A Divine appointment When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” John 4:7 GOD’S GREAT GIFT Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10 Human doubt GRACE: The gift that transforms! Receiving the gift of Grace 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:25-26 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see...” John 4:28-30 [Jesus] left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. John 4:1-6 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8 Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him GRACE: The gift that must be passed on 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” John 4:39 were later to receive. John 7:37-39 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” John 4:11-12 “...believe me...a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4:21-23

Ines Franklin

The Gift of Grace

Does God need a name? Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. Joshua 24:2 Not all “gods” are the same For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God... 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 What is his name? Moses said to God, “Suppose…they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” Exodus 3:13 I AM or I will be = ehyeh God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 HE IS = YHWH, Tetragrammaton translated in English as “LORD” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” Exodus 3:15 YHWH + Jireh (Will Provide), Rapha (Heals You), y Nissi (Is My Banner) Other names in Hebrew: Elohim (God), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master, Sovereign), El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Olam (The Everlasting God), El Qanna (Jealous God); in Greek: Logos (Word of God), Alpha and Omega (The First and the Last). It’s His identity and His character Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Genesis 34:5-7 The name that saves Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Joel 2:32 Jesus, the physical embodiment of YHWH himself “A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 “I have made you [your name] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26 Jesus = Yeshua, the Lord saves Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Jesus is the Lord God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” Matthew 6:9 How to respond to God’s name? Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Genesis 34:8 

God Has a Name

THE VERY BEST GIFT Luke 2:22-40 God’s very best gift ...the grace of God was on him... Luke 2:40 forgiveness of sins This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This 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 4:9-10 eternal life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Embrace the unexpected Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Looking at the New Year quite differently People who believed God’s promises: Joseph and Mary: obedience immediate self-gratification vs. trusting in the Lord Simeon: faithful expectation ...was righteous and devout...was waiting...and the Holy Spirit was on him...revealed to him by the Holy Spirit...moved by the Spirit, he went...took him in his arms and praised God... Luke 2:25-28 anticipating salvation Sovereign Lord...”my eyes have seen your salvation....” Luke 2:29 accepting division “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many...” Luke 2:34 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24 Anna: belief in the Lord a prophet...never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying Luke 2:36-37 grateful for redemption ...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 

The Very Best Gift

Obsessed with shiny stuff, deep thirst revealed As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1 The unexpected reality of Christmas: 1. God’s glory revealed An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… Luke 2:9 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 2. To the weak and powerless And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8 • Outsiders, poor, despised, low-class, outcasts …they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Luke 2:9-10a God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 3. It’s Good News! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 4. Through a child This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing…being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Responding to the unexpected Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 Curiosity When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15 Praise The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 Christmas shines: Lord, I need you! All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 

Unexpected

I love you thiiiiiiiis much! God’s favor, name by name Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The greatest birth announcement ever! The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33 Promised long ago “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 A child like no other For to us a child is born …he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 God’s love on display “For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 • Grace-bestowed charitoo = to grace, highly honor or greatly favor In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6 • Beyond measure …neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither 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 • Among us This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:10 Love overcomes all fear “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18 

Favored

When waiting gets old Promise made “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God… A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. …the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:1,3-5 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me…” Malachi 3:1 What are you hoping for? Promise fulfilled Luke 1:5-24 Chose Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. …he was chosen by lot… Luke 1:6-7, 9 Prayer heard But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. Luke 1:13 Joy and delight He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord …he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:14-16 Choose your response Luke 1:18-25 Zechariah, doubt: “How can I be sure of this? Elizabeth, gratitude: “The Lord has done this for me...” Prepare to be surprised God’s timing is perfect “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 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 3:8-9 God is your strength “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

Anticipation

Our last sane moment… Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 The enemy of gratitude The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 • Is God good? “Did God really say…?” Genesis 3:1 • Is God truthful? “You will not certainly die.” Genesis 3:4 • Is God powerful? “you will be like God” Genesis 3:5 Ingratitude = failure or refusal to acknowledge receipt of something good from another The result of ingratitude At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. … So they hid from the LORD God… Genesis 3:7-8 NLT For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16 A good thanksgiving, for all your days Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Gratitude protects your heart 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves…clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts…And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15 “I don’t need it.” I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:11 The joy of gratitude Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 

