Pray __________ .

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #6 – From Law Bound to Spirit Led!

By Steve Anderson.

Stop #1: In Christ we are released from the Law! (Rom. 7:1-6)

Stop #2: God’s Law reveals sin. (Rom. 7:7-13)

Stop #3: Struggling with sin brings us to Jesus! (Rom. 7:14-25)

Stop #4: In Jesus Christ we live by the Spirit of God! (Rom. 8:1-11)

Prayer for a Spirit led life:

Lord Jesus, thank you for freeing me from guilt, condemnation and shame. I renounce just going through the motions of being “good”. Today I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me the desire to love God and love my neighbor as myself. Amen.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #5 – Free from the power of sin!

By Steve Anderson.

Stop #1: God’s grace rules! (Rom. 5:18-21)

Stop #2: Sin’s power is broken! (Rom. 6:1-23)

- Baptism is a sign that we join Jesus in his death and resurrection.

- In Jesus Christ, we are free to do what is right!

Baptism Prayer for the road trip:

Lord Jesus, today I remember my baptism. Thank you that my baptism is a sign that I join you in your death and resurrection, setting me free from the power of sin, and empowering me to live a new life that brings glory to the Father. Amen.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans: #4 – Faith in Jesus Brings Joy!

By Steve Anderson.

Stop #1: It’s not about being good; it’s about faith in Jesus! (Rom. 4:13-25)

Stop #2: Faith in Jesus brings joy! (Rom. 5:1-11)

• Peace with God brings joy!

• Problems and trials can’t squelch joy!

• Being friends of God through Jesus brings joy!

Stop #3: We can avoid Adam’s disaster and enjoy Jesus’ rescue! (Rom. 5:12-17)

• Adam’s disaster: Sin, Guilt, Death, Death rules

• Jesus’ rescue: Wonderful grace, Gift of forgiveness, Right with God, Triumph over

death

Road trip questions:

• Do I have faith in Jesus Christ?

• Can I see how God is using problems and trials to strengthen my faith?

• Do I need a new story?

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans #3 – Jesus Saves!

By Jesse Hurkes.

Rom. 3:19-20 “Stopping Points”:- Breaking The Law

Rom. 3:21-23 “Stopping Points”:- Making It Right

Rom. 3:27-28 “Stopping Points”:- No Boasting

Rom. 4:1-3 “Stopping Points”:- Heritage and Works???

Rom. 4:4-5 “Stopping Points”:- Receive

Road trip map for this week:

-Take advantage of the Romans Daily Devotionals

- Process through this question: Do I rely on my heritage and works for my righteousness or my faith in God’s grace?

- Think about what you need to receive from God.

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans #2 – Sin Backfires!

By Steve Anderson.

Rom. 2:5-16 “Stopping Points”:- God judges sin

Rom. 2:17-28 “Stopping Points”:- What's needed is a changed heart

Rom. 3:1-8 “Stopping Points”:- God is faithful and true

Rom. 3:9-18 “Stopping Points”:- All people are under the power of sin

Road trip map for this week:

- Enjoy the daily devotionals.

- Start each day saying: “Jesus Christ is my Cornerstone!”

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone – Romans #1 - Good News & Bad News!

By Steve Anderson

Rom. 1:1-6 “Stopping Points”:

- Chosen (Acts 9:1-18), Good News, Called to belong to Jesus Christ

Rom. 1:8-16 “Stopping Points”:

- Mutual encouragement, The Good News

Rom. 1:18-32 “Stopping Points”:

- Truth, Worship, God abandoned them

Rom. 2:1-4 “Stopping Points”:

- Condemnation and judgment, God’s patience

Road trip map for this week:

- Enjoy the daily devotionals.

- Start each day saying: “Jesus Christ is my Cornerstone!”

We Enjoy God’s Design! #4 – God’s Design for Families

By Steve Anderson.

Family is not an important thing. It’s everything!

For Jesus family is not about blood; family is about mission! (Mark 3:31-35)

Not family or mission, not family and mission, but family on mission!

