Impact Church Menifee

Key Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12 During the Christmas season, we never seem to have enough money. Our bank account balance falls miserably short of everything we want to buy for friends and family, so we put it on a credit card and hope for the best. Instead of snow-balling our debt and paying it off, we end up crushed by a financial avalanche. If you’re missing Peace because of all of the “stuff” you need to get, it’s time to put Christ back in the center of your finances. Give regularly back to Him, especially during seasons when it’s most difficult to give. Learn to give like Him, caring more about the person than the present. The greatest gifts we receive have nothing to do with what we want, and everything to do with who we are and who we’re becoming. Instead of buying gifts that cost a lot, give gifts that mean a lot - and rediscover the Peace you’ve been missing. Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:28, Malachi 3:10

Key Scripture:  Luke 1: 26-38 During the Christmas season, we never seem to have enough time. Our already busy schedule gets even more crowded with work parties, decorating the house, entertaining friends, shopping for those perfect gifts, and countless other holiday responsibilities. When our busy schedule and our crazy plans become the center of our lives, we will inevitably find ourselves missing Peace. It’s easy to be preoccupied with everything we need to get done without ever considering what Jesus actually wants us to do. When we submit to God’s will and serve Him as Master, He frees us from the tyranny of the urgent. This Christmas season, stop trying to get control of your crazy holiday schedule. Instead, give HIM control of your schedule and rediscover the Peace you’ve been missing. Scripture References: Philippians 3:19, Matthew 22:27-40, Ephesians 5:15-16

Key Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 Christmas is a season filled with so many great things, yet it’s also a time when most of us find ourselves missing peace. With so many gifts to buy and parties to attend, we never seem to have enough time or money. “‘Tis the season to be stressed” seems to be the norm. So how do we find peace? We need to remember the real meaning of Christmas and focus on Jesus, the Peace of Peace. Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:8-14, John 14:27, John 16:33, Romans 5:1, Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:4-7

Key Scripture:  Nehemiah 13:1-31 A life that matters is lived God’s Way; it’s a life of uncompromising obedience to His Word. This doesn’t just happen naturally. In fact, the sinful part of man constantly pulls him away from God and His perfect plan for us. Knowing this, we must do all we can to remove sinful influences that are destructive toward our Faith and not allow them to take root and take up residence in our lives. It’s vital to know and keep His commands when it comes to revenue, rest and relationships. These important areas of our lives directly affect the health of the only real essential area of life: our relationship with God. Are you living your own way? The World’s way? Or are you living God’s Way? Scripture references: Galatians 5:17, Matthew 18:8-9, Galatians 5:4, Romans 7:6-7, Exodus 20:8, 11, Isaiah 30:15, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, James 4:4

Key Scripture:  Nehemiah 12: 1-47 Thanksgiving should be more than just a holiday; it should be a regular part of our lives. Our natural tendency, however, is to compare ourselves to other people which leads to discontentment. We end up focusing more on the problems in our lives and the things we don’t have. We give no thanks. Yet, even during times of loss and difficulty, it’s important to praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He’s done. If we have nothing else, we have been redeemed from our sin and given the gift of Life in Christ. Thanksgiving can be expressed through worship – singing songs of gratitude and praise - and through giving cheerfully back to God. When we choose to give thanks, we protect ourselves against anger and bitterness, and we experience greater health in our mind, body and relationships. Let’s give thanks this holiday and every day! Scripture References:  Nehemiah 12:1, 8, 24, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Nehemiah 12:27-30, 31, 38, 40, 43, Numbers 19:9, Hebrews 9:14

Key Scripture: Nehemiah 11:1-36 Once the walls were rebuilt, it wastime for people to move back into the city. This was no small challenge for those who would be moving in. They would have to relocate their families, prepare their new homes, clean and rebuild a city that had been abandoned for 142 years - all with the threat of attack still looming. Despite these difficulties, there were some who were willing to move back into Jerusalem. They recognized God’s hand at work and the opportunity to be a part of it. A life that matters is a life that willingly goes where God leads, no matter the work or risk. Many people wait for a significant life to happen by chance, but God wants it to happen by choice. When we choose to answer His call, we experience His blessing and our lives are remembered. Are you still waiting, or are you willing? Other Scripture References: Nehemiah 11:1-2, Luke 9:23, Joshua 24:15, 2 Corinthians 8:5, Judges 5:2

