1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Main Idea: Righteous worship is God-centered worship, not self-centered.

Sermon Outline:

I. The Principle of God-Centered Worship (6:1)

II. Three Examples of God-Centered Worship (6:2-18)
a) God-Centered Giving
b) God-Centered Prayer
c) God-Centered Fasting

Spiritual Growth Questions for March 15, 2020

1. Read Matthew 6:1-18 as a group and discuss your initial impressions of the text as a
whole.

2. Briefly skim through Matthew 5. There, Jesus spoke about true righteousness with
respect to the way we live and relate to others. In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus turns now to the
righteousness that his disciples are to display in their religious/worship practices. How
does righteous behavior go hand-in-hand with righteous worship?

3. The idea of “reward” comes up several times in this passage. What reward is gained from
people? How does that reward compare to the reward to be gained from God the Father?
Is this promise of a reward from the Father an unworthy or worthy motive for Christian
discipleship?

4. Look at vv. 2-4. What great danger does Jesus alert us to when giving to the needy as a
ministry endeavor? How does Jesus instruct his disciples to avoid this? How does this
apply to you/your group?

5. Look at vv. 5-6. Why does the hypocrite pray? How does Jesus instruct his disciples to
avoid falling into the same trap? How does this apply in your own private prayer life?

6. Look at vv. 7-15. The distinctive thing about Christian prayer is the nature of the God we
address. What does the Lord’s Prayer tell us about God? How are these aspects reflected
in your own prayers and do they have any impact on the way you worship?

7. Look at vv. 16-18. Fasting is not a popular pastime these days. And yet, the fact that
Jesus says “And when you fast” implies that he expects that his disciples will do so.
Discuss reasons for commending the practice.

March 08, 2020

John Lloyd - Transformation: Becoming More Like Jesus

March 08, 2020/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Transformation: Becoming More Like Jesus

March 8, 2020

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices, and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. The journey of becoming like Jesus begins by thinking like Jesus. When we start thinking like Jesus, we are well on our way to becoming like Jesus. Today, we will look at the transformation of moving the CORE beliefs, practices and virtues from head to heart in order to bless others and glorify God, as Jesus would desire for us to do.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memory Verse: John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Key Question: How do we get a belief from the head to the heart?

Key Idea: Jesus transforms us as we yield and remain vitally connected to Him. Inside belief produces outside fruit and service.

I. Embrace the revelation by faith that you _____________ to God.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

2 Peter 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

“Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.” John Stott

I belong to God! I want to live and become more like Jesus.

II. Active faith produces beautiful ________________.

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. Galatians 4:19, 2 Peter 3:18

Read the following questions and ask God to show you one to work on during this season.

1. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I sacrificially and unconditionally loved and forgave others? (Love)

2. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I had inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances? (Joy)

3. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I was free from anxiety because things are right with God, others, and myself? (Peace)

4. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I took a long time to overheat and endured patiently under life’s pressures? (Patience)

5. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I chose to do the right things in my relationships with others? (Kindness)

6. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I established a good name with God and others, based on my long-term loyalty in those relationships? (Faithfulness)

7. How would my life improve and my relationships relationships be strengthened if I was thoughtful, calm, and considerate in my dealings with others? (Gentleness)

8. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I had the power through Christ to control myself? (Self-Control)

9. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I coped with the hardships of life and faced with courage the prospect of death through the hope I have in Jesus Christ? (Hope)

10. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I chose to esteem others above myself? (Humility) Frazee, Randy.

Inside belief produces outside fruit!

III. Active faith produces _____________ and _________________.

2 Peter 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

· Transformation continues by staying connected to Jesus.

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

· Transformation grows us and impacts others.

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

· Transformation grows exponentially by serving.

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When an entire community of believers is unified and takes on this mind-set of Christ, not only is an ideal place created where we belong, but a revolution is also created, drawing others to long to belong as well. The individual revolution of becoming creates the communal revolution of belonging within the church. Your personal Think, Act, Be Revolution begins when you “long” to “be” like Jesus, because you belong to Jesus. Frazee, Randy. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus.

Belong, Grow and Serve! Think, Act and Be like Jesus!

Inside belief produces outside fruit and service.

Spiritual Growth Questions for March 8, 2020

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

A. Read through the following statements and ask God to show you one that he wants you to focus on? Share your choice and why?

1. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I sacrificially and unconditionally loved and forgave others? (Love)

2. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I had inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances? (Joy)

3. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I was free from anxiety because things are right with God, others, and myself? (Peace)

4. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I took a long time to overheat and endured patiently under life’s pressures? (Patience)

5. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I chose to do the right things in my relationships with others? (Kindness/Goodness)

6. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I established a good name with God and others, based on my long-term loyalty in those relationships? (Faithfulness)

7. How would my life improve and my relationships relationships be strengthened if I was thoughtful, calm, and considerate in my dealings with others? (Gentleness)

8. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I had the power through Christ to control myself? (Self-Control)

9. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I coped with the hardships of life and faced with courage the prospect of death through the hope I have in Jesus Christ? (Hope)

10. How would my life improve and my relationships be strengthened if I chose to esteem others above myself? (Humility)

Frazee, Randy. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus (p. 243). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

B. Read 2 Peter 1:3-11 two times. Go verse by verse and write down truths from each verse. What stands out to you.

C. Read John 15:1-17 two times. Go verse by verse and write down truths from each verse. What stands out to you.

D. Read Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. Think of these three truths: Belonging to a community of believers, Growing in our walk with God and others and Serving within that community and outside of it. Discuss together how these three aspects truly bring transformation to our lives and build up the body of Christ.

Memory Verse: John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

March 01, 2020

John Lloyd - Humility: What does it mean to value others before myself?

March 01, 2020/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Humility: What does it mean to value others before myself?

March 1, 2020

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices, and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. The journey of becoming like Jesus begins by thinking like Jesus. When we start thinking like Jesus, we are well on our way to becoming like Jesus. Today, we will consider the crown virtue of humility. Humility births and empowers all of the other virtues. Humility adds value to everything it touches.

Virtues covered so far: Love, joy, peace, self-control, hope, patience, goodness/kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and today humility.

Philippians 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Memory Verses: Philippians 2:2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Key Question: What does it mean to value others before myself?

Key Idea: I choose to esteem others above myself.

More than any other single way the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the discipline of service. Humility, as we all know, is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. The more we pursue it the more distant it becomes. To think we have it is sure evidence that we don’t. Therefore, most of us assume there is nothing we can do to gain this prized Christian virtue so we do nothing. Of all the classic spiritual disciplines, service is the most conducive to the growth of humility. Richard Foster

I. Humility begins by surrendering to the greatest ________________.

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

As our world becomes more self-absorbed, humility will not only be one of the most attractive and refreshing virtues to a searching and hurting world, but also a great blessing to our own lives in offering our hearts daily to the Lord, as we exalt him and him alone. Randy Frazee

Philippians 2:7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Matthew 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 18:3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Humbly calling on Jesus births true humility in our soul.

II. Humility sees and serves _____________.

I Samuel 12:24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. Ps.100:2

A proud man is always looking down on things and people, and as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you. Lewis

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others

John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Jesus desires to make his followers servants.

III. Humility is our greatest protection against the virus of ____________.

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

“Nothing sets a Christian out of the devil’s reach like humility” Jonathan Edwards

I Peter 5:5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. (I Pet. 5:8)

Think of humility as the modesty of the heart. For the Christian, humility means life is not “all about me” but rather all about God and others. Randy Frazee

· Humility brings a secure knowledge of identity in Christ.

· Humility brings a freedom to elevate and to esteem others.

· Humility redirects our relationships to be about the well-being of others.

· Humility brings a deep sense of caring for the people in our circles.

· Humility brings a desire to reflect Christ in all things.

Philippians 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The ultimate humility is when we place our heart in the constant position of putting God’s glory first and seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

One of the most amazing pieces of evidence that we are becoming more and more like Jesus is the virtue of humility. Believers do not lift others up because they think lowly of themselves. No, they are able to esteem others above themselves because they have accepted the high esteem they have found through faith in Christ. Because we are freed from the struggle to prove we are somebody special, we can humble ourselves and look instead to build up others. When we do, it signals God’s presence within us. Look to the supreme example of Jesus. Randy Frazee

Walking in humility adds value and life to everything it touches!

Spiritual Growth Questions for March 1, 2020

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Use a scale of 1 – 6 to rate how fully your life demonstrates the statements below: (1 = does not demonstrate at all, 6 = demonstrates fully).

____ As a child of God, I do not think too highly or too lowly of myself.

____ I am not known as a person who brags.

____ I am willing to make any of my faults known to Christians who care for

me.

____ I am not upset when my achievements are not recognized.

1. Read Matthew 5:1-12 two times. What verse stands out to you? What is the difference between what Jesus calls “blessed” and what the world refers to as “success?”

2. Read Luke 9:46-48 & Mark 10:35-45. In the kingdom of God, Jesus said the last shall be first and the first shall be last. What does this mean for people who desire positions of power and influence in the community of faith? In what ways does Christlike humility set us apart from the world? Why is it so appealing in our self-absorbed world?

3. Read John 13:1-17. Servant leadership is what Jesus modeled while on earth. What stands out to you from this passage? What is the difference from serving and identifying as a servant of God? What other ways can we demonstrate this principle besides washing someone’s feet?

4. Read Micah 6:6-8. Micah tells us that God requires us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with him. How are these actions related?

5. Read I Peter 5:1-6. How does humility grow us? How can it grow a church? How can it impact a community?

Work on your testimony: In one minute or less, tell about your life before you came to Christ. Share your circumstances, the struggles, and the questions you had. What path were you on before Jesus?

In one minute or less, tell how you came to faith in Christ. Who shared with you? What circumstances surrounded the decision? How did you know this was the right choice?