The one true God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is on mission! (Gen. 12:1-3)

Next Steps:

• Pray daily for people in your God-given network using the “Family on Mission Prayer”.

• Participate in “Fire Nights” and 24/7 Prayer.

• Receive prayer for God’s power for your family to be on mission.

Family on Mission Prayer:

Jesus, we renounce the goal of our family is to be safe and successful. We affirm your goal

for our family of being on mission with you. Hear us as we pray for the people you’ve given

us in our network… Amen.

We Enjoy God’s Design! #3 – God’s Design for Fathers

By Steve Anderson.

How do you learn to be a father?

There is only one prefect father – God the Father!

Fathers use words to powerfully affirm their children. (Mt. 3:16-17)

Fathers discipline wisely. (Eph. 6:11; Col. 3:21)

Fathers set the tone for the family. (Joshua 24:15)

Next Steps:

1. Pray the “Prayer for Fathers” this week.

2. Contact Pastor Luke to find out where you can plug in.

3. Come forward and receive a prayer of blessing on you as a father.

A Father’s Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting me with children. Thank you that your Spirit will

help me use my words to powerfully affirm my children, discipline wisely, and set the

spiritual tone for my family to bring you honor and praise. Amen.

By Carla Johnson.

We Enjoy God’s Design!

By Steve Anderson.

God’s design is good and gives life! (Deut. 4:39-40; 11:26; Rom. 12:1-2)

Culture’s design is always drifting. (Deut. 17:18-20; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Self-design leads to confusion.

The church invites all people to learn to enjoy God’s design! (Heb. 13:4; Mk. 10:45; Jn.

10:10)

Daily Prayer:

In Jesus’ name I renounce the drifting designs of culture. I renounce self-design that leads

to confusion. I affirm God’s design which is good and leads to life! Amen.

We Follow the Risen Lord! #4 – We Move from Doubt to Belief!

By Steve Anderson.

Why do we have doubts?

Thomas has strong doubts. (John 20:24-25)

Jesus addresses Thomas’ doubts. (John 20:26-27)

Thomas moves from doubt to belief! (John 20:28)

Jesus encourages our faith! (John 20:20:29)

The Bible’s was written to lead us to believe in Jesus Christ. (John 20:30-31)

Next Steps:

• Be honest with Jesus about your doubts. (Psalm 42)

• Are you living in “the eight days”?

• How has Jesus given you what you need to believe in him?

With the Anchor of Faith we move from FEAR to PEACE.

By Mark Tracy.

Paul’s encouragement is this, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of

power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7)

Pefect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

If Prayer is the key to heaven, Faith unlocks the door.

We are people of the Prince of Peace, filled with the Holy Spirit!

Joining Cornerstone is not membership, it is partnering!

We Follow the Risen Lord! #2 – We Move from Confusion to Faith!

By Steve Anderson.

Confusion is like an earthquake.

Confusion can blind us from seeing God at work. (John 20:11-15)

When Jesus says our name confusion evaporates and faith emerges. (Jn. 20:16-17; Isa.

43:1; Lk. 19:5)

We naturally become a witness to the risen Lord Jesus Christ! (John 20:18)

Don’t wait to move out of confusion into faith until all your questions are answered. The

risen Lord Jesus Christ is calling your name!

Next Steps:

• Jesus, I need to hear you call me by name.

• Jesus, I need new “faith glasses”. (Ps. 107:43)

• Jesus, I’ll share my story!

We Follow the Risen Lord! #1 – We Move from Grief into Hope!

By Steve Anderson.

When we follow the risen Christ we move from empty to full – we move from grief to hope!

The empty tomb brought Mary grief and confusion. (John 20:1-2)

News of the empty tomb propelled Peter into a desperate search. (John 20:3-7)

The empty tomb brought John confident hope! (John 20:8-10)

Who are you: Mary, Peter, or John? (1 Peter 1:21)

Next Steps:

• Tell Jesus where you’re empty and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit.

