Key Verse from Sunday:
"So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him."  Luke 8:39b, NIV


Mark 5:1-20
The spiritual freedom Christ came to give (Galatians 5:1) is available to you.
But the lies that we believe can keep us from that freedom.

Lie #1: The Devil Doesn't Exist.  Free, modern people don't believe in such things.
The Truth: Real freedom comes from facing your enemy (Ephesians 6:12).

How to face the enemy:
i. Focus on the Truth.
ii. Be careful.  Don't participate in things that glorify the devil.
iii. Take authority in Jesus' name.
iv. Be persistent in prayer.

Lie #2: I can do what I want, when I want, how I want.  That's freedom.
The Truth: True freedom comes from making Jesus Lord of your life (Romans 6:22).

Lie #3: I don't need anyone else.  I'm free to live my own life.
The Truth: True freedom comes through Christian Community (Luke 8:39).

Question for Reflection
What can get in the way of experiencing real freedom in Christ? (Galatians 5:1)

I welcome your comments.
-Jason

Key Verses from Sunday:
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 
“Bring them here to me,” he said. (Matthew 14:17-18).
Click here to read the whole story: Matthew 14:13-21

Recap
What do you do when the resources you have are too small for the need you face?
1. Follow Jesus.
2. Listen to His Teaching.
3. Give What You Have to God.
4. Prepare To Use It.
5. Marvel at God's Provision.
6. Eat Your Leftovers.
7. Say, "God, I Can't, But You Can".

Click here to view the extended version of the video clip from Pastor Mark Batterson>>

Question for Reflection
What would you do, in Jesus' name, if you had unlimited resources?


I welcome your comments.
-Jason

Key Verse from Sunday:
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!"  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. -Mark 4:39, NIV

Recap
Faith in Jesus can help us confidently face whatever storms may come into our lives. Mark 4:35-41

1. Trust vs. Tempest (4:38). Ephesians 2:12-13
2. Captain vs. Crew (4:38). John 20:28
3. Faith vs. Fear (4:40-41). 2 Timothy 1:7
4. Supernatural vs. Natural (4:39).

Question for Reflection
What happens when people focus on the wind & waves and make decisions based on fear, rather than faith?

I welcome your comments.
-Jason

Key Verse from Sunday:
"Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in his holy place?"  -Psalm 24:3, NIV

Recap
Do You See, What Could Be?
God has a plan and purpose for each one of us.  Are you willing to climb the mountain to accomplish the vision He has placed in your heart?




"Vision is a preferred future.  A destination.  Vision always stands in contrast to the world as it is.  Visioneering [being a person of vision] is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be."
-Andy Stanley

1. You need a vision to get to the top of the mountain (1 Corinthians 2:9b).
2. Getting to the top of the mountain can be hard (Philippians 4:13).
3. Be prepared to climb the mountain (2 Timothy 4:2).
4. Stay on the path (Galatians 5:25).
5. Take joy in the journey (Philippians 4:4).
6. We can't live on the mountain (John 16:33).

Is God asking you to climb a mountain? (Acts. 2:17).

Question for Reflection
When God gives us a vision of a preferred future, why do we sometimes not act to make it a reality?

I welcome your comments.
-Jason