217church - Audio

The writer of Hebrews is reflecting on the great example we have from all those in the faith who have gone before us. Their faith sets an example to us to have God’s perspective on life by seeing our problems, shifting our focus and then settling on our direction.

When an obscure prophet named Habakkuk is called to deliver a message to the people, he complains that he doesn’t like God’s plan. He is encouraged to wait for the vision and to carry it out at it’s appointed time. We must carry out the vision of 217church with unity in our values as they provide the roadmap to the appointed time of the vision.

Abraham was chosen as the man who would become the father of nations to carry out the covenant of God for His people. However, following God did not go like Abraham planned. Between the promise of God and the provision of God is much pain. We must pray, learn patience and persevere.

When Jesus came to the earth to redeem the world his message was freedom, grace and forgiveness through the Good news of His story. When we fully depend on Jesus His love impacts every area of our spiritual, family, financial and physical health.

3 Marks of a Restored Family are: to love like the Father, to sacrifice like the Son, to have unity in the Spirit

Our bodies matter to God. He is the one who created and sustains our life and our role is to live by sound biblical principles. We must realize our bodies are God’s property and he expects us to manage them wisely. His master plan is to give us a new body in heaven that is flawless.

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to handle money well. There is intense marketing, sales everywhere, shop at home and places to spend your money everywhere you look. Paul writes Timothy and gives him some basic wisdom about how to protect himself against irresponsible financial practices. Not only must we work hard and have a giving heart, but we must learn how to save and live wisely.

When Jesus went to the cross he not only was stripped of all dignity but endured excruciating pain while he carried the guilt of all sin on his shoulders. He boldly went to the cross so we would have a new identity. In order to be spiritually healthy we must evaluate our current reality, Align ourselves with God’s Word and the act on a God inspired plan.

When Jesus was raised from the dead it was a new beginning for all people on the earth. As the stone was rolled away, the angel of the Lord, in an incredible display of power, revealed himself and sat atop the rock. We are now transformed to live a life of resurrection power, eternal impact and immediate impact.

It’s finally time. Jesus is ready. He knows what He came here to do. In order to fulfill the prophecy, He calls for the donkey and the colt to ride into Jerusalem. Jesus rides into His destiny with the confidence in knowing that God has carried Him this far, called Him, and will complete the work through Him. God brought Him to the cross, and pulled Him through it. The result? Our freedom!

If we are going to be a church sent on mission, we must learn to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Our community will see and know Jesus through us when we realize the Holy Spirit helps us to have discernment, love and confidence.

Moses leads the people out of Egypt and into the desert. When they were at their most desperate moment of hunger God provides bread from heaven as their provision. All provision is from God and is to be used with the right attitude, perspective, purpose and ultimately leading to the right actions.

When we abide in Christ we come alive! In a world where there is so much opposition and temptation, we need to be more united than ever as a family grounded in Christ. So what does it mean to abide in Christ as a family? Jesus has led the way, He has given us a weapon, and He is preparing a place for us! We have the victory, but it is only by the power of Jesus Christ and the Word of God that this can be seen!

There is nothing like a loving family! We all have our favorite memories with our loved ones growing up, and they plays a vital role in who we are today. God commissions the Church through Jesus Christ as a restored family that is sent on mission. So what would the world look like if we were all part of that family? A family that truly cared for one another’s needs, who prayed desperately for one another, and cared deeply for each other? Imagine one huge family united in the Gospel! In a restored family there is focus, forgiveness, and freedom!

Forgiveness is such a critical part of your journey to realize the vision of being “a restored family sent on mission.” You cannot describe yourself as “restored” without getting a practical grasp on forgiveness.

Jesus tells the story of the parable of the lost sheep and helps us understand we have been found by Him. We are at one of four places in our relationship with Jesus and our life is to be lived in response to being found.

When 217church was started 4 years ago, we had no idea what would happen, but we were willing to believe and trust. We believe that Jesus has called us to Central New Jersey to be a restored family sent on mission. We want activate 10,000 followers of Jesus, start 1,000 groups, start 100 churches, in 10 years, one person at a time.

At the end of the Apostle Paul’s life he writes one final letter to his young pastor friend he has been mentoring. He emphasizes the importance of a complete life with the understanding and dependence on the Word of God. He tells Him the Word should be used for teaching, correction and training.

As Nehemiah is rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem he encounters opposition to the work from all directions. In the first four chapters of the book, Nehemiah strategically prays four types of prayers to thwart his enemies and advance the work. We need to pray prayers of discernment, desperation, dedication and direction.