Key Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-39 America is the “Land of the Free,” yet most Americans live in slavery every day. We celebrate our freedom to do what we want, forgetting that true freedom is also being able to not do what we don’t want. We are slaves to sin, to fear, and to addiction. We regularly make and break commitments to God, to others and even to ourselves. We’ve become accustomed to failure and all too familiar with shame. But Jesus came to set us free. We are no longer slaves to the rules of this world because we are children of God. We’ve been redeemed to be different. As followers of Jesus, we don’t live like others live, talk like others talk or even think like others think. He brought us into His family so we can stand out in this world. Is your life different? Are you really living free? Scripture References: Nehemiah 9:36-38, John 8:34, Romans 7:15, 18-19, 24-25, Hebrews 7:22, 8:8-10, Nehemiah 10:28-29, John 12:31-32, 1 Peter 2:9, Nehemiah 10:30-39, Matthew 6:24, 33, Luke 12:15-21, Matthew 6:19-2

Key Scripture:  Nehemiah 9 As we look to build the things God calls us to build, we can’t neglect the spiritual rebuilding He wants us to do as well. A real covenant relationship with God is filled with joy and happiness, but it is also about genuine confession and repentance. God calls His people to repentance along with unbelievers – to turn from our sin and turn back to Him. His hope is that we will clearly recognize the direct connection between the evil in our own hearts and the struggles that keep us in bondage: fear, doubt, addiction, shame and more. If we want to experience a life of significance we must acknowledge our sin and our need for God’s grace and mercy in our lives. Scripture References:  Psalm 32:5, Matthew 5:4, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:10, Isaiah 40:30-31, Ephesians 4:17-24

Key Scripture:  Nehemiah 8:1-18   A life that matters is a life marked by joy. Life has its trials and pursuing God’s calling often invites even more hardships, yet joy gives us an unshakeable foundation of strength. Joy isn’t the result of emotion – it’s not a feeling. It’s not even the result of volition – it’s not a choice. Joy is the supernatural result of my condition before God. It’s the fruit of knowing i am loved and accepted by my Creator, not because I deserve it, but because of Jesus Christ. No trial, tribulation or loss can change this reality or take it away from me. Happiness is a fickle friend that can change, wane and even leave over time. Yet, joy is steadfast and loyal. Grief and sorrow will never overcome it. No matter how many bad things we experience, it doesn’t change the infinite goodness of my right relationship with God. One day, we will be entirely free from pain, but until then we must remember our true source of strength: the joy of the Lord!   Scripture References:  Nehemiah 8:1-8

Key Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-7:73 God’s priorities are clear. Jesus came to reach out to the least, the last, and the lost and bring them to a place where they can experience His peace and protection. He is the Good Shepherd who will leave the 99 sheep already in the fold in order to bring back just one who has wandered away. And once he returns, there’s a party! Do we as the Church have that same heart? It’s easy to get caught up in all of our Christian activities and duties, forgetting that countless people in this world are struggling with no help, no hope and no home. They live every day in fear, feeling like they don’t belong. At one point, they might even think about visiting church, but the fear of judgment and rejection is just one of many overwhelming reasons to remain where they are. We have the great opportunity and responsibility to bring these people the Good News of forgiveness and belonging in Christ. To do this, we must be a safe place for the exile – a place of Grace who loves people as they

Sexual Assault. False Accusations. These two issues have dominated the headlines and infiltrated mainstream contemporary cultural conversation. Sadly, these two problems are not new to our world, but have been occurring in one form or another for most of human history. When our country and society is unraveling and being torn apart, how do we respond as God’s people? The Church has been the most influential, world-shaping and world-changing organization in the history of our world. It’s time to reclaim that identity as the people of God. In times of unrest, division and instability, we are called to make things right by making Peace. In doing so, we will help preserve our corrupted and corruptible society and be known as children of God. We can’t just hide behind the walls of the Church. We must lead the way in our country and culture – loving and helping others at our own expense in a way that doesn’t make sense to most people around us. We must show this world who Jesus is. Key Scripture: Nehemiah 5 and 6 O

Nehemiah’s story shows that whenever you try to accomplish anything significant for the Lord, you will face strong opposition. The name “Satan” means “adversary”; he is committed to opposing God and His people, especially when they are zealous to exalt God’s glory. On the personal level as long as you live with one foot in the world, living according to the world’s values and for the world’s goals, Satan won’t often trouble you. You can go to church and even pray and read your Bible, and he won’t mind. But the minute you wake up from your spiritual lethargy, shake off the worldly mindset, and commit yourself to radical obedience to Jesus Christ, you will encounter spiritual opposition! We have all been called to make a difference in this world for God’s glory.  This call will require us to stand up and fight the opposition that is certain to come, so Fight! Scripture References Key Scripture:  Nehemiah 4 Nehemiah 4:1-23 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged,

When we see something that needs to be different, how can we begin making a difference? Many of us feel the weight of a God-given burden at some point in our lives, but we don’t know what to do with it. How do we take what could and should be and make it what is? Living out God’s call on your life begins with passion. According to a recent Gallup poll, a mere 30% of the U.S. workforce is passionate about what they do for a living. This means 7 out of 10 employees are either miserable at work, or at best merely going through the motions. A change of position does not guarantee an increase in passion. Instead, significance can be found in any and every career by living out God’s call on our lives. Many people abandon their God-given burdens because they’re unwilling to risk their stable and comfortable routine. Others miss out due to a lack of planning or reluctance to work hard. While God’s call is never easy, He doesn’t ask us to do it alone. He has given us others to work alongside us as He works throu