• Commit to “Resurrection Thinking”!

We Live the Story That Matters Most! #5 – Restoration!

By Steve Anderson.

What do you look forward to?

We’re all waiting for restoration! (Rom. 8:18-25)

This is not flipping a house, this is a complete restoration of all things!

Jesus begins the great restoration! (Luke 4:14-21; 1 Cor. 15:23)

The church is in the restoration business!

God’s restoration described. (Rev. 21:1-8)

Grief is our longing for restoration. (2 Cor. 5:1-5)

Maranatha! (1 Cor. 16:22)

Prayer of Restoration:

One true God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We long for the new heaven and new earth. We

long for a place where there will be no death, sorrow, crying or pain. We long for new

resurrection bodies. Thank you, Jesus, that you are coming to restore all things! Amen

We Live the Story That Matters Most! – Pray for Ukraine!

By Steve Anderson & Rick Post.

We Live the Story That Matters Most! #4 – Redemption!

By Steve Anderson.

Is there any hope?

The Bible is full of redemption stories!

Jesus came to redeem us! (Mk. 10:45; 1 Tim. 2:5-6)

Real redemption begins with God.

- God created us to be with him.

- Our sins separate us from God.

- Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.

- Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.

- Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.

- Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever!

I am being redeemed by Jesus! (1 Peter 1:18-20; 2:9-10)

Redemption Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I place my trust in you alone. I confess my sins and believe you sacrificed

your sinless life to pay my sin price. Thank you for setting me free from the power of sin,

death, and the devil! Thank you for redeeming me! Amen.

We Live the Story That Matters Most! #3 – The Fall!

By Steve Anderson.

What’s the problem? The problem is “The Fall”

“Did God really say…?” (Gen. 3:1)

The lie that judgment will be replaced by reward. (Gen. 3::2-5)

The choice to rebel. (Gen. 3::6)

Rebellion has consequences. (Gen. 3::7-24)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Rom. 3:23)

Prayer of Repentance:

One true God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I confess I have rebelled against you. I have

chosen my own way rather than yours. I now chose to turn around and come back to you,

committing to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Amen.

Affirming God’s Story:

I am created by God. I have rebelled. I am being redeemed by Jesus. I look forward to

the great restoration.

We Live the Story That Matters Most! #2 – Creation!

By Steve Anderson.

The Battle of Creation Stories (Gen. 11:31-12:3)

Creation means all human beings are of high worth and value. (Gen. 1:27, 31; Ps. 8:3-8)

Creation means we are stewards of what God has created. (Gen. 1:28-30)

Creation means we are capable of creating!

Question: What are you creating? (Eph. 4:29; 2 Cor. 13:10)

Prayer:

One true God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you for creating me in your own image

and calling me “very good”! Empower me through your Spirit to create good things with my

life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affirming God’s Story:

I am created by God. I have rebelled. I am being redeemed by Jesus. I look forward to

the great restoration.

We Live the Story That Matters Most! #1

By Steve Anderson.

We all live in a story that guides and shapes our lives.

God calls us to find our story in His story!

Jesus told stories to get us to think about our story. (Mt. 13:34-35)

Jesus’ story about seeds and soil. (Mt. 13:1-23)

Jesus’ story about the greatest treasure. (Mt. 13:44-46)

God’s story:

- Chapter 1 – Creation

- Chapter 2 – The Fall

- Chapter 3 – Redemption

- Chapter 4 - Restoration

Affirming God’s Story:

I am created by God. I have rebelled. I am being redeemed by Jesus. I look forward to

the great restoration.

We Engage God in Worship: #7 – What do we give and why do we give?

By Steve Anderson.

Worship is about giving! (2 Sam. 24)

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

(Jesus – Mt. 6:21)

True worship removes our fear and selfishness, and frees us to become generous.

Earn more. Save more. Give more. (John Wesley)

We give from thankful hearts to invest in God’s work in this world!