In one minute or less, tell how Christ has changed you. What differences has he made? How has life changed after crossing the line of faith?

Memory Verses: Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others

February 23, 2020

John Lloyd - Sharing My Faith

February 23, 2020/ Dolores Park Church

Strengthen Your Core Series

Sharing My Faith

February 23, 2020

Pastor John Lloyd

Our physical bodies are made up of several core muscles. If kept in shape through exercise, they will function properly. God’s goal for followers is to make us more like Jesus. This happens when we think like Jesus, CORE beliefs, act like Jesus, CORE practices, and be like Jesus, CORE virtues. We need to exercise our CORE in order to glorify God. The journey of becoming like Jesus begins by thinking like Jesus. When we start thinking like Jesus, we are well on our way to becoming like Jesus. Last week we spoke about the reality of eternity. As it did Jesus, the truth of eternity moves us to share our faith with others. Most people received salvation because someone took the bold step to share the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The impact of sharing is exponential!

Practices covered so far: Worship, Prayer, Bible study, Single-Mindedness, Total Surrender, Biblical Community, Spiritual Gifts,Offering my Time& Giving.

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Memory Verses: Ephesians 6: 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Key Question: How do I share my faith with those who don’t know God?

Key Idea: I share my faith with others to fulfill God’s purposes.

Year in and year out, decade after decade, statistics about how people come to faith in Jesus show a clear majority enter through a person who cares enough to share the gospel story. Relationships have always been, and still are, God’s primary path for bringing people into his kingdom. God has one plan for saving the world: his people — us. Randy Frazee

I. _______ and ____________ what God has done for you through Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” John 10:10, John 17:3

Jesus desires for every person to receive his gift of eternal life.

II. Know that God has us here to _____________________ others.

2 Corinthians 5:18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

After we receive Christ, we may each have different careers to make a living, but we all have the same job description.

Begin with prayer.

Listen with empathy.

Eat together.

Serve sacrificially.

Share our story.

Who has God put in your life to BLESS? How is it going?

III. Believe your salvation story is powerful when you _____________ it!

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

Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Colossians 4:5-6, Acts 1:8

Your Story/Faith/Testimony: John 9:25 One thing I know, I was blind and now I see.

1. In one minute or less, tell about your life before you came to Christ. Share your circumstances, struggles and questions you had. What path were you on before Jesus?

2. In one minute or less, tell how you came to faith in Christ. Who shared with you? What circumstances surrounded the decision? How did you know this was the right choice?

3. In one minute or less, tell how Christ has changed you. What differences has he made? How has life changed after crossing the line of faith?

Assignment: Write out your testimony/faith/story and pray about who you can share it with this week or in the near future.

Ephesians 6: 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

All believers are called to share their faith with others. We have been given the “ministry of reconciliation”; we are God’s “ambassadors” in the world. We are called to share our faith through the way we live our lives. We are to be “salt and light” to the people God has placed in our sphere of influence. The mere beauty of how Christians treat each other is an aroma that draws outsiders to want to know God and be in a relationship with him. We are also called to share our faith through our words. He desires for all people to come into a saving relationship with him. Therefore, we will share our faith with our enemies, people of different races or religions or sometimes even people in our own family. Let’s pray, like Paul, that we “may declare it fearlessly.”

We have been blessed so much! We must share with others!

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 23, 2020

(take one question each day and grow deeper in Bible study)

Use a scale of 1 – 6. Rate how well you are living out the statements below (1 = not living out at all, 6 = living out completely).

_____I frequently share my faith with people who are not Christians.

____ I try to live so that others will see Christ in my life.

____ I know how to share my faith with non-Christians.

____I pray for non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

1. Read Genesis 12:1-4 two times. What stands out to you about this passage? In what ways do you see the world being blessed through God’s people? In other words, how is the church positively affecting the world around it?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 two times. What stands out to you from this passage? Paul says we have been given a ministry of reconciliation. In your opinion, what does that mean?

3. Read Colossians 4:5-6. As ambassadors of Christ, we (the church) represent his character and desires to the world around us. In what ways are we representing him well? In what areas must we improve?

4. Read Psalm 40 once together and once silently. What stands out to you? What was David’s testimony? How did it motivate him to share his story? How could this be helpful for us with our stories?

5. Read Ephesians 6:18-20, Acts 1:8. What stands out to you from Paul’s prayer? What is impeding your ability to openly share your faith in Christ? How can you overcome this obstacle?

Write out your Story/Faith/Testimony: John 9:25 One thing I know, I was blind and now I see.

1. In one minute or less, tell about your life before you came to Christ. Share your circumstances, struggles and questions you had. What path were you on before Jesus? 2. In one minute or less, tell how you came to faith in Christ. Who shared with you? What circumstances surrounded the decision? How did you know this was the right choice? 3. In one minute or less, tell how Christ has changed you. What differences has he made? How has life changed after crossing the line of faith?

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Dolores Park Church