A Church's Path Towards Leading on Racial Reconciliation

Ephesians 2:11-22

1. We must recognize that Jesus came to tear down our dividing walls (vv. 11-15)
2. We must must remember that unity together flows from our peace with God (vv. 16-18)
3. We must celebrate God’s diverse design for His Church (vv. 20-22)

What are unique challenges for African American parents in raising kids today?

Surprising Encouragement for a Messy Church

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

1. We can be confident in our calling.
   1. We've been given a new leader.
   2. We've been given a new family.
   3. We've been given a new identity.
   4. We've been equipped with spiritual gifts to be used.
2. We can be confident in God's eternal faithfulness.

Losing Weight to Run Toward Christ in 2018

Hebrews 12:1-3

1. Be prepared to run well
   1. Be encouraged
   2. Be diligent in shedding excess weight
   3. Be ready to run with endurance
2. Be focused on Jesus

A Savior Is Born

Luke 2:8-14

1. No matter what you are going through, He's been there.
2. No matter who you are, what you have, or what you've done, He loves you. (He came to rescue you)

Unwrapping God's Gift of Love

John 3:16

1. God's perfect gift of love is sacrificial.
2. God's perfect gift of love is big, but also personal.
3. God's perfect gift of love meets our specific needs.

Unwrapping God's Gift of Joy

Isaiah 35

Jesus is God's gift of joy because...

1. He brings salvation.
2. He brings healing and restoration.
3. He will bring us to an everlasting home.

Unwrapping God's Gift of Peace

Colossians 1:19-23

1. Jesus brings peace in the midst of our standoff with God.
2. Jesus brings peace through transforming our relationship and standing with God.
3. Jesus alone brings true peace because He is God.

Unwrapping God's Gift of Hope

1 Peter 1:3-9

1. God's gift of hope in Christ is secure.
2. God's gift of hope in Christ stands in the midst of trials.
3. God's gift of hope in Christ changes our posture.

Living Lives of Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1. Be joyful continuously.
2. Be prayerful unceasingly.
3. Be thankful completely.

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)

Romans 11:33-36

1. Experiencing God authentically reveals He is perfectly incomprehensible.
2. Experiencing God authentically reveals His complete sufficiency.
3. Experiencing God authentically reveals His centrality.
4. Experiencing God authentically leads us to glorify Him with our lives.

Sola Christo (Christ Alone)

Acts 4:7-14

1. No other name brings salvation.
   1. He alone satisfies our greatest need.
   2. He alone is our sufficient savior.
2. No other name changes lives completely.
   1. He alone transforms our fear into boldness.
   2. He alone transforms our hopelessness into hopefulness.

Sola Fide (Faith Alone)

Romans 3:21-31

1. Faith alone is the means, not the source of salvation.
2. Faith alone must be grounded in the work of Christ.
3. Faith alone should breed humility and unity.

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. Apart from grace, we are deeply sinful and without hope. (vv. 1-3)
2. Because of God's grace, we are deeply loved and made new. (vv. 4-9)
3. By God's grace, we are freed to live for Him. (v. 10)

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Why Scripture Alone?

1. Scripture saves (vv. 14-15)
2. Scripture speaks God's perfect words (v. 16)
3. Scripture sanctifies (vv. 16-17)

Walking in Wisdom: In Our Families

Selected Proverbs

1. Spouses: Treasure each other with complete faithfulness (Proverbs 2:16-17; 5:15; 18-21; 18:22)
2. Parents: Remember children are a blessing from the Lord (Proverbs 17:6; Psalm 127:3)
3. Parents: Provide godly instruction BEFORE correction (Proverbs 1:8; 22:6)
4. Parents: Discipline your children as an expression of love (Proverbs 4:10; 13:24; 3:12; 22:15; 29:15)
5. Children: Bring your parents joy by living wisely (Proverbs 10:1; 29:3; 30:17)

The Teacher's Compassion

John 11:28-37

1. Christ is the Teacher, as such He calls you to come to Him and learn from Him in your trials.
2. The Teacher is fully God and fully man so he can help us in our trials.
3. In your trials, come to the Teacher just as you are.

Walking in Wisdom: In the Grey Areas of Life

1 Corinthians 6:11-10:33

1. Will this action build me up or tear me down spiritually? (6:12; 10:23)
2. Will this action evidence my new life in Christ? (6:11, 19-20)
3. Will this action violate my conscience? (10:25-29)
4. Will this action encourage or offend a fellow Christian? (8:7-13; 10:24)
5. Will this action expand or restrict my gospel witness? (9:19-27; 10:32-33)
6. Will this action glorify the Lord? (10:31)

Walking in Wisdom: Through Humble Pursuit

Proverbs 4:1-15

1. Pursue wisdom with a teachable spirit.
2. Pursue wisdom with persevering passion.
3. Pursue wisdom that you may walk in it.