Prayer of Commitment:

One true God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – I renounce the old way of feeling pressured or

manipulated into giving to you. From now on I affirm that I give as an act of worship,

thankful for all you’ve done for me, and glad to be part of your work in this world. Amen.

We Engage God in Worship: #6 – What do our bodies have to do with worship?

By Steve Anderson.

What do our bodies have to do with worship? (Rom. 12:1)

A window into Old Testament worship. (Nehemiah 8:1-12)

A window into New Testament worship. (1 Tim. 2:8)

We all need to go back to the Bible’s “worship school”.

We Engage God in Worship: #5 – Why Do We Sing?

By Steve Anderson.

God’s people singing in worship: Ex. 15:1-21; 2 Sam. 6:5; 1 Chron. 25:2-8; 2 Chron. 7:6;

2 Chron. 20:21; Ps. 21:13; Ps. 69:29-30; Ps. 96:1; Ps. 100:2; Isa. 51:11; Lk.. 1:46-55; Col.

3:16; Eph. 5:18-20; Rev. 5:9-14; Rev. 15:3-4

When we sing in worship we use the breath God has given us to pray, praise and thank him!

We do not worship songs. We sing to worship God!

When we sing, God’s truth moves from our head to our heart.

Song leaders and musicians are not performing songs for us, they lead us in singing

to help us engage God.

Prayer for Worship Services:

One True God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: I renounce coming to worship to be passive or

entertained. I affirm I am here to participate. And when I sing in worship, I sing for you. I

sing to praise and thank you. Amen.

We Engage God in Worship: #4 – What Happens When We Worship?

By Steve Anderson.

When we engage God in worship we get put in our place, because we put God in his place.

Jesus helps us find our place. (Mark 10:13-16)

Childish faith tries to use God. Child-like faith lets God be God.

One man’s worship struggle to keep God in his rightful place. (Job 1:21; 2:9-10; 3:1; 38:1;

42:1-6)

Worship changes us from demanding brats to thankful children!

Something else is happening worship that you cannot see: Spiritual warfare. (Eph. 6:10-18)

Next Step Question: Are you letting God be God?

Daily Prayer:

One True God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: I renounce trying to take your place. I affirm

that you are God. Thank you for helping me find my place as one of your kids through Jesus

Christ. I trust you. Amen.

By  Mark Tracy.

We Engage God in Worship: #2 – What Do We Expect?

By Steve Anderson.

What do you expect when you attend a worship service?

When you come to worship expect to experience the presence of God.

(Isaiah 6:1-8)

Expect to “see” God. (Isaiah 6:1-4)

Expect to “see” yourself. (Isaiah 6:5; Rom. 12:3)

Expect to God to forgive! (Isaiah 6:5-7; Rom. 3:25)

Expect to be called! (Isaiah 6:5-8; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

Expect God to reveal himself to you. (Jer. 29:13; James 4:8)

We Engage God in Worship: #2 – What Do We Expect?

True God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: I renounce worship that focuses only on my

comfort. I affirm I to come worship to be in your presence, receive your forgiveness, and

respond to your call to follow Jesus. I come to meet with you. Amen.

We Engage God in Worship: #1 – Who is Worship About?

By Steve Anderson.

Who is worship about?

Just like Jesus, we are tempted to misuse worship. (Mt. 4:1-11)

Engaging God in worship gets us into the one story that matters – God’s story! (Gen. 1:1)

We worship our anchor. (Heb. 6:18-19)

No worship; no power. Know worship; know power. (Mt. 16:16)

Worship is letting out the clutch and engaging the presence of God.

Daily Prayer:

True God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: I renounce worship that is all about me and using

you to write my story. I affirm the truth that worship is all about you. You are my Creator

and Redeemer. I want to find my place in your story. You are the anchor for my life. Amen.

A NEW KIND OF RESOLUTION: Do the work of Christmas!

By Mark Tracy.

Jesus gave his disciples a prescription on how they could be happy/blessed. (Mat. 5:1-11)

We must know Christ as savior before we know him as teacher. (Mat. 5:1-2)

James 4:8 says we should come close to God.