Thanksliving

David’s heart ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22 David’s last words: When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 1 Kings 2:1 • Be strong “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man…” 1 Kings 2:2 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you….” 1 Chronicles 28:20 I need You Lord…Lord, I need You Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 Immanuel, God with you “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me…the Spirit of truth. …he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:1, 15-17 • Commit wholeheartedly “…learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you…” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NLT Shalom: peace, whole, nothing missing, nothing broken • Commit wholeheartedly, Continued… Good, good Father You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you... Psalm 63:1 I love you Lord, and I lift my voice… “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 • Walk in obedience “... and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations...” 1 Kings 2:3 Search me, O God Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me…. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10,12 NLT What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus! “…As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” John 13:34-36 God’s heart “…Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” 1 kings 2:3 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Wholehearted Devotion

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." –Confucius After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.”2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men… 1 Samuel 24:1-2 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me – God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. Psalm 57:2-3 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Psalm 142:6 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” 1 Samuel 24:3-4a Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 24a-6 38 …“you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel…so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them…and will be consecrated to your God.’” Numbers 15:38-40 tzitzit Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear. Deuteronomy 22:12 “This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you… 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.” 1 Samuel 24:10, 13 “May the LORD be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.” 1 Samuel 24:15 Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. …22 LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Psalm 35:1-3,22-23 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me.” 1 Samuel 24:17-18 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today.” 1 Samuel 24:16-19 What story do you want to tell? 

Swing Not

…the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart… 1 Samuel 13:14 God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do. Acts 13:22 NLT Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 לֵבָב > ♥ Hebrew lebab = the inner center of thought, will, emotion, passion (courage) and spirit – INNER BEIGN~ Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. 1 Samuel 17:1-3 PHOTO: Valley of Elah A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him. …For forty days, the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. 1 Samuel 4-7,16 PHOTO: Andre the Giant PHOTO: Robert Wadlow PHOTO: David and Goliath illustration Awesome physical stature maturity, battle experience over 200 lbs. of metal armor, bronze javelin, spear with a massive iron point Jesse had eight sons… David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 1 Samuel 17:12-15 Youth, good looks shepherd skills, experience in killing wild beasts a wooden staff, five smooth stones, a sling Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 17:17-19 “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 1 Samuel 17:43-44 What is battle you are fighting at this time? “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45 This very day… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes. Deuteronomy 1:30 David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 1 Samuel 17:50 Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 NLT God sees God loves God fi

The Warrior Heart

Jesus + nothing = everything! For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT I am called to live in freedom. We are brothers and sisters. Use your freedom to serve! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17 …let the Holy Spirit guide your lives… The desires of the sinful nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Galatians 5:19-21 “20 “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25a But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 PHOTO: tethered elephant 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Romans 7:13-15 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 A slave cannot rescue a slave. Our freedom is to bring freedom to others. 

Nailed It!

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! Galatians 5:12 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. Galatians 5:13a kαλέω kaléō = call, name, direct, summon, invite, appoint What does it mean to “be called?” Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to his summons and service. -Os Guinness, The Call קָרָא qara = call, shout, summon, to name, announce, appoint But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 God’s call changes everything! The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3 “At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’” Luke 14:17 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel. Galatians 1:6 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.” 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. Luke 14:16, 23 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Galatians 3:14 3 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

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For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13a NLT adelphós = brethren, siblings, brothers and sisters 22 “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you…” Matthew 5:22-23 12…to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:15 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 NLT 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13:1 

Welcome To The Table

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. John 11:17-20 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:21-24 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-27 28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. John 11:28-30 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:31-32 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. John 11:33-34 Jesus wept. John 11:35 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” John 11:36-37   Jesus wept. John 11:35 The sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:3 “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick…” John 11:5-6 “…he stayed where he was two more days” John 11:6 “Let’s also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16 “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21 and 32 Your brother will rise again.” “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 “Where have you laid him?” John 11:34 Jesus wept. John 11:35 “See how much he loved him.” John 11:36 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” John 11:37 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8 Jesus wept. John 11:35 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our 

The Unlikely Way

Why would God want me? Am I where God wants me to be? Where am I going? What’s next? Why is it taking so long? Am I on a detour? Did I get lost or miss a turn? What am I supposed to do? As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 “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. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 “love covers over a multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6 So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. …Be devoted to one another in love… Romans 12:5, 10 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 

Finish Well

Ines Franklin is passionate about teaching God's word and helping Christians mature in their faith. Here you'll find recordings of her sermons at Mariners Church and lessons for www.trochia.org. She shares vulnerably from her own life journey to emphasize the importance of strengthening our relationship with Jesus and trusting the Bible as our compass for life.

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Ines Franklin

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