Week 2: Grateful For Grace Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 // 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Write Up: We are God’s handiwork and were created in order to do good works that He planned for us to take part in. These good works are not executed to receive the love of God. These good works are the result of God’s good grace toward us. We should live lives of gratitude because we are loved by God as His beloved creation. Think: I can do nothing to make God love me more. I can do nothing to make God love me less. Feel: I am so grateful for God’s grace in my life that I will gladly take part in His designed plan for my life. Do: I should consider all of the reasons I have to be grateful and make a point of thanking God for it. Discussion Questions: What are some examples of God’s grace in scripture?How can we give our weaknesses to God? Where is a place that you see God’s grace in your life?Can you think of a time where your weakness made you more dependent on God? What has God done in your life that you are grateful for? Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14 // 2 Corinthians 5:17 // Colossians 3:12 If we are in Christ, We are chosen to be a blessing. We are adopted to be a part of the family of God We are redeemed to be free. We are purposed to live on purpose. We are sealed to be faithful. Think: If I am in Christ then I can live into all of these spiritual blessings because they are true of me. Feel: No matter how I feel about myself, the truth is that I am chosen, adopted, redeemed, purposed, and sealed. Do: Stop believing the lies told to you by the evil one and trust in the blessing of God Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Abide In Me: Jesus Is The Vine POINT #1 – THE VINE IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” “God is looking for people through whom he can do the impossible. What a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” A.W. Tozer POINT #2 – THE CHRISTIAN LIFE CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED ON OUR OWN Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. POINT #3 – ABIDING IN CHRIST SHOULD RESULT IN LIVES THAT LOOK LIKE JESUS In order to establish or reestablish connection, there are a few simple ways to respond. Recognize your dependence upon Christ Repent and commit to living in obedienceRepeat daily Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

EVER WONDER WHY?—7 DOES GOD LOVE ME? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV Two Kinds of Love A love that loves because the object is valuable.A love that loves and gives value to the object. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV God’s love makes you worthy. … God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10 NIV When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” Luke 9:54 NIV For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV Think About It Read Romans 5:8. What’s your thought process like when you read about God’s unconditional love for you? Pastor Mike mentioned two kinds of love: a love that loves because the object is valuable, and a love that loves and gives value to the object. What are some differences between these two types of love? When you consider God’s love for you, what thoughts or feelings do you have? If you’re currently struggling with feeling worthy of God’s love, share that with your LifeGroup. How might they be able to support you as you begin accepting God’s love? Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY?—6 WHEN GOD FEELS FAR AWAY I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. ... 11You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:8-9, 11 NLT But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. 14Why, LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? Psalm 88:13-14 NIV WHY DON’T WE ALWAYS FEEL GOD? Maybe you’re oversensationalizing God’s presence. So they asked [Jesus], “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?” John 6:30 NIV If you always felt God, you wouldn’t need faith. Maybe your heart has hardened. … “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. …’” Matthew 13:14-15 NIV Maybe God just wants to draw you closer. “From one man [God] made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:26-27 NIV “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the LORD ... Jeremiah 29:13-14 NIV Just because God feels distant doesn’t mean God is absent. … an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:20-23 NIV I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 NLT Think About It Read Psalm 16:8-9, 11. How can you remember God is always with you, even if you don’t feel His presence? If we always felt God, we wouldn’t need faith. What are some ways you can seek God, regardless of your feelings? Challenges, hard times, and suffering can bring us closer to God. Share a time when you saw God working, even if you didn’t sense His presence. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY?—5 WHY CAN’T I STOP? You’re focusing on the poison of religion and forgetting the power of grace. Religion is our attempt to earn God’s approval by following all the rules. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11 NIV charis: the unmerited goodwill and favor of God The grace that saves you is also the grace that sustains you. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age … Titus 2:11-12 NIV How Does God’s Grace Change Us? The focus of religion is outward. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Matthew 23:25-26 NIV The power of grace is inward. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,. Ephesians 3:16 NIV • Religion says, “Try harder.” • Grace says, “Trust more.” But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 10… For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom. You’re trying to meet a need or relieve a hurt with something besides God’s grace. … But where sin increased, grace increased all the more … Romans 5:20 NIV Think About It What is your thought process like when you’re trying to break a bad habit? How could you focus less on the outward and more on the inward power of grace? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Where might you need to rely on God’s power more than yours? You are only as strong as you are honest. Talk about a habit in your life that you’d like to change. How can your church family support you? This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY?—4 WHY SHOULD I TRUST GOD? Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 NIV How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1-2 NIV How do you grow to trust in a God you can’t see? You question. “We’re closer to God when we’re asking questions than when we think we hold all the answers.” “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Mark 9:22 NIV God would rather you run to Him with your questions than run from Him with your doubts! You pray. “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed,“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 NIV You surrender. Choose to trust God, even when you don’t understand. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Trusting God doesn’t mean you always get what you want. Trusting God means that no matter what happens, you believe that God loves you and is working all things for your good. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV Even though I don’t understand the plan, I trust God has a purpose. TALK IT OVER Read Mark 9:23-24. How often do you take your questions to God in prayer? What might your faith look like if you made this a regular habit? Share about a time when you chose to trust God. What did trust look like, and how did it grow your relationship with Him? Talk about an area of your life where you might be struggling to fully trust God. How can you remember that He has a purpose, even if you don’t understand the plan? This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram If you would like to support our mission, please use this link.(https://tithe.ly/give?c=4877442) EVER WONDER WHY?—3 WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYER? “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14 NIV The purpose of prayer is to know God so we can do His will. WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYER? Maybe you have a broken relationship. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:24-25 NIV “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”Matthew 5:23-24 NIV Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 NIV Maybe you have the wrong motives. Maybe you don’t believe God will do it. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24 NIV … “Your faith has healed you.” … Matthew 9:22 NIV … “Your faith has saved you ...” Luke 7:50 NIV … “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30and their sight was restored. … Matthew 9:29-30 NIV Maybe God has something different. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 NIV TALK IT OVER Read Mark 11:24-25. Think about a time when you learned how your relationships with others can impact your relationship with God. Why do you think God cares about our relationships with others? Share about a time when God didn’t answer a prayer the way you thought He should. What did you learn through that experience? What does it look like to pray so that you can know God better? How will you pray with that purpose in mind this week? This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY?—2 A VOICE FROM HELL Why would a loving God send people to hell? “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” Matthew 5:29 NIV “‘They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire …’” Jeremiah 7:31 NIV Hell exists for God to righteously punish Satan. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10 NIV Hell exists for God to righteously punish evil. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might ... 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 NIV “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.” Luke 16:19-21 NIV “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” Luke 16:22-24 NIV “… ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’” Luke 16:27-28 NIV The rich man was fully conscious and aware. The rich man’s eternity was irrevocably fixed. The rich man knew that his suffering was just. The rich man begged and pleaded for someone to help his brothers. … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …Romans 3:23 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:8-9 NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV TALK IT OVER Read 2 Peter 3:9. How does knowing God doesn’t want anyone to perish impact the way you view Him? One reason hell exists is for God to righteously punish Satan, who is the embodiment of all evil. Talk about any area of your life that the enemy might be trying to steal, kill, or destroy. God is holy and just, which means He must punish sin. How can you find freedom from sin and hope in Jesus today? This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY? WHY DID GOD LET IT HAPPEN? • “If God is not able to prevent evil, then He is feeble. • If God is not willing to prevent evil, then He’s not all good. • If God is both willing and able to prevent evil, then why does evil exist?” Epicurus Christianity makes sense of, gives meaning to, and offers a solution for the evil and suffering we experience. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” 12 This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. 14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishment Psalm 73:11-14 NIV If God is loving, why would He allow suffering? If love is a choice, suffering is a possibility. If there is no God, who decides there’s evil? Why do bad things happen to good people? … “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 NIV So why does God allow suffering? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NLT When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply 17till I entered the sanctuary of God … 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:16-17, 26 NIV TALK IT OVER Read Revelation 21:4. How does knowing that suffering is temporary influence the way you view it? Talk about a Bible story or Scripture that comes to mind when you think about evil and suffering. What can you learn about God from that story? Share about a time when you saw God use a painful part of your story for good. What was that experience like? This podcast is powered by Pinecast.