Jesus gives the gift of happiness and places it within the vessel of an open heart.

In 2023, resolve to do the work of Christmas!

Next Step – New Year Prayer:

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You that You desire to spend time with me. Your Word says if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me — and I want to be near to You.  In 2023, I ask that You give me a strong desire to draw near to You above everything else.  Amen! (James 4:8)

Four Kinds of Christmas: Which Are You?

#4 – A Stable Christmas (Lk. 2:6-7)

By Steve Anderson.

How do you know if someone loves you?

When someone loves you they bear the cost to draw near! (Phil. 2:6-8)

When someone loves you they show up! (John 1:14)

Hailey’s Story

Daily Prayer:

Father God, we renounce the lie that you don’t care about us. We affirm the truth you that

in your Son, Jesus Christ, you proved your love for us by showing up in our world. Thank

you for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Amen.

Four Kinds of Christmas: Which Are You?

#3 – Santa Christmas

By Steve Anderson

Santa Christmas Myth #1: Nothing is wrong. Everything is good! (Ezek. 13:10)

The Bible does not pretend that all is well. (Jn. 11:33,35; Rom. 7:15; Mt. 1:20-21; Isa. 9:2)

Santa Christmas Myth #2: If I’m good, my life will turn out good.

The truth: When I follow Jesus, I still live in a sin-broken world. (Rom. 8:22-23,37)

We’re all shepherds. Jesus came anyway. (Luke 2:8-20)

Daily Prayer:

Father God, I renounce the lie that all is well and that I can earn a good life. I affirm the

truth that Jesus came to save me, and through the Holy Spirit give me joy, hope and victory

amidst the challenges of this sin-broken world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Four Kinds of Christmas: Which Are You? Shopper?

By Steve Anderson and special guest, Rick Post.

Four Kinds of Christmas: Which Are You?

By Steve Anderson.

Christmas begins with darkness. (Isa. 9:2)

How do we handle darkness? Scrooge, Shopper, Santa, Stable

Darkness always wins. Get used to it. (Scrooge)

 Thomas (John 11:16; 20:24-25)

 King Herod (Matthew 2:1-23)

How are we like Scrooge?

Scrooges miss out on light and hope! (Jn. 1:4-5)

Daily Prayer:

God our Father, I come to you through Jesus Christ, your Son, the light of the world. I

renounce the lie that darkness wins. I affirm the truth that the light of Christ shines bright

and cannot be extinguished. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so I shine the light of Christ

today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next Steps:

• Take the test at fourkindsofchrismtas.com

• Take a copy of “Four Kind of Christmas” and share it with a friend.

We Enjoy the Truth about God the Father!

#6 – God the Father Forgives!

By Steve Anderson.

I renounce the lie that you, Father God, have condemned me and no longer forgive me.

We assume God’s first impulse is to judge, condemn, and write us off.

We assume God’s forgiveness is conditional.

I choose to believe the truth that You, Father God, have forgiven all my sins and will never

use them against me in the future. (Jer. 31:31-34; Rom. 8:1; Ps. 103:12)

The Story of the Prodigal Father. (Lk. 15:11-32; see 1 John 4:18)

Next Step – Daily Prayer:

I renounce the lie that you, Father God, have condemned me and no longer forgive me. I

choose to believe the truth that You, Father God, have forgiven all my sins and will never use

them against me in the future. (Jer. 31:31-34; Rom. 8:1; Ps. 103:12)

We Enjoy the Truth about God the Father!

#5 – Father God Gives Good Gifts!

By Luke Smith.

Next Step – Daily Prayer:

I renounce the lie that you, Father God, have been mean, cruel, or abusive to me. I choose to believe the truth that Satan is mean, cruel and abusive, but You, Father God, are loving gentle, and protective. (Ps. 18:2; Mt. 11:28-20; Eph. 6:10-18)

We Enjoy the Truth about God the Father!

#4 – God the Father Loves!

By Steve Anderson.

How do you know if someone loves you?