Everyone wants their life to matter, but few people feel it actually does. Every day we’re surrounded by need, yet we often miss the opportunities for significance God has put right in front of us. Why? Because we’re too self-focused to allow the tragedy of that need affect us. God wants to use each one of us in a unique way. His calling on our lives exceeds what we can do on our own and will take us beyond our safe, puny, bubble-wrapped lives of self-service and pseudo-sacrifice. A life of eternal significance requires everything we have and many things we don’t. It means daily pursuing His promises before our own plans. Are you ready to start living a life that matters? Are you ready to answer His call to greatness? Scripture References: Key Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews

In God’s blueprint for His Church, we are called to be a light and an example to the world around us. We have a civil obligation to be kind and courteous to those around us. This isn’t always easy when things – and people – get difficult. How do we respond like Jesus in these moments? It’s important to remind ourselves that we too were once lost, and it was Christ who saved us. Everything we do for Him is nothing more than the product of all that He has already done for us. With a heart of gratitude, let’s show the world the grace of God through the way we treat others. Scripture References Key Scripture:  Titus 3:1-15 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.4

Grace – the undeserved favor of God – is necessary to any healthy church community. God uses us as imperfect living stones to build His Church, and grace is the mortar that holds it all together. We don’t get to pick and choose who should and who shouldn’t receive the favor that God freely offers to everyone. We must forgive and love others as we have been forgiven and loved by Him. Grace not only saves us but trains us to live godly lives. Only grace can truly change a person’s heart and make him more like Jesus. The church isn’t a place for perfect people, but a place for people to be perfected in Christ. We must be a spiritual family where people are given the time and grace necessary to change and grow. Are you giving others that opportunity? Scripture References Titus 2:11-15 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our bless

Every day, we are bombarded by countless ideas, opinions, and beliefs through media, social media, friendships and more. Studies show that the average American is exposed to 4,000 plus advertisements in a single day. Every one of them attempt to capture our thoughts and emotions in order to influence our decisions. So, what do we do with all of the different influences and opinions? In a chorus of voices, how do we know which voice to trust? We must anchor ourselves in the Truth. The sound doctrine of God’s Word teaches us Truth and provides the blueprint for a healthy church and a healthy life. Do you know the blueprint? Key Scripture:  Titus 2:1-10 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.  Matthew 16:24-26 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world a

The need for leadership is as great as ever. In a world of followers – whether on Instagram, Twitter or in real life – nobody seems to be asking: Where should we actually be going? Charisma and competence is celebrated in our culture much more than integrity of character. The Church is called to make followers of Jesus Christ. To do this, we must learn to lead well. We must cultivate a culture where Christian leaders are listened to only as they listen to Christ; where leaders lead themselves and their families well before they’re ever asked to lead the church. We need leaders who have heard the Voice and seen the Face of God; those who are able to say along with the Apostle Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Are you a leader worth following? “Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than they love the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest and sacrificial.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer Key Scrip

Key Scripture: Titus 1:1-5 There’s no such thing as a perfect church, at least not according to our standards. But what if Church was imperfect by design? In God’s blueprint for the church we don’t just have members, we have owners. Ownership is a different way of thinking. If you’re a gym member and a machine breaks or something needs cleaning, you visit the front desk and let someone know. It’s up to them to fix the problem. However, if you’re an owner of that gym, you roll up your sleeves and take care of the problem. The way many Christians see themselves and their God given role in the church is not the way God designed it to be. As we understand our identity as a servant of Christ, we become less concerned with problems we see and more concerned with the solution God calls us to be. Other Scripture References:  Romans 12:2, Luke 9:23, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10

Key Scripture: Revelation 21:1-8 If God is love, then why would He send people to hell? Most people have a very disturbing picture of hell as God’s underground torture chamber where well-intentioned people are forever punished for making some mistakes. It’s seen as the final destination for those who don’t “pass God’s test” of goodness during their time on earth. While this way of thinking is common, it’s just not true. Hell is real, and is God’s ultimate means of righting all that is wrong in our world. It is God’s final condemnation of sin and the evil that corrodes and corrupts His creation. Hell serves a very specific purpose in God’s greater plan of redeeming and reconciling earth and heaven to Himself. It is a place where evil is purged once and for all, so His people can live in His peace forever. Other Scripture References: 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Revelation 20:11-15; Psalm 115:16; Revelation 21:1-4; Colossians 1:19-20; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 20:10; Matthew 13:41-43; Jeremiah 19:1-6