Love is wanting God’s best for a person. (Gen. 1:26-27)

The problem of evil and suffering. (Jn. 10:10)

God the Father is at work to bring restoration to this broken world. (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:10,16)

The Son reveals the Father’s love for you. (Jn. 15:15-17)

See in your own history God the Father’s love for you. (Ps. 107:43)

Next Step – Daily Prayer:

I renounce the lie that you, Father God, have been mean, cruel, or abusive to me. I choose

to believe the truth that Satan is mean, cruel and abusive, but You, Father God, are loving

gentle, and protective. (Ps. 18:2; Mt. 11:28-20; Eph. 6:10-18)

We Enjoy the Truth about God the Father!

#3 – God the Father Parents!

By Steve Anderson.

God the Father parents! (Heb. 12:7-11)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1)

God the Father’s discipline employs the challenges and difficulties of life for our benefit and

God’s glory. (Rom. 8:28)

God as Judge vs. God as Mentor

Problems and trials = Discipline (Rom. 5:3-5)

• Develop endurance

• Develop strength of character

• Confident hope of salvation

• Dearly loved by God

Next Step – Daily Prayer:

I renounce the lie that you, Father God, are impatient or angry with me, or have rejected me.

I choose to believe the truth that You, Father God, are patient and slow to anger, and that

when you discipline me, it is proof of your love, and not rejection. (Ex. 34:6; Rom. 2:4; Heb.

12:5-11)

We Enjoy the Truth about God the Father!

#2 – God the Father Cares!

By Steve Anderson.

The Son reveals the Father to us:

- The Son sets a man free! (Lk. 4:31-36)

- The Son heals a leper. (Lk. 5:12-16)

- The Son heals a deformed hand. (Lk. 6:6-11)

- The Son gives a widow back her son. (Lk. 7:11-17)

- The Son prays for Peter’s protection. (Lk. 22:31-32)

The Son reveals a Father who knows you, and is kind and compassionate.

As the Son reveals a Father to us, we join the Son in revealing the Father to the world.

Next Step – Daily Prayer:

I renounce the lie that You, Father God, are insensitive and don’t know me or care for me. I

choose to believe the truth that You, Father God, are kind and compassionate and know

every single thing about me. (Psa. 103:8-14; Psalm 23; Ps. 139:1- 18)

We Enjoy the Truth about God the Father!

#1 – God is our Father!

By Steve Anderson

Jesus changes everything by connecting us to God as Father. (Lk. 11:1-2; 1 Jn. 5:1)

Jesus’ identity becomes our identity! (Mark 1:9-11; 1 Jn. 3:1)

Who we are is shaped by our understanding of God. (Eph. 1:3-8)

We renounce the lie and affirm what is true!

Next Step – Daily Prayer:

I renounce the lie that You, Father God, are distant and uninterested in me.

I choose to believe the truth that You, Father God, are always personally present with me,

have plans to give me a hope and a future, and have prepared works in advance specifically

for me to do. (Ps. 139:1-18; Mt. 28:20; Jer. 29:11; Eph. 2:10)

We are a church that blesses people!

We share Jesus with people!

By Carla Johnson

• Who is  ___________.

• This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person! The old _________ has gone. A new _____  has begun!”   (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• I knew I was  ___________.

•   __________ is part of my life rhythm.

• How lovely are the feet of those who bring ____________    (Romans 10:15)

• The ___________  is plentiful!  (Matthew 9:37)

NEXT STEPS:

• Pray to accept Jesus into your heart.

• Get Baptized.

• Tell someone about Jesus.

We are a church that blesses people!

We Bless People by Listening to their Stories!

By Mark Tracy.

• When it comes to building relationships there are two principles that go together:  ________________ and ________________.

• Anytime you demonstrate a willingness to listen and give the gift of understanding, you  earn the right to have it _______________.

• Ben Sternke says we should think of the GOSPEL like a big house with lots of __________.

• In John, Chapter 4, Jesus HAD to go thru Samaria.  Why is that? ____________________________